Page 27 - SEN113 SEN Magazine July-August 2021-V3

promotional content Communication Helpful links and resources thinksmartbox.com/simple-aac thinksmartbox.com/news/get-started-with-super-core thinksmartbox.com/news/super-core-learning-grids praacticalaac.org communicationmatters.org.uk facebook.com/groups/smartboxcommunity Four myths about AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) AAC can have a huge impact on achieving educational potential for children who struggle with verbal communication. In this article, Anita Kirby, content developer (and former SEN teacher) at Smartbox reveals four common myths about AAC. Myth #1: AAC is really complex and high tech People often think AAC is scary and complicated, but it simply stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. This is a term used to describe anything that supports children to understand and use language successfully. This could be signing as you speak, a low tech AAC poster of symbols on a classroom wall that children can point at to express themselves, or an iPad with a grid of symbol supported text. AAC can also work for children with really complex access and communication needs, with high tech devices and accessories to support a range of physical disabilities. Myth #2: It’ll be down to me alone to make it work Fear not, a good AAC provider won’t simply give you a device and software and expect you to master it overnight! Getting the right solution for a child is just one part of the jigsaw, making sure that both you and they understand how to use it and what the possibilities are is just as important. Make sure you ask potential providers what training and ongoing support is available. For example, we have developed a ‘Simple AAC’ framework, which gives teachers, carers and family members a really easy guide to using our devices and software. There is also a thriving AAC community in the UK, full of useful resources and support which many people find really useful to engage with. Myth #3: It’s for children who have no speech at all This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions of all. Children who have some verbal communication might be understood in the home by family members or by a one-to- one carer, however in a school setting they may not be. This is where having the option to communicate using AAC can be hugely beneficial and build children’s confidence. Stress can also impact on a child’s ability to speak, making AAC useful in unfamiliar and challenging scenarios. Sadly, one of the barriers to children with some verbal speech getting access to AAC is the fear from parents that if their child uses it they will never learn to speak. It’s actually quite the opposite, in that hearing what they want to say spoken out loud reinforces how something should sound and helps with the development of language. Myth #4: AAC devices are just for communication AAC software can often be used for more than just communicating and can enable children with complex physical and cognitive needs to do some truly amazing things. Grid software includes accessible apps that enable the user to use their device for much more than face to face communication, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Spotify. You can even use an AAC device to control your television and other equipment around the home. They really do become a window to the world. Our team of Assistive Technology Specialists can visit a student at home or school for free, to try a range of devices and find the best alternative access methods to suit their individual needs. We’ll also go through resources for communicating with symbols or text. To find out more get in touch via info@thinksmartbox.com. 27 senmagazine.co.uk SEN113