Supporting someone learning language using augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) means modeling the use of vocabulary by use the AAC yourself. No matter the AAC being used, finding where the words are to model them takes effort, time, and practice. The following are some ideas for how to learn where the words are:
- While watching television together, listen for the use of core words (the most frequently used words) and practice finding them as you hear them in the show or during commercials. Try finding a few fun, high-impact, fringe words (less commonly used words) too!
- Get peers or siblings involved by inviting them to randomly call out words for you to find and then switch roles where they search for words. Peers and siblings make excellent communication partners!
- Most robust AAC applications have a search feature that helps users locate words. Use the search feature whenever stuck on where to find the sequence of buttons to press to say that particular word.
- Going slow is a good thing! Taking time to find the word while modeling can provide the time necessary for the AAC user to process the language.
Use the Word Finder function on the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words For Life application to search for the location of words.
Use the Keyboard button on the home screen of the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words For Life application to access the Word Finder function
How to Locate the Search Feature of Proloquo2go