When first implementing an augmentative/alternative communication device to help a student learn language, the team working with that individual has many choices to make regarding initial implementation. One of those choices is whether or not to hide (mask) some of the words, choosing to reveal them in time, or to lead with all of the words revealed (unhidden). Each team making this decision does so considering the individual needs of the student. The following video shares a story of how some educators supporting one student thought through the decision by presuming potential and the resulting outcome.

When a person is learning language with augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) that individual might use that tool in unique ways to express a message or emotion. When an individual communicates using AAC in a way that is unexpected to the communication partner(s), an initial assumption to make is that the person did so intentionally. Watch this video which shares a story of educators presuming intentionality which supported, rather than limited, an individual’s learning of a particular language concept.