Dawn

AAC at school: the IEP and classroom support

Children who use AAC need it at school as well as at home. In the US, the IEP team must consider your child's communication needs and whether they need assistive technology.

By the Dawn AAC team · Updated · 2 minute read
Not yet reviewed by a speech-language pathologist. How we write these guides.

What the law says (US)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) sets out "special factors" the IEP team must consider for each child. Two matter here: the team must consider the child's communication needs, and whether the child needs assistive technology devices and services.1 An assistive technology device is any item or product used to increase, maintain or improve a child's functional capabilities,2 and that includes AAC apps and devices.

When a child needs assistive technology, the school must make it available. If the team decides the child needs to use a school-purchased device at home or in other settings to receive a free appropriate public education, the school must allow that.3

What to ask for

  • An AAC evaluationIf your child doesn't have one, request an assistive technology or AAC evaluation in writing.
  • The device in the IEPName the AAC system or type of system, and that it should be available to your child throughout the school day.
  • Home useIf your child needs the device at home to make progress, ask for that to be written in.
  • TrainingTraining for teachers, aides and therapists in using and modeling on the device, so it isn't left to one person. In Dawn, staff can turn on Modeling mode so their taps don't change the child's word suggestions.
  • ModelingGoals and plans that include adults using the device when they talk to your child, not just testing your child on it.
  • Everyday communication goalsInclude asking for help, commenting, protesting and chatting with classmates, rather than only naming pictures.

Working with school staff

Some practical things to sort out with the class team:

  • A one-page "how I talk" sheet for substitute teachers and new staff: what the device is, how your child uses it, and "please wait for me".
  • Charged and in reach: agree who charges it and where it lives during lunch, PE and recess. Dawn speaks without Wi-Fi, so a school network that blocks apps won't stop it.
  • Classmates: a short demonstration, with your child's agreement, shows other children how the device works and that they need to wait for an answer.
  • Vocabulary for the week's topics: if the class is studying weather, make sure your child has the words to join in.
  • Messages between home and school: add a message about the weekend ("We went to the zoo") for your child to share at school, and one about school to share at home.

Outside the US

In England, a child's Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) can specify communication support and equipment, and the NHS runs specialised AAC services for complex needs. See paying for AAC for how NHS referrals work.

Questions people ask

Can the school say my child isn't ready for AAC?

ASHA, the US professional body for speech-language pathologists, says there are no prerequisites for AAC: a child doesn't have to show particular skills first.4 If you hear "not ready", ask what specifically is missing and how AAC would be introduced to build it.

What if my child already uses an app at home?

Tell the IEP team and bring it. Learning where words are on a second system is extra work for a child. Ask the team to consider supporting the system your child already uses.

Is a 504 plan enough?

A 504 plan can provide accommodations, including the use of a communication device. An IEP adds specially designed instruction and related services, such as speech therapy. Which one fits depends on your child; many children who use AAC have an IEP.

Sources

  1. 34 CFR § 300.324: Development, review, and revision of the IEP (special factors). www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/34/300.324
  2. 34 CFR § 300.5: Assistive technology device (definition). www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/34/300.5
  3. 34 CFR § 300.105: Assistive technology. www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/34/300.105
  4. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (Practice Portal). www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/augmentative-and-alternative-communication
  • Paying for AACWhat Medicare, Medicaid, schools and the NHS cover, and where apps fit in.
  • AAC modelingHow to use your child's AAC device while you talk to them, with everyday examples.
  • How to start AACSetting up AAC and using it with your child in the first few weeks.
  • Autistic childrenFor nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic kids: a talking symbol board that can show a few words or many.

Try Dawn on iPhone or iPad

Symbols, typing and saved phrases, spoken in a natural voice. Dawn can also build a voice from about eight seconds of your own speech.

Requires iOS 17 or later.