Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to any way of communicating other than talking. For example, this could be using gesture, writing, pointing at a communication book (paper based AAC) or using an electronic communication aid (powered AAC).
People use AAC to help them communicate for a variety of different reasons and at different points in their lives. In this leaflet we will refer to those who use AAC as ‘AAC users’.
Communication is a two-way process. Those who communicate with AAC users, such as family members, friends and professionals, are known as ‘communication partners’.
This leaflet is written for the communication partners of AAC users, and aims to:
- Offer a checklist of things to consider prior to transition so that an AAC user can continue to communicate to the best of their ability in their new situation.
- Enable a smooth transfer of support, skills and communication strategies.
What is transition?
Transition is a change in an AAC user’s situation. This could be a change in environment, or in the people who support an AAC user. The change can be small, such as moving to a different class at the end of an academic year or having a new personal assistant (PA); or it could be a larger change, such as moving to a new school, workplace or a new place to live.
Things to consider during a transition
As every AAC user is different, each transition will be different based on their individual circumstances and needs.
Some things that communication partners may need to think about and do, when supporting an AAC user through a transition include:
The AAC
- Knowledge of how the AAC user communicates now. This includes their powered AAC device, paper based AAC or any other methods.
- Knowledge of how the AAC user asks to use their AAC system(s) if they can’t reach it themselves.
- An understanding of their powered AAC device:
- What is the device?
- How many parts does it have?
- How to position it?
- How to turn it on?
- How to charge it?
- Who will take responsibility for these things in the new situation?
- Share any usage guidelines.
- An understanding of their paper based AAC:
- What is used now?
- Is it still useful and appropriate?
- Have any changes been made relevant to the new setting?
- Who is responsible for making ongoing changes?
- Think about how to transport any paper and/or powered based AAC around the new location. For example, consider what’s required if the AAC user has a floor mount, desk mount or wheelchair mount.
Social support
- Identify who currently has the best knowledge of the AAC user’s communication methods and skills.
- Identify how they currently support the AAC user.
- Consider how this information can be transferred to another person or service.
- Consider creating a personal profile, communication passport, or ‘All about me’ book.
- Ensure that all current written and electronic records are up to date and available.
- Consider how new communication partners can be trained to support the AAC user to use their paper-based AAC (eg partner assisted scanning training).
What changes need to be considered for this transition?
Vocabulary
- Will different or new vocabulary be needed (eg add names of new staff members, add in words related to new job, new location)?
- AAC users will still want to talk about past events/ people – do not delete existing words.
- Is the vocabulary suitable to meet the AAC user’s current and future communication needs?
- Is a speech and language therapy and/or CASEE review needed?
Equipment
- Do you have the guidelines for all the communication aid equipment? If not, contact CASEE as these must be transferred with the AAC user.
- How is the powered AAC device currently positioned (eg floor stand, mounted to wheelchair, held by the user etc)? Will this be possible in the new environment?
- Will the AAC user need any additional equipment (eg something to carry AAC resources if moving between places)?
- Will there be a need for changes to be made in the new environment? How urgent are these?
Access method
- Will the current access method(s) work in a new environment?
- Contact CASEE if you need any support with this, as soon as possible.
Communication partner support
- What support does the AAC user need to successfully communicate?
- How are the skills/knowledge of existing communication partners to be shared with the new team?
- How will you work with the AAC user so they can tell new people how to support them?
| Who is…….? |
Who is doing this now? |
Who is going to do this in the future? |
|---|---|---|
| AAC champion – in charge of making sure the user has the device, it is charged and working, and people know about it. Someone who knows the right numbers to ring, and how to get help. |
Who is doing this now? |
Who is going to do this in the future? |
| AAC participant – in charge of doing the ‘communicating’/modelling day-to-day (and encouraging others to do this). |
Who is doing this now? |
Who is going to do this in the future? |
| AAC co-ordinator – has an overview of the transition and is ensuring that all information is transferred to the new location. Ensure any appropriate referrals are made. |
Who is doing this now? |
Who is going to do this in the future? |
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