As our schools continue to focus on literacy development, we still experience gaps for some of our neurodiverse students who may have issues surrounding both areas. Professionals debate the best strategies for support while the outside world focuses on “standardization” and whether tools for support are “cheating.” Ironically, AAC in all forms can be utilized to enhance literacy development and takes into account gaps where even neurotypical students may have difficulty communicating ideas.
This presentation focuses on how the integration of AAC does actually assist students in both literacy and communication. We will spend time with both hardware and software in an effort to add a layer of consistency in how these areas can be reinforced allowing for students of all abilities to engage to the best of their own abilities while understanding the range of abilities in their peers.
We will start by looking at “hardware” on the no-tech, low tech, and mid-tech sides of AAC. Through the use of these tools in a more holistic manner and with a differentiated purpose can augment how all students are developing their skills. By looking at items like static communication boards and platforms as well as both single-message and multi-message communicators, we can begin to redesign how these are being used with the impact of reaching more students. We will also touch upon how various reader pens can move that approach to literacy along as the students develop their core skills.
We will then approach “software” and look at how it can be that support in multiple manners as well. We find that there are a lot of programs that meet specific needs. Those are very effective in the cases of an individual. However, there are also other programs that can be used by larger groups of students with the intent of creating support structures that meet the demands of higher levels of education necessary for life beyond school. We will have time for brainstorming, interacting with devices, and questions so that the attendees can walk out of the session with ideas that can be incorporated immediately.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) applications provide robust instructional tools that can support student access, participation, communication, and independence across academic environments. While AAC systems are often viewed primarily as tools for expressive communication, many also contain built-in features that can be leveraged to support literacy, classroom engagement, organization, and self-advocacy. Understanding how to integrate these tools into daily instruction can help educators and service providers create more inclusive learning opportunities for students who use AAC. This interactive conference session will examine the use of Unity AAC, with emphasis on integrated tools that extend beyond core vocabulary access. A brief introductory review of Unity will be provided for participants who are less familiar with the system; however, the session will not focus on reviewing or practicing Unity vocabulary. Instead, participants will engage in structured small-group exploration of selected Unity features and discuss how these tools can be incorporated into classroom instruction and educational routines. Each small group will examine specific features, identify potential instructional applications, and consider how the tools may support student engagement, academic achievement, and independent participation. Unity tools to be explored include Notepad, Whiteboard, Photo Album, Place Cursor, Share to Apps, and Voice Assistants. Through guided discussion and collaborative problem-solving, participants will analyze how these features may be used to support literacy development, written expression, note-taking, comprehension, classroom participation, organization, social interaction, and student self-advocacy. Groups will also discuss potential barriers to implementation and generate practical strategies for overcoming those challenges in a variety of educational settings.
Following small-group discussions, participants will share their observations, ideas, and implementation strategies with the larger audience. This whole-group debrief will provide an opportunity to learn from multiple perspectives, exchange best practices, and develop a broader understanding of how Unity tools can be used to support students across diverse academic environments. Attendees are encouraged to bring an iPad with the Unity Discover app installed, if possible; a limited number of devices will be available for participant use during the session.
