Supporting the Use of Augmentative Communication Systems at Home and the Community

Students should not stop using their augmentative communication devices after they are finished with the school day. They need to practice while at home and in the community. This reinforces skills learned in school and helps generalize them to other settings. 

Requires expanded consideration of

• family involvement
• issues related to culture
• identification of places or activities in which the student is active. 

Teachers must make sure that the transition between school and home with the device is appropriate. All of the family should be included in the evaluation and implementation processes. Schools must provide direct instruction on how to operate the device. 

References

Dell, A., Newton, D. and Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom. Boston: Pearson.