School AAC Awareness Flyer
October Is AAC Awareness Month In Our School, Every Voice Counts!
Speaking in Many Ways: AAC at School
Some students speak with their mouths, while others use communication tablets, picture boards, or gestures. All voices deserve to be heard and celebrated!
What is AAC?
Augmentative & Alternative Communication
Light-Tech & Paper Tools
Picture cards (PECS), communication binders, alphabet boards, core boards, pointing, and sign language. No batteries required!
Great for recess, gym, and art
High-Tech Speech Devices
Special iPads or dedicated devices with speech-generating apps. Students tap words or use eye-gaze tracking cameras to speak out loud.
A student's electronic personal voice
Where We Use AAC in Our School
Every Period • Every Day
In Class
Answering questions, reading aloud, and partner projects.
Recess & Lunch
Inviting friends to tag, sharing laughs, and picking favorite snacks.
Making Friends
Saying "Good morning!", telling jokes, and sharing interests.
How to Be an Awesome AAC Friend: 5 Rules
Classroom Etiquette
1
Their Device is Their Voice — Not a Toy!
Hands Off
Never touch, push buttons, or play games on someone's AAC device. It is a part of their personal body space.
2
Give Patient Wait Time (Count to 10 in Your Head)
Wait & Listen
Finding the right words takes time. Don't rush your classmate, guess what they're saying, or finish their sentences.
3
Look & Talk Directly to Your Friend
Direct Chat
Say "Hi Alex!" directly to your friend—not only to their teacher, aide, or helper. Make friendly eye contact.
4
Always Presume Competence
Respect Minds
Not speaking with a mouth does NOT mean not thinking! Your friends understand you and have great ideas to share.
5
Keep the Device Close & Never Take It Away
Always Ready
An AAC device should stay with the student everywhere—hallways, recess, music, and art. Never remove someone's voice!
Our School AAC Ally Pledge:
"I will be patient, talk directly to my friends, protect their devices, and include all voices!"
#EveryVoiceMatters