About this resource
AAC takes a team. This plan records the system, first core words to model, everyday routines for modelling, who is responsible for what, how the system will always be available and when the team will review progress.
Purpose
To coordinate AAC introduction across settings and people.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Speech pathologists. Also relevant for educators and school support staff, disability support workers.
Client or participant group: Speech pathologists, families and teams introducing AAC.
Practice setting: Home, school, day programs and supported living.
Suggested uses
- New AAC systems
- School and home coordination
- Support worker training
- Review meetings
Instructions for practitioners
- Choose a small set of first words to model.
- Model without expecting the person to copy.
- Keep the system always available.
- Review regularly and expand vocabulary.
Accessibility considerations
Include photos of the system and the person using it.
Scope and limitations
A planning template. AAC selection and introduction should be guided by a speech pathologist.
Research basis
Modelling on the person's AAC system (aided language input) improves communication outcomes, especially expressive use, for people with complex communication needs. Interprofessional collaboration interventions may improve professional practice and outcomes, although the evidence is still limited.
- Biggs, E. E., Carter, E. W., & Gilson, C. B. (2018). Systematic Review of Interventions Involving Aided AAC Modeling for Children With Complex Communication Needs. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 123(5), 443–473. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-123.5.443
- Reeves, S., Pelone, F., Harrison, R., Goldman, J., & Zwarenstein, M. (2017). Interprofessional collaboration to improve professional practice and healthcare outcomes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Article CD000072. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd000072.pub3
- Sennott, S. C., Light, J. C., & McNaughton, D. (2016). AAC Modeling Intervention Research Review. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 41(2), 101–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796916638822
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
