Navigating how to use a new communication device can be daunting for both the individual who uses it, and anyone who may be supporting or caring for them at home or in the community. Communication partners like carers, family members, and support workers can find it helpful to engage in training to build confidence in the use of AAC. This can go a long way in helping ensure that the AAC user can express themselves and engage in conversations with the people around them, in every scenario.
If you want to support an adult with complex communication needs to achieve increased autonomy, social, and community engagement, keep on reading to find out more about communication partner training for augmentative and alternative communication.
The Benefits of Communication Partner Training for Augmentative and Alternative Communication
#1: You’ll Get Practice Using New AAC Systems
Learning how to use a brand-new Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system can be time intensive for both the AAC user and their communication partners. It’s like learning a new language – you’ve got to find the time to put your new skills into practice! By taking part in a dedicated training program, AAC users and their communication partners can access professional guidance while practicing using their communication system.
#2: Training Helps to Facilitate Communication Interactions
The more opportunities someone has to build their confidence in using their chosen AAC system, the more comfortable they will be communicating with it. Having the opportunity to practice using AAC in a safe, welcoming environment with other people who are also using AAC can go a long way in building confidence and comfort in using AAC in everyday life. That’s why we love hosting group therapy programs for AAC users!
#3: Training Helps AAC Users Communicate Their Wants and Needs
Everyone has the fundamental right to be able to communicate. Giving people with complex communication needs access to AAC gives them an outlet to exercise choice and control over their own lives. They can use AAC to express their wants and needs, engage in conversations with important people in their lives, and have a say during discussions that pertain to their care and wellbeing.
#4: Training Helps AAC Users to Engage in Social Settings
Communicating in social settings can be challenging for people who are new to AAC. If you think about it, having a conversation with anyone takes a certain amount of adaptability. We need to be able to listen to what they’re sharing, think about and formulate our response, and in some cases find a way to change the topic of conversation to share something that’s on our mind. It’s a complicated dynamic, and one that can be overwhelming for people who are new to using AAC to communicate. Trying to find where all the icons are for different words can be half of the battle! But the more you practice using AAC, the quicker and more natural it will feel to use it in social settings.
#5: Training Can Improve Communication Interactions Between Partners
Communication partners are the people that the person with AAC most often communicates with. This often includes family members, spouses and/or children, and support workers. By taking part in communication partner training for AAC, both the individual using AAC to communicate and the people around them can feel better equipped to manage different kinds of communication interactions. Everyone can learn strategies that will help to improve the quality of communication interactions – leading to more positive experiences for everyone.
If you want to support an adult with complex communication needs to achieve increased autonomy, social, and community engagement, join us for our next ChatEase group therapy program.
ChatEase has been purpose-designed to train communication partners on how to support AAC users to use their communication devices in social settings, whilst creating an opportunity for AAC users to practice using their system and engage with other AAC users socially.
