Alternative & Augmentative Communication

“Not being able to speak is not the same as not having anything to say” - Rosemary Crossely

As the field of speech and language therapy has evolved along with improvement in functioning and access to technology, the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has rapidly expanded. With the increase in use of AAC, more and more early educators are coming into contact with users of AAC and are often learning to use AAC alongside children and their whānau.

In this course you will learn about Alternative and Augmentative Communication, what it is and why it is important that children have access to these means of communication when they need them. We discuss our obligations under the United Nations conventions of the rights of people, children and people with disabilities and the benefits of AAC. We will bust some of the top myths that surround AAC to allow you to be able to advocate for children that you teach and care for. We explore roles within AAC including the role of the early educator. Finally; you will learn how you can create an AAC inclusive classroom including some simple AAC ideas that you can incorporate in your classroom environment and daily schedules.