AAC Assessments and the Way Forward
Finding the right communication solution begins with understanding the individual—not simply selecting a device, application or communication board.
Speak 2 Me offers personalised AAC assessments to explore how you currently communicate, what you would like to communicate and which solutions could support you in everyday life. The process considers your abilities, preferences, relationships, routines and environments so that the recommended communication method is practical, meaningful and suited to you.
Your Initial Assessment
During the initial assessment, Sonja will spend time getting to know you and developing a detailed personal and communication profile. She will ask questions about your daily life, communication experiences, challenges and goals.
The assessment may explore areas such as:
- Your current communication methods
- Your physical abilities and movement
- Seating, positioning and access needs
- Vision and hearing considerations
- Understanding and expression
- Social interaction and participation
- Home, school, work and community environments
- Your interests, routines and personal goals
- Previous experience with communication boards, software or devices
- The people who regularly communicate with and support you
The initial appointment usually takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Family members, carers or other important communication partners are encouraged to participate and share their observations.
Exploring Suitable Communication Options
Following the assessment, Sonja will compare your profile and goals with the communication solutions available to you.
AAC can include many different methods, such as:
- Picture or symbol-based communication boards
- Printed communication books
- Alphabet or text-based systems
- Tablets and communication applications
- Speech-generating devices
- Eye-gaze or alternative-access technology
- A combination of unaided and aided communication methods
You may have the opportunity to explore suitable toys, boards, software and devices. This helps determine which options are comfortable, accessible and most likely to support meaningful communication in your daily life.
The goal is not simply to find a product. It is to develop a practical communication plan that reflects your abilities, circumstances and personal preferences.
Including Family and Communication Partners
Communication never happens alone. A successful AAC system must work between the individual and the people with whom they communicate.
For this reason, appointments may include family members, carers, teachers and other important communication partners. They will have opportunities to become familiar with the recommended communication method and learn how to support its use.
This may include learning how to:
- Model communication using the chosen system
- Recognise and respond to communication attempts
- Create natural opportunities for communication
- Allow sufficient time for the individual to respond
- Include the communication system in everyday routines
- Encourage communication without creating pressure
Involving the individual’s support network helps build confidence and encourages consistent communication across different environments.
Developing Your Communication Plan
Once the assessment and exploration process has been completed, Sonja will help you put together a plan for moving forward.
Depending on your needs, this may involve:
- Selecting an appropriate communication method
- Setting up a communication application or device
- Creating personalised communication boards
- Customising vocabulary, symbols and page layouts
- Identifying suitable access methods
- Training the individual and their communication partners
- Establishing practical communication goals
- Planning how the system will be introduced at home, school or elsewhere
The communication system can be personalised around the individual’s relationships, activities, interests and everyday needs. This makes communication more relevant and gives the individual useful words and messages from the beginning.
Follow-Up Support and Training
Finding a communication system is only the beginning. Follow-up appointments focus on helping the individual and their support team use the chosen method confidently and consistently.
These appointments may include:
- Practising communication in meaningful situations
- Setting up or adjusting devices
- Adding new vocabulary
- Creating or expanding communication boards
- Customising layouts
- Solving access or usability difficulties
- Training family members, carers or educators
- Reviewing progress and changing the plan where necessary
Communication needs can change as the individual develops, enters new environments or takes part in new activities. Ongoing support allows the system to grow with the person.
Helping You Find Your Voice
The purpose of the assessment process is not to fit every person into the same communication system. It is to understand what matters to the individual and find a solution that supports real communication, participation and connection.
Speak 2 Me will work alongside you and your communication partners as you explore your options, develop your system and learn how to use it in everyday life.
AAC Assessments and the Way Forward
Finding the right communication solution begins with understanding the individual—not simply selecting a device, application or communication board.
Speak 2 Me offers personalised AAC assessments to explore how you currently communicate, what you would like to communicate and which solutions could support you in everyday life. The process considers your abilities, preferences, relationships, routines and environments so that the recommended communication method is practical, meaningful and suited to you.