A Gap Between EBP and Reality

In today's clinical realm, I know that it's easy (and even common!) to "miss the mark" when it comes to providing services to our clients who need AAC (augmentative alternative communication). Light and McNaughton (2012) stated there's a gap in what we know about AAC interventions and what currently happens in the everyday lives of adults and children who use AAC. They suggested increasing public awareness and decreasing attitudinal barriers as ways we can help people who use AAC. That's why I wanted to reach out to people who use AAC and family members of young AAC users to find out what we could do as clinicians and allies to better support them. 

“If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” 
– Atticus Finch in To...

I have a special treat for everyone today! I asked AAC SLP’s and AAC SLP’s-to-be their top tips for other SLP’s starting to use AAC. I can’t wait to share with you their #1 tips so you can start implementing their advice TODAY. I was so thrilled with the responses I received, and I really think these top tips can take your therapy to the next level. So, get ready to be inspired and for your AAC to-do list to grow as you read through these top tips from speech-language pathologists as they learned how to do AAC!

Get comfortable with the system outside the therapy room

Karen Fahey of @speechievibes responded with the following advice:

Take the time outside of therapy to play around and get to know whatever system you will be using. Try making a system that would work for your communicative needs! It’s fun, helps you become more comfortable navigating the program, and increases your empathy for and understanding of the experience of the user.

I love...