Communication is a process of sharing information between two or more people. However, when AAC is the mode use for communication, the success of the exchange will depend greatly on the communication partner. In fact, for the communication to be successful, both the person communicating with AAC as well as their partner need to adjust to the abilities and needs of each other.
Research tells us that inexperienced communication partners, whether teachers, parents, or peers, tend to pick the topic of conversation, take more conversational turns, and demand specific responses by those using AAC. However, these habits can adversely affect communication in those needing AAC. The good news is that training communication partners can be valuable to both communication partners and those communicating with AAC.
Communication partners need to learn the language on the individual’s AAC system, ways to respond to communication, as well as strategies for providing partner-augmented input (PAI), embedding AAC modeling in natural routines and activities. Unfortunately, conventional training strategies like in-services fail to provide adequate support for communication partners.
Studies tells us that multiple training elements in combination, like
learning about PAI
watching others model AAC,
practicing modeling on a device, AND
coaching in the natural environment,
are required for partners to gain comfort and proficiency supporting use of the speech generating device (SGD) at home or school.
That’s why we based our SMoRRES® Training Program on all of these effective strategies listed in the literature. After participating in the SMoRRES® Training Program, parents and school staff reported
increased familiarity,
more confidence,
and better comfort using the child or student’s speech-generating device (SGD).
We also saw increases in frequency of communication, use of a greater variety of words, and less reliance on prompting for the individuals using AAC.
We know how hard it is to read a research paper and then implement a program as intended. This is why we provide several free SMoRRES® resources on the Technology & Language Center, PC website for those supporting AAC communicators including streaming videos, a poster, handouts in English and Spanish, and more!
Communication partner instruction really is an intervention for those using AAC and should be routinely provided when a new SGD is received. Help make effective education the rule rather than the exception.
Jill E. Senner, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Matthew R. Baud, M.S, CCC-SLP, bring over 45 years of experience in AAC. Jill, owner of Technology and Language Center, PC, provides AAC telepractice services, lectures internationally, and teaches at DePaul University. Matthew, Assistive Technology Coordinator at Niles Township District for Special Education, conducts AAC evaluations and training, runs a private practice, and teaches at Saint Xavier University. Both have presented widely and published research in AAC.