In my post on functional core vocabulary, I shared the importance of your vocabulary choices for your child (student/client). This post will discuss and show examples of a starter page for core vocabulary. I will show pictures of starter pages using Proloquo2go and TD Snap Core in my posts. This can be done with most AAC programs.
Important things to remember when setting up a communication device:
The first screen should be the starter screen for the child!!!
They should not have to navigate for their vocabulary. Do you have to change the language settings on your phone each time you get on it? When my kids like to mess with me, I get to spend frustrating moments getting my phone back into English so I can text or call them to ground them.
Navigation should be included from the start on the main page!
- We don’t want a page with 50+ nouns!
- Use subjects, verbs, and objects (nouns) on the starter page
When changes are made to the core or main page, we should keep the structure or organization of the program you are using!
- Consistency in the colors for the vocabulary. The colors may vary from program to program, so keep it consistent. This may seem silly, but this is another way to teach meaning and associations
- Mask (hide) words or folders that you do not want to use currently. I often hide “reinforcers” or “choices” when they aren’t available.
Below are some examples of some “core” or starter screens. Depending on the individual, the board size and number of vocabulary words will vary. The examples below are STARTER pages; this is for early introduction. As you can see, there are open spaces (or masked items).
Check out the post on AAC Implementation Plan to add to your AAC toolbox!
Shannon Archer, M.S., CCC-SLP
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Shannon Archer, M.S., CCC-SLP