There are MANY students in our district who use a core board or core-based communication device (a.k.a. AAC) to help them communicate. AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC includes all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. In this article, I share a variety of supports students use here in Barrington 220, and some tips on what you can do to support them. Be sure to check out our Barrington Communication Bill of Rights at the end of this article as well.
Barrington 220's 120-Word Core Board
Our communication boards and devices (AAC) are primarily made of core vocabulary words. Core words are 80% of the words we read, write, and speak. It is imperative that our students who struggle with speech and language have access to these words at all times. There are many ways we provide core vocabulary for our students depending on their needs. This includes core boards, individual core binders, iPads with a communication app, or a dedicated communication device that allows for alternative access (see examples below).
Our students learn to use AAC to support communication by having the people who interact with them talk to them on the boards and devices. This is called modeling. I encourage you to get to know the setup of the core boards and devices and talk to your students using the AAC.
Core Boards
Core boards are an excellent way to provide language visually and verbally. The words always stay in the same place for quick access through motor memory. We make sure core boards are available all over the school. We have many options, large and small!
If you don't have a core board available, you can scan this QR code to access our boards in English and Spanish. You will soon be seeing these throughout your school for quick access to core words!
Communication Devices
Many of our students have an iPad or a dedicated communication device they use that has a voice output (it speaks the words they press). Some of the devices hold over 5000 words! Most students access their devices with their pointer fingers or thumbs, and some students use alternate access to communicate (i.e., with switches, eye gaze, or head control). If you see a student with an iPad with a colored foam case, this is their communication device. It only has one communication app on the iPad.
Be sure when you see a student with a device, take a second to say "hi" to them or ask them a question just like you would any other student you work with! Our students who use devices may need a little extra time to respond, so after you make a comment or ask a question, please give them at least 10 seconds of wait time before you speak again or prompt them.
Please be sure to check out & follow our Communication Bill of Rights below!
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