This year I have had the pleasure to work with Speech Pathologist, Nicole Williamson. She has taught me many things, but my favorite thing she has taught me is how to use an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device. AAC devices help users to communicate through a combination of words, sentences, and images that the device then “says out loud.”
The student we have been working with has been using her device to have conversations with adults and peers, participate in class discussions and respond to class lessons. Mrs. Williamson has taught the kids in this child’s class how to use the system and facilitates conversations between the students using the AAC. All of the students in the class love to see this tool in use and get excited when it is their turn to use it.
Mrs. Williamson has been able to personalize the system for the student by adding the names and pictures of her classmates, teachers, and family members. This allows the student to use everyone’s name when having a conversation. I have enjoyed watching the excitement in her face as she uses the ACC. Especially when she can share information about herself and her family. The AAC has definitely shown me that the ability to communicate is a wonderful gift.