One Step

Jamie Bodden Austin, M.S. CCC/SLP-L- Assistive Technology Speech and Language Pathologist
Learning a language is a journey – be it a a first language, a foreign language, a light tech symbols systems (e.g. PODD Communication Books) or a high technology voice output system (e.g. Proloquo2Go on an iPad, NOVA chat 10 or Tobii Dynavox). It begins with one step. A baby hears words for the first year said by all of their family members. The family members repeat these words, use gestures, point to things, say single words over and over words such as “Daddy”, “Up”, “Uh oh”. They focus on favorite words (e.g. “doggie” and ‘Swing”), familiar words (e.g. “bottle”, “night-night”), greetings (e.g. “Hello”) and comments (e.g. “uh oh”). After one year, the first word, a single word is spoken by the baby. When learning a foreign language, the teacher speaks single words, uses gestures and points to items. She focuses on favorite words, greetings, comments and familiar vocabulary first.
The same is applied when learning any AAC system. It is another language. Did you know that baby hears 4,000-6,000 words per day for the first year, before they say their first word? This repetition of modeling of language is just as important through a Augmentative and Alternative communication (ACC) device. This can be formally called: Aided Language Stimulation, Partner–Augmented Input, Natural Aided Language or Aided Language Modeling. This means that all of the people in a child’s environment communicate using the AAC communication system. When we support someone to learn to use an AAC device, we talk with the device throughout the day ourselves. We can think about saying favorite words, familiar words, greetings and comments. While doing this we can use gestures, point to things and say single words with the AAC system. By having all of your family/friends involved in saying messages using the AAC system you create a language rich environment, in your child’s language. This language becomes another language in your home that you all speak.

The trick is that you and your family are also learning the AAC system. However, every journey begins with a single step. Like a baby learning to speak and like a person learning a foreign language, focus only on one word or one page of vocabulary at a time. The more you talk with the device with this one page or one word, the more your child will hear, see and follow your lead. You can start with a favorite activity, a greeting or with a few favorite actions. Next, find another page to focus on, such as position words, names, questions or places. You can’t learn the device in one day, but the more single words you find, you will see your own AAC vocabulary grow. Your one step is going to be the biggest step of your child’s AAC journey.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Lao-tzu

For more information about Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley please visit EasterSealsDFVR.org.