From Novice to Expert: A Journey to AAC Competency
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a powerful tool that enables individuals with complex communication needs to communicate effectively and connect with the world around them. However, mastering AAC requires a range of skills, including linguistic, organizational, strategic, social, psychological, and emotional competencies. In this blog, we'll explore each of these competencies and provide examples of SMART goals for emerging, transitional, and advanced AAC users.
Linguistic Competency refers to the ability to understand and use language effectively, whether spoken or written. For AAC users, linguistic competency involves mastering the vocabulary and grammar of their AAC system and using it to communicate effectively. SMART goals for linguistic competency might include:
Emerging AAC User: "I will learn five new words per week and practice using them in sentences with my AAC system."
Transitional AAC User: "I will practice using complex sentences and different verb tenses in my AAC system during my therapy sessions."
Advanced AAC User: "I will increase my vocabulary by 100 words and practice using them in conversations with different communication partners."
Organizational Competency involves the ability to effectively organize and retrieve information, whether it be on a device or in a notebook. AAC users need to be able to navigate their AAC systems quickly and efficiently to communicate effectively. SMART goals for organizational competency might include:
Emerging AAC User: "I will learn to navigate to the different pages of my AAC system to find the words I need to communicate."
Transitional AAC User: "I will organize my vocabulary according to different topics or categories and practice finding words quickly in my AAC system."
Advanced AAC User: "I will customize my AAC system to make it more efficient and easier to navigate for my specific communication needs."
Strategic Competency refers to the ability to use language and communication in a purposeful and effective way. AAC users need to be able to use their AAC system to meet their communication goals, whether it be expressing their wants and needs or engaging in social conversation. SMART goals for strategic competency might include:
Emerging AAC User: "I will use my AAC system to request my favorite foods during mealtime."
Transitional AAC User: "I will practice initiating conversations with my AAC system during therapy sessions."
Advanced AAC User: "I will use my AAC system to give a presentation to my class on a topic I am passionate about."
Social Competency includes the ability to use communication to build and maintain relationships with others. AAC users need to be able to use their AAC system to engage in social interaction and form connections with others. SMART goals for social competency might include:
Emerging AAC User: "I will use my AAC system to say 'hello' and 'goodbye' to my classmates."
Transitional AAC User: "I will use my AAC system to ask my friends questions about their interests and hobbies."
Advanced AAC User: "I will use my AAC system to engage in a debate with my classmates on a current event topic."
Psychological Competency involves the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and mental health. AAC users may face emotional challenges related to communication, such as frustration, isolation, or anxiety. SMART goals for psychological competency might include:
Emerging AAC User: "I will practice taking deep breaths and using a calming strategy when I feel frustrated with my AAC system."
Transitional AAC User: "I will write in my journal about my feelings related to communication and discuss them with my therapist."
Advanced AAC User: "I will create a self-care plan that includes strategies for managing communication-related anxiety and stress."
Emotional Competency refers to the ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others. AAC users may face challenges in interpreting social cues or expressing empathy, making emotional competency an important skill to develop. SMART goals for emotional competency might include:
Emerging AAC User: "I will practice using my AAC system to express simple emotions like 'happy' or 'sad.'"
Transitional AAC User: "I will practice using my AAC system to ask my friends how they are feeling and respond appropriately."
Advanced AAC User: "I will participate in role-playing activities to practice interpreting social cues and responding with empathy using my AAC system."
Developing competency in AAC requires a range of skills and abilities that go beyond simply learning to use an AAC system. By setting SMART goals in each of these competency areas, emerging, transitional, and advanced AAC users can continue to grow and develop their communication skills and achieve their communication goals. With the support of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), caregivers, and the AAC community, AAC users can unlock their full potential and communicate effectively with the world around them.
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