What is Simple AAC?
Our Simple AAC framework brings together all the key ideas about how we can help support early AAC learners to develop their communication skills.
Each letter of Simple AAC represents a different strategy, including modelling and making it interesting, to think about the different ways we can respond to AAC users.
The 9 strategies in the Simple AAC framework
Each letter of Simple AAC represents a different strategy which can be used to support someone using symbols to communicate, for communication partners to help an AAC learner develop their skills.
Show
Showing AAC learners how they can use symbols to communicate is one of the best things you can do to support their learning.
Interesting
Make sure to capture and retain the AAC learner’s attention start with their interests and make learning fun.
Months and months
AAC learners need more time to think about what they want to say, give them the opportunity to respond before you prompt them.
Pause
AAC learners need more time to think about what they want to say, give them the opportunity to respond before you prompt them again.
Language
We often see people start with teaching AAC users how to ask for things they want, but there are so many more reasons for talking.
Explore
Let users explore their device, it’s a natural response, especially for a new user.
Add words
Support an AAC user by providing cues to help them elaborate on what they are saying.
Always Available
Having some form of AAC always available, whether high-tech or paper-based, can help users learn to communicate more quickly.
Comment
Feedback to your learner with comments rather than questions to relieve the pressure for them to form a response.
Practical support for Simple AAC
Read about the different strategies of Simple AAC, with tips and examples that you can put into practice straight away, download the workbook to get started.
Getting started with Simple AAC
Learn how each letter of Simple AAC represents a different strategy, from modelling and making it interesting, to thinking about the different ways we can respond to AAC learners.
Printable resources
The Simple AAC poster is a helpful printable PDF to use in your school, at home, or when supporting AAC users or people new to AAC. Download the resource and get started with 9 simple strategies to practice with Grid.
Develop your AAC knowledge
Smartbox Academy provides free online courses to get started with AAC, for an introduction, and advanced learning about Grid. Explore our free and short courses, or find a live workshop to enhance your Simple AAC knowledge.