In every classroom across every school, communication is the beating heart behind learning. It underpins how students engage with content, build relationships and demonstrate what they know.
So, for students with diverse communication needs and preferences, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is not just a nice-to-have or a specialist add-on – it’s actually essential for participation, learning and connection.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to the different ways a person can communicate besides speech.
AAC can be either unaided or aided.
This includes approaches such as gesture, facial expression, body language, eye gaze, key word sign etc.
This includes low-tech tools (such as core boards and books) and high-tech systems (such as speech-generating devices or apps).
One of the most persistent myths in education is the idea that students need to demonstrate ‘readiness’ before being introduced to AAC. In fact, the opposite is true: AAC supports readiness.
When students have access to robust communication systems, they are better able to engage, express themselves and learn. Without it, communication barriers can affect all aspects of a student’s education experience and participation – not just in speech and language.
(New to AAC or want to build your understanding? Consider completing our Foundations of AAC training module. It covers the key principles behind effective AAC use in the classroom and is a great place to start).
We all communicate in different ways, for different purposes. But when communication isn’t fully supported or understood, it can create barriers to clearly expressing needs, thoughts and intentions.
In these situations, miscommunication is more likely to occur, with adults relying more heavily on interpreting behaviours or filling in the gaps. This can make it harder to accurately understand what a student is trying to communicate.
Over time, this can mean missing a student’s full potential – or creating less opportunities for meaningful participation in the school environment.
AAC changes this.
Aided AAC systems can include everything from simple core boards (low-tech) to speech-generating devices and apps (high-tech). But whatever the form, it gives students a way to share their thoughts, take part in learning – and show the world what they are capable of.
Successful AAC implementation doesn’t happen in isolation. It works best when it is embedded throughout the school day – and across subjects, settings and communication partners.
Some key elements of effective AAC use in schools include:
One of the best strategies for building language is for communication partners (e.g. teachers, aides, therapists and peers) to model it. This approach helps students learn how to use their systems by seeing them used in real contexts and everyday situations.
Not sure where to start? Try these practical tips in your own classroom.
AAC can play a big role throughout the day – not just during therapy sessions or specific activities. It can be part of day-to-day classroom routines, including during lessons, transitions, social time and play.
Low-tech and high-tech AAC can coexist. By providing multiple options for students, it helps ensure they can communicate in different environments and situations.
The goal with AAC is more than simply using the device. It’s to give students the tools to participate actively and meaningfully in classroom life. The magic happens when we focus on all those little moments and interactions that happen throughout the day – they’re the ones that count!
If you or your school are new to AAC, it’s good to remember that communication is two-way.
After all, an inclusive classroom gives every student the opportunity to:
AAC systems should reflect this. Because when implemented well, these incredibly powerful systems support a full range of communication functions – not just basic needs.
Implementing an effective, long-term AAC approach is about more than devices and systems. It’s about building confidence and consistency across a school’s classrooms, playground and community.
Partnering with Liberator means you can:
If you’re looking to introduce AAC, strengthen your current approach or explore practical classroom strategies, we’d love to support you.
Contact us
📞Tel: 02 9124 9945
📧 Email: support@liberator.net.au
💬 Or book a 1:1 chat with your local Liberator consultant
**We’re also heading to SEPLA-CON on July 20-21 – pop by Booth #B8 for a chat!**
Your AAC device is an important part of everyday life, supporting conversations, learning, and connection with others. And, just like any piece of technology you rely on, it performs best when it’s well looked after! In this blog, we’ll share our top AAC device maintenance tips – including practical care, maintenance, and tech advice to help ensure your device stays reliable, responsive, and ready when you need it!
Let’s face it – devices get dirty. Whether you’re at school, work, or just having dinner, your device comes along for the ride. Give it some cleaning attention regularly to keep it working well.
For light cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth on the touchscreen. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp, lint-free cloth, then dry the screen with another soft cloth. You can find more detailed cleaning tips in your device manual.
Good to know: Keyguards can go in the dishwasher!
Your device comes with a specific charger – always use that one. Try to charge your battery before it drops to 0%. Charging when your battery is above 10% can extend its life significantly. For best results, charge your device upright at room temperature on a hard surface.
Tip: Turn off your device for faster charging.
We encourage keeping your device with you and ready to use for conversations throughout the day. However, there are smart times to use sleep mode or shut down completely.
Set your auto-sleep to five minutes or less. Use sleep mode when you won’t be using your device for short periods, like during swimming.
Remember that sleep mode uses about 2% of battery per hour. Consider turning off your device completely during longer breaks, like overnight.
Like most technology, your device works best when it’s not too hot. Take breaks from heat and avoid charging if your device feels warm. Move to shade or air conditioning rather than trying to cool it with water.
Tip: Keep a low-tech communication board handy for water activities.
Software updates bring new features and vocabulary to improve your communication experience. Connect to WiFi and follow the prompts in your settings menu to get these improvements. Updates also help your device run more smoothly overall.
Tip: Plug in your device during updates to protect your battery.
Your screen is essential for accessing all your communication options. Protect it from scratches, moisture, and spills with a screen protector. This also reduces glare and reflections, making it easier to see your buttons.
Visit our online store to see screen protector options for your device.
Your device is built to be durable and handle daily life. (If you haven’t already), you might try an extra protective case designed specifically for your device model. These cases provide additional security for active use at home and out in the community.
People change, and your needs change too. It might be time to check that you’re still accessing your device in the most comfortable and efficient way possible.
Connect with your support team (or ours!) to consider adjustments like:
Our local consultants are happy to discuss access questions to help you communicate at your best.
If you’re experiencing glitches, try restarting your device first – this solves most technical problems.
If you’re still having trouble after a restart, our support team is here to help. Contact us by phone, email, or through our website, and we’ll work together to get your AAC device maintenance issue resolved – and your device running smoothly again.
Need a little support with your AAC device maintenance?
Our team is here to help you make the most of your communication device. Whether you need help with AAC device maintenance or want to explore new ways to optimise your AAC setup, we’re just a call or click away.
Contact us:
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