Learning an AAC system is like learning any language. Students need to be immersed in their language for the best outcome. It is important that the curriculum be adapted to the student’s AAC language. Here is a list of some resources.
***Please note that this list is not exhaustive and inclusion does not mean endorsement of a system or product. Tools must be selected based on the needs of the individual student.
AAC Language Lab
AAC Language Lab is an online platform for a variety of resources. The available lesson plans and activities are based on language stages. There are lesson plans and activities for individuals who are using single words through generating syntactically complex sentences. The lesson plans feature relevant objectives, vocabulary targets, speaking/reading/writing tasks, as well as printables for books and games. Each stage also has several coordinating activities to help an individual develop their language skills and use core vocabulary. AAC Language Lab is through PRC-Saltillo and has some materials specific to learning the Unity language. These include icon sequences to help you learn how Unity works. The majority of other activities can be used to support someone using just about any language system though. Please note that there are some free resources, but a paid membership is needed to access all of AAC Language Lab.
AssistiveWare Core Word Classroom
This is an online platform that provides access to a variety of resources for individuals who use a core vocabulary based system. AssistiveWare Core Word Classroom has materials to help support modeling and use of core vocabulary through daily activities. These materials include planners, modeling guides, word of the week materials/displays, and quick reference sheets. The beta version is free with sign up.
Boardmaker
This online platform provides access to Boardmaker symbols. Users can create their own vocabulary boards and printable activities or download from the community pages. A free membership allows access to the community pages, but to create your own materials you will need a paid account.
LessonPix
With a membership to LessonPix, you will have access to 40,000 clipart symbol files (including PRC Unity symbols) and materials. The clipart files can be customized to change the colors and skin tones. You can download the clipart files to add to your own documents or use available templates to create materials online.
Literacy Instruction
Created by Janice Light and David McNaughton through Penn State University, this site offers step-by-step instructions on how to provide literacy instruction to individuals with complex communication needs. Each step of the curriculum includes samples goals, instructional tasks, examples of materials, and directions for implementation (modeling/guided practice/independent practice). Curriculum steps include: sound blending, phoneme segmentation, letter-sound correspondences, decoding, shared reading, sight word recognition, reading sentences and simple stories, and reading comprehension.
You may also want to check out the article on AAC and Literacy.
Make Beliefs Comix
This resource allows you to take characters and embed them into comic strips. This can be used to create customized lesson supports and social stories.
My Tobii Dynavox
Licensed and certified speech-language pathologists can set up an account using their ASHA number. This provides free access to several Tobii apps, including a full copy of Snap Core First (with voice output). In addition, under the Resources section of the website, there are a variety of materials available such as articles for Snap Core First and Communicator 5, screening tools, and AAC 101 training resources. Under the “My Stuff” section and Professionals tab on the website, there are printable materials including Core First Learning: Books & Lessons.
New-2-You
A paid membership to New-2-You offers access printable and online resources to news and current event articles. Each article is available in 4 formats ranging from the “Regular Edition” where each sentence is provided in text and symbol support to the “Advance Edition” featuring more expanded, detailed text. These articles allow individuals of differing abilities to participate in an activity and discussion together. The membership also provides additional materials to expand literacy skills and have students engage across the curriculum. (Please note that this information refers to the weekly newspaper product. N2Y also offers additional curriculum solutions).
Project Core
Project Core is an AAC core vocabulary implementation model. It is created by the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Project Core has printable core boards and additional materials. There are training modules, detailed guides, and resources for educational staff to implement a core language approach in the classroom.
Speak For Yourself Learning to Speak Action Plan
This PDF is a modeling plan for families, professional, and teachers to use with students using the Speak For Yourself app. It provides an overview of how to build modeling from one word to connected productions. This helps everyone working with the student to stay one step ahead with the language being modeled. It is important to model language throughout the day, both at home and at school. This way an AAC user learns to generalize their language across their environments. Speak For Yourself also has a starter vocabulary set that can be used with Project Core and instructions on how to begin working on literacy and AAC.
Tar Heel Reader
Tar Heel Reader provides access to free, accessible books. A student can interact with the books using the touch of a screen or even through switch access. In addition, you can make edits to existing books by changing the voice or the color contrast. You can search for specific topics of interest or use the platform to write your own book. There is also a symbol-supported version called Tarheel Shared Reader.