Communication device manufacturers have been doing an increasingly good job providing us with comprehensive communication systems. There are several excellent choices in the AAC application world that give us keyboards, 1000's of "fringe" words in categories and subcategories, topic based and functional prestored messages, and solid core vocabulary displays of our most frequently occurring words. Morphological/syntax supports such as word endings (verb tenses) and cues for word ordering sentences are available on many AAC applications. BUT, is the AAC application, even for a dedicated communication device truly a "out of the box- straight to the user" experience? Definitely not. One of the most important features that a communication device needs is personally relevant, meaningful and motivating words and messages. Every person using AAC needs a way to talk about their family, their favorite leisure activities, favorite places to go, and subjects to discuss. As diligent as an AAC developer may be, they can't know this type of information about every user. THAT is where we come into play!
It is highly important that we assist our families of AAC users in planning, and sometimes programming their AAC systems to include all of these highly relevant messages. When I am called in to troubleshoot an AAC application that has "never worked" for an individual, I VERY often find that there isn't a single personal word or message anywhere in the system; no family photos, no Larabars or Snickers, no Six Flags or McDonalds. At times we can drastically change a person's acceptance and willingness to use their AAC system simply by adding photos of these items. We want to be thoughtful to put these items in places which are easily accessible, both cognitively and physically (not buried too deep but not taking up all the space on the Home page.)
