Hi OWL Families!
As October comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to share how our clinic recognized AAC Awareness Month; a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of communication in all forms.
At our clinic, we know that communication extends far beyond words. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes any tool or strategy that helps someone understand and use language when spoken works are difficult. Whether a child uses a speech-generating device, picture boards, gestures, sign language, vocalizations, or even an app on a tablet, it is most important that all of our friends are heard and understood.
As our staff prepared to participate in two Trunk-or-Treat celebrations in the community, we put a lot of thought into how we could ensure that all children have the language support needed for them to participate meaningfully in these events. To honor AAC Awareness Month and help make Halloween more inclusive, our staff created several fun, child-friendly visuals for trick-or-treating! These simple cards can be printed and attached to necklaces, candy buckets, or even pinned to your child’s costume to help others’ understand their unique needs. We’ve also included an AAC band developed by another SLP (@mrsspeeciep), so every child can join in the excitement of trick-or-treating, regardless of how they communicate!
These visuals include:
- “Hi! I use my device to talk.”
- “Hi! Please give me a few seconds to respond.”
- “Hi! Choices are hard for me. I’m doing my best!”
- “Hi! Using my hands is tricky— I’m sorry if I take more than one!
- “Trick-or-Treat!”
In addition, we’ve also included an “Allergy Alert!” visual for our friends who experience food allergies.
While AAC Awareness Month may be over, our commitment to empowering every communicator continues year round at OWL Pediatric Therapy! We hope you have a festive, inclusive, and happy Halloween!
