For children with complex communication needs, AAC offers a powerful tool to unlock effective communication and promote emotional and social connections. At Super S.T.A.R.S, we believe in creating personalized AAC programs that empower each child to express themselves confidently, regardless of their communication challenges. We understand that every child’s communication journey is unique, and we take a customized approach to ensure the most effective and supportive tools are in place.
Our AAC services include:
Customized AAC Solutions
- Thorough Assessments: We begin by conducting detailed assessments that consider your child’s individual needs, strengths, and preferences. This ensures we select the most appropriate AAC tools for them—whether it’s a low-tech option like a picture exchange system (PECS) or a high-tech speech-generating device. Our goal is to match the AAC system with your child’s cognitive, motor, and communication abilities to provide the best possible support.
- Bespoke Communication Boards & Digital Interfaces: We create personalized communication boards, symbols, and digital interfaces that are tailored to your child’s developmental level and interests. By designing tools that resonate with your child, we ensure they are engaged and motivated to use their AAC system, making communication more intuitive and enjoyable.
- Personalized System Design: We take into account your child’s unique sensory needs, preferences, and daily routines when designing their AAC systems. For instance, if your child is more visually oriented, we may incorporate vibrant images and symbols, or if they are auditory learners, we may use systems that produce sounds or spoken words.
Training and Support
- Hands-On Training for Children, Families, and Educators: We believe that AAC is most effective when it is integrated into all areas of a child’s life. Therefore, we provide personalized training sessions for your child, your family, and educators to ensure everyone feels comfortable and proficient with the AAC tools. This ensures your child can use their communication device confidently in various environments.
- Family-Centered Approach: We work closely with families to make sure that AAC systems are integrated into daily life in ways that are practical and natural. Whether it’s using the system during meals, playtime, or social interactions, we guide you on how to consistently incorporate AAC into your child’s routine to reinforce their communication skills.
- Ongoing Troubleshooting & Updates: AAC tools are dynamic and can evolve as your child’s needs change. We provide ongoing support to troubleshoot any challenges, perform necessary updates, and make adjustments to the systems as your child grows. This ensures that their AAC system continues to meet their communication goals and remains a useful, effective tool.
Inclusive Integration:
- AAC in Community, School, and Home Settings: We understand that communication needs to transcend the therapy room. Our goal is to ensure that your child’s AAC system is used consistently and effectively across all environments, including school, home, and community settings. We work collaboratively with your child’s school and community to make sure AAC is seamlessly integrated into their day-to-day interactions.
- Supporting Peer Interactions: A crucial aspect of communication is connecting with others. We provide specialized strategies to encourage your child to use their AAC system to interact with peers, promoting social inclusion and enhancing relationships. This could include integrating AAC use into group therapy sessions, playdates, or social gatherings, encouraging natural communication in social settings.
- Promoting AAC as a Social Bridge: Beyond just being a communication tool, AAC can serve as a bridge to social connection. We actively promote the use of AAC in everyday routines and social activities—whether it’s at home with family, at school with classmates, or in the community with friends. By incorporating AAC into these settings, we help your child express themselves more freely and participate in social interactions with greater ease.
