Instructions

2
Tips for Introducing AAC
Make a team effort
Family members and other key people should all be familiar with TD Snap. Allow each person
some time to explore the app and locate common words that come up in their interactions
with the AAC user.
Keep it handy
Have the AAC device with you and accessible to the user at all times. Think of the AAC
device as their voice. You are never without your voice and they should not be without theirs!
Model, model, model
People learn language by observing and listening, then trying it themselves. It has been
proven that modeling is the best way to teach people to communicate using AAC. Modeling
involves touching and using the device as you talk and interact with the person. Model
communication using TD Snap when you are talking to the AAC user and throughout the day.
Family members and caregivers should all participate in modeling as well.
■ Modeling is about showing the individual how to communicate.
■ It does not require imitation.
■ Model key words instead of every word you say.
■ Model as you look for vocabulary.
■ Mistakes are OK. They give you the chance to model how
to correct them.
■ Modeling is not quizzing or testing.
Respond to all communication attempts
It is common that AAC users will explore their device and make selections that seem random
at first. When you respond to their selections, you reinforce that each word has meaning and
has real world results.
Recognize opportunities
Identify times during the day when an individual can learn and practice communication skills.
For example, help them use TD Snap to communicate their choice of snack to eat or movie to
watch.
Be patient
Learning to use AAC is like learning any new language. You would not expect anyone to
produce substantive communication in a completely new language in the first days or even
weeks of trying. Just continue to model, provide high interest opportunities for communication,
and responding to any selections that they make in TD Snap.
Watch a video
demonstrating
modeling.
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