AAC Resources for the Classroom

AACAccessibility SupportsAutism SupportsCommunication devicesProfessional DevelopmentTutorials and GuidesVisual Schedules
Written By Janice Reese

I've learned a lot about AAC technologies over the last 15 years.  I often say that I don't know everything, but I can probably tell you how and where to learn more.  Because I provide direct technology support and training to educational teams for many students with impaired language and communication skills, I have gathered a wealth of forms, tip sheets, tutorial resources, assessment materials, etc. for use in the school setting.  I share these with teachers and treating speech therapy clinicians across my service area, as well as anybody looking to learn more.  I hope these resources are helpful to those working (or planning to work) in the school setting with children who need or use AAC supports.  There are SO many more than these, but this is where I'd like to start.

Please Note:  Many of these materials were created by others.  While we encourage your use, please do not remove author credits when using or sharing!When working with classrooms serving students with AAC needs, I like to find out how much the staff knows so I can offer the right support.   The AAC Checklist for Teachers is a great general tool for this.For districts looking for an excellent AT 'team' service delivery model, check out the Colorado Guide to AAC Implementation in Schools. These Tips and Ideas for Making Visuals are excellent!Linda Burkhart and Gayle Porter offered an excellent session at the 2012 ISAAC Conference titled Assessing During Instruction: Measuring Real Success with Communication.  These ladies are my heroes when it comes to understanding and using AAC, so you'll want to look at this handout.Our center hosted sessions by Linda Burkhart several years ago and our staff still talk about how much they learned.  Her session 'Key Concepts for Using Augmentative Communication with Children Who Have Complex Communication Needs' was amazing!I love tip sheets for helping teachers creatively use low tech message systems in the classroom.  Here are links to a few of my faves:101-Ideas for using Bigmack in class by CENMACAnother version of 101 Ideas-for-Using Single Message Communication-Devices by SpectronicsMaking the Most of Multi-Message Voice Output Devices by Enabling Devices

Janice Reese

My name is Janice Reese and I LOVE assistive technology! I worked as an Occupational Therapist for more than 15 years, earned a Master’s degree in Education Technology, and I’m RESNA certified as an Assistive Technology Profession (ATP). I have worked in the school system for many years now and I love using technology to enhance the lives of children with disabilities. Since my first love is teaching, I’ve spent just as much time training wonderful teachers everywhere to use these tools in their classrooms. AT4Kids, llc was founded in 2008 in an effort to provide quality instruction and resources for teachers, therapists, student users and parents who wanted to know more about using AT.

I currently serve as Director of the Center for Assistive Technology, a state-supported program of the Little TN Valley Educational Cooperative. LTVEC is a non-profit agency whose goal is to provide rehabilitation services and accessibility supports for students with special needs in east Tennessee. My AT4Kids blog is designed to be as a one-stop resource for ideas and information for those wanting to learn more about the use of AT with children in the special education setting.

I hope to offer helpful hints, program and product reviews, AT recommendations, links to great new finds on the web, and lists of resources for “all things AT”.

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