💬 Proving What’s Possible with AAC: How We Support Every Communicator
At Expansion Speech Therapy, we believe that every child deserves a voice — and that voice can take many forms. For some children, communication comes through spoken words. For others, it’s through pictures, gestures, or technology. That’s where Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) comes in.
What Is AAC?
AAC refers to all the ways we can help someone communicate when spoken words aren’t enough. This might include:
- Simple, low-tech options like picture boards or communication books
- Mid-tech tools such as BigMack, GoTalk, or StepbyStep devices
- High-tech speech-generating devices like TouchChat, TD Snap, or LAMP Words for Life
No two AAC systems look the same — because no two communicators are the same!
Feature Matching: Finding the Right Fit
Our AAC specialists (like Amy and Jamie!) take a feature-matching approach to every evaluation. Instead of picking a “popular” app or device, we focus on each child’s:
- Access method (how they’ll physically use the system)
- Vision and hearing needs
- Cognitive strengths and attention
- Motivation and preferences
- Communication environments — home, school, and community
We look for the system that supports the child now and grows with them over time.
Partnering With Schools to Expand Access
We’re proud to partner with school districts across Pennsylvania and Delaware to support students with complex communication needs.
Our team collaborates with teachers, therapists, and administrators to:
- Conduct AAC evaluations and trials
- Provide professional development and hands-on training
- Help integrate AAC into classroom routines and curriculum
- Ensure every student has the tools they need to communicate, participate, and thrive
When schools and families work together, communication blossoms — not just in therapy sessions, but everywhere learning happens.
Real-World AAC in Action
AAC isn’t just about devices — it’s about connection. One of our favorite examples is a simple classroom activity called “Feed the Monster.”
Children use their AAC systems to say words like eat, more, or yucky as they “feed” a silly cardboard monster. It’s playful, but it’s also powerful: AAC becomes a natural part of their language learning and play.
Our Approach: Strengths-Based and Neuro-Affirming
Every AAC journey begins by asking: What can this child already do?
We build from there, using a coaching model to empower parents, teachers, and caregivers to feel confident modeling and supporting communication. When everyone around the child believes in their potential, progress follows.
Barriers and Breakthroughs
Sometimes progress feels slow — and that’s okay. True AAC success takes consistency, collaboration, and patience.
We remind families that modeling for 30 minutes twice a week would take 84 years to equal the amount of oral language a typically developing 18-month-old hears!
That’s why we encourage daily, meaningful AAC use — across home, school, and community — to make every moment a communication opportunity.
Building Communicative Competence
Our ultimate goal? Helping every AAC user develop communicative competence — the ability to express ideas, thoughts, and feelings to anyone, anywhere.
That includes:
- Operational skills – using the device
- Linguistic skills – understanding and producing language
- Social skills – engaging with others
- Strategic skills – repairing breakdowns or getting attention
- Psychosocial skills – expressing identity, confidence, and emotions
Because communication isn’t just about words — it’s about connection.
💡 Want to Learn More?
If your child is starting their AAC journey, or if you’re a teacher or therapist looking for guidance, we’re here to help.
Expansion Speech Therapy offers AAC evaluations, device trials, coaching, and ongoing support — always grounded in compassion, expertise, and the belief that every voice matters.
📍 Visit us in Fort Washington or learn more at @expansionspeechtherapy
