Ways to use electronic and non-electronic AAC

For many AAC users, communication looks different depending on the environment they’re in.

A student might answer questions during a literacy lesson, chat with friends at lunch, participate in PE, and tell their family about their day after school. Each of these moments creates opportunities to communicate. Students may use a variety of communication methods to participate in these interactions, including electronic and non-electronic AAC supports.

Electronic and non-electronic AAC each play an important role in supporting communication. Understanding when and how to use both can help educators and families create communication-rich environments where AAC users always have access to a way to express themselves.

Understanding the different types of AAC

Before exploring how AAC can support communication throughout the day, let’s define what we mean by electronic and non-electronic AAC.

These tools may be someone’s primary communication method or serve as a reliable backup when technology isn’t available.

While electronic and non-electronic AAC differ in how they support communication, both can play an important role throughout a student’s day. From classroom learning to lunchtime conversations and after-school activities, different communication supports may be used in different ways and for different purposes.

1. Supporting communication in the classroom

Classroom instruction provides countless opportunities for students to communicate. They may answer questions, share ideas, solve problems, or participate in discussions with their peers.

For many students, electronic AAC provides access to the vocabulary needed for these academic interactions. Examples include:

• Explain how they solve math problems
• Participate in a science discussion
• Share a story they’ve written

Non-electronic AAC also has an important place in the classroom. Core word displays, communication boards, and other visual supports can be used to:

• Make language visible throughout the learning environment
• Support communication during small group activities
• Provide opportunities for communication partners to model language

Together, these supports create multiple opportunities for students to participate and engage in learning.

Non-electronic AAC can also support communication by:

• Providing quick access to frequently used vocabulary
• Traveling easily between environments
• Offering communication options in busy or active settings like a school assembly

Whether a student is heading to lunch, riding the bus, attending an assembly, or playing on the playground, both electronic and non-electronic AAC can help support communication throughout the school day.

3. Supporting communication at home

Some of the most meaningful communication opportunities happen at home while sharing stories about the day, helping choose what’s for dinner, playing with siblings, or talking about weekend plans.

Electronic AAC can support students as they:

• Share experiences from school
• Participate in family conversations
• Express thoughts, feelings, and opinions

Non-electronic AAC can be used during activities such as:

• Playing outside
• Spending time at the pool or park
• Times when a device is charging or not nearby

Just as communication happens across many environments, the supports students use may vary throughout the day. The important thing is that communication opportunities remain available wherever those interactions occur.

To access printable materials in Grid, go to Add grid set > Printables or explore our printable boards on the Smartbox Hub.