In the journey of teaching AAC, it's easy to get caught up in the here and now—the immediate successes and challenges. We experienced the excitement of hearing those first attempts at communication, yet, as we all know, the true value of AAC is when we don’t notice the equipment anymore and just hear the voice of the individual using AAC. To steer this journey in a direction that maximizes long-term benefits, we use two of our planning tools, the Dynamic AAC Goals Grid-3 (DAGG-3) and the DTA Classroom Communication Goals Grid.  These two tools function like a compass and a map, giving us a pathway for AAC learning and teaching.

The Compass: Dynamic AAC Goals Grid-3 (DAGG-3)

The DAGG-3 is designed to begin AAC instruction with the end in mind. Using Janice Light’s work as a guide, the DAGG-3 helps us identify what “communicative competence” looks like. It helps us plot a course along the AAC learning path, ensuring we're always moving toward greater communication competence. Following Patricia Dowden’s work, the DAGG -3 breaks down the journey into manageable milestones. It reminds us that every AAC learner's path is a unique series of steps, each building on the last. It's about setting sights on the end goal—on what our learners can achieve with time, support, and the right strategies.

The Map for Academics: Classroom Communication Goals Grid

Then there's our map, the Classroom Communication Goals Grid, designed specifically for the bustling world of classrooms. This grid doesn't just tell us where we are; it shows us where we can go within the daily dance of classroom activities and curriculum. It aligns AAC goals with the ebb and flow of school life, making AAC learning relevant and deeply integrated. With this grid, AAC goals aren't isolated targets; they're woven into the fabric of everyday learning, making every lesson a step toward broader communication goals.

Final Thoughts

I’ve always been troubled by the sometimes seeming randomness of AAC instruction, the temptation to grab the newest piece of equipment, the most feature packed AAC system, or the most popular instructional strategy. The DAGG-3 and the Classroom Communication Goals Grid are my attempt to create a framework, a pathway to help us to be intentional in our attempts. I hope you find them helpful too!

Vicki

Download the DAGG-3 from Tobii Dynavox

Download the Classroom Communication Goals Grid