Successful communication happens when people with communication difficulties can use their Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system both at home and at school. Families are so important in this process and can help the child succeed in his or her communication attempts.
Kids learn how to speak by hearing their parents, teachers, siblings talk. Similarly, AAC learners also need to see what it looks like to communicate using their AAC systems in real conversations. This is critical to the development of independent use of the system.
You need to model words and sentences on the AAC system regularly. To do this you can use the AAC system, by pointing to words, when you talk with your child, just as your child would do when talking with you. You don't need to model every single word you say. Instead, model the core words - the most important words. This will also help you in learning the vocabulary available on the device. Can't find a word, no problem... under letters/numbers on the ACCENT 1000, you can click the word finder. Type in the icon you are looking for and it will help you locate that word on the device.
For more information, check out www. assistiveware.com