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3
Being a Great Communication Partner
Remember to use the strategies below to be a good communication partner and create an
environment for communication success.
Create a positive communication environment
Adopt these attitudes and strategies that encourage communication.
■ Assume competence
“I know you have things to say.” “You can do this.”
■ Focus on use, not testing
Instead of saying “Find book.” Say “It’s reading time. What book should we read?”
■ Respond to all modes of communication
Learner: Smiles at you. Partner: “Well, hello to you too!”
■ Wait
AAC communication takes time. Count to five before providing help to locate vocabulary. If the AAC user is
composing a sentence, wait patiently for them to speak instead of reading over their shoulder, guessing what
they will say, or simply moving on in the conversation.
Look for Success
Communication success is more than the individual communicating what you expect, when
you expect it, and how you expect it.
Success may include:
■ Increased attention to interactions
■ Initiation of communication
■ Use of more vocabulary
■ Longer interactions
■ Greater enjoyment of interactions
■ More independence in communication