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AAC Systems and Portability

If AAC systems are too cumbersome, they will not be used by a child or family. It is important to consider how a child or a family member will transport an AAC device/system so it can be used within the many contexts of their life.

Below are some low-tech strategies to make picture/photo and object systems, as well as voice-output devices, more transportable and "user friendly."

	Photo Albums Photo albums are a great way to transport a lot of photos or picture symbols. It can also be a good means to pair a photograph with a picture symbol when working towards a more symbolic representation system. Talking photo albums allow a recorded voice to be used with each photo. These are affordable, compact voice-output devices. Note however, the buttons to play the recorded message are small and, therefore, intact fine motor skills are required to work the device.	Talking Photo Album augcominc.com, accinc.com
	Communication Notebooks Communication notebooks are a great way to organize and transport symbols. A user can easily find the symbol she wants to use to participate in an activity. You can use a three ring binder and manilla folders to organize pictures/photos for each family activity. Pre-made items are also available through vendors.	www.augresources.com
	Magnets You can use magnets to place AAC symbols in convenient family locations. Using magnets to place food-choice boards on the family's refrigerator is a favorite. The symbols are at the child's level and the board is a reminder to the family. You can also use magnets for an object system using light-weight representations. You can find magnets at a craft store or use those old pizza delivery magnets. Magnetic photo frames are available at home product and drug stores.
	Wearable Options Print your communication board on iron-on paper and you have a large variety of options. You can iron the board onto a white bandana or hankerchief, then stuff it in a pocket! You could use wrist bands for smaller boards. Make your own using sweat bands and velcro, or buy one pre-made.	www.augresources.com
	Shower Rings Use a shower ring to hold groups of pictures. Use a hole-puncher and laminated symbols for durability. You can attach them to a belt loop, zipper pull, or safety pin. You could also use a retractable name badge holder (from an office supply store) to clip on to a child's clothing. This would also allow a child to easily show the symbols to others.
	Object Symbol Storage Use a storage container with a clear lid to store representational objects. You can use a food storage container, or hobby containers if you require more compartments. You can also adhere objects to sturdy cards (such as cardboard or foam board) with velcro. This is a nice option for children with visual impairment and children learning to match symbols to objects.
	Four-Ring Binder A 4-ring binder, unlike the standard 3-ring binder, allows four separate pages to display choices. Pages can be rearranged to quickly change the symbols available to the user. The user could touch or look at a picture to make a choice. This is a great option for children with limited motor control. You can order 4-ring binders from an office supply store.
Hip Talk	Voice-Output Devices A variety of voice-output devices are designed specifically to be portable for children. The HipTalk (Enablingdevices.com) and the TrackTalk (Ablenetinc.com) are just two examples. Some voice-output devices can be ordered with their own carrying case or strap for an additional charge. You can also purchase less expensive single-choice devices to put around a child's environment, such as the Talking Symbol Notepad (Ablenetinc.com), or Put 'Em Arounds (Enablingdevices.com).	Talking Symbols Notepad
TrackTalk		Put Em Arounds

©Heather Atkins, MS, CCC-SLP
heather.atkins@comcast.net