The1-2-3’s of AAC

Building Communication Through Modeling, Play, and Daily Life

By: Brittany Oakley

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is so much more than a device sitting on a table.

It’s not “just for requesting.”
It’s not a last resort.
It’s not something we wait to introduce until a child is “ready.”

AAC is access to language. It’s connection. It’s autonomy. It’s a way for someone to say, “This is what I’m thinking,” “This is what I need,” or “This is who I am.”

When we talk about AAC the right way, it really comes down to three simple pieces: Access, Modeling, and Meaningful Use.

Let’s break it down.

1. Access Comes First

Before anything else, we make sure there is access.

That means:

• A robust system (not just a few “want” or “more” buttons)

• Vocabulary that includes core words, personal words, and social language

• A device that’s available all day - not just during therapy

We don’t wait for a child to prove they’re “ready.” We presume competence. We give them language first. An AAC system should be treated like a voice. You wouldn’t take away someone’s mouth when they’re not talking - so we don’t take away their device either.

2. Modeling Is How Language Is Learned

Think about how toddlers learn to talk.

We don’t quiz them.
We don’t demand perfect sentences.
We don’t withhold language until they say it back correctly.

We just… talk. All day long. AAC works the same way.

One of the most evidence-supported strategies in AAC is aided language modeling.
That simply means: we use the AAC system while we talk. We show what the words look like on the device.

No pressure. No constant prompting. No “say it.” Just modeling.

It might look like:

• Saying “go” and tapping “go”

• Saying “big crash!” while touching those words

• Modeling “all done” when something ends

Mistakes are okay. Slow is okay. Silence is okay. This is language exposure—not a test.

3. Meaningful Use Happens in Real Life

AAC doesn’t live in therapy sessions. It lives in real life.

The most powerful language learning happens during everyday routines and play—because that’s where motivation lives.

During Play

Play is magic for communication. It’s naturally engaging and interactive.
You might model:

Cars or blocks
go, stop, crash, big, more

Pretend play
eat, drink, sleep, help, turn

Bubbles
more, pop, big, up, all done

A few gentle reminders when modeling:

• Stick to 1–2 words at a time

• Follow your child’s lead

• Comment more than you question

• Keep modeling—even if they aren’t using the device yet

There are no prerequisites for AAC. Exposure comes first.

During Daily Routines

Language builds through repetition. Everyday routines are full of natural opportunities.

Mealtime
eat, drink, more, all done, help, like
(And don’t forget comments like “good” or “hot,” not just requests.)

Bath Time
wash, water, in, out, stop, go
Narrate as things happen.

Dressing
on, off, help, shoes, shirt
Pause and model instead of rushing.

Clean-Up
put away, all done, next
Model transitions to reduce frustration.

When AAC shows up consistently across these moments, it becomes functional—not forced.

What Ethical AAC Really Means

At its core, good AAC practice is about respect.

It means:

• Presuming competence

• Supporting multimodal communication (speech, AAC, gestures, signs—all of it counts)

• Honoring cultural and family values

• Partnering with caregivers

• Using evidence-based strategies—not compliance-based ones

AAC is not a last resort. It’s a bridge to connection, participation, and independence.

Everyone deserves access to language. Everyone deserves a voice.

If you’re wondering how to start modeling at home - or you just want reassurance that you’re doing this “right” - reach out to your therapist.

And if you’re new here, we’d love to connect and help you get started with an evaluation.