The Desk vs. The Real World
AAC devices often get left behind when leaving the house, classroom, etc. I get it. It’s one thing to have an established AAC and literacy routine while sitting at a therapy table or on a comfy couch when everyone is calm and regulated. It’s an entirely different story when you step outside and have to balance the device, bags, and keys, all while trying to balance everyone’s emotions and regulation.
However, we need to remember that communication and literacy don’t belong in a bubble and don’t happen only in specific situations or routines. If we leave the AAC device and literacy tools at home, we leave their voice and opportunities for learning behind. I know no one needs another thing to carry, and I’m not going to tell you you need a wagon full of materials to make outings literacy-rich. But a strategically packed “go-bag” could make outings easier for everyone, while providing opportunities for communication and literacy on the go.
What is “Portable Print”? – Integrating Reading into Outings
One of the best things about books is that they are portable and can typically be thrown into a bag without adding much weight or bulk. However, we may not always want to or be able to take a book with us. The good news is you can still integrate reading into your outings without a “traditional” book. In addition to physical books, here are some additional ideas of reading materials you can throw in your “go-bag”:
- A Laminated Mini-Book: Use a keyring to hold small, laminated pages of high-interest topics. This could be pages from a “well-loved” book, or photos of family members and memories in a small photo album that can spark a story.
- Environmental Cheat Sheets: Pack photo cards of local store logos, street signs, and familiar landmarks to encourage print-matching in the environment.
The “Alternative Pencil” on the Move – Integrating Writing into Outings
Writing comes in many different forms. It is no longer just about paper and pencils at a desk. Think creatively about all the different ways we write. We write with a keyboard on our phone, our fingers or a stylus when we are signing on a tablet, not to mention all the different types of writing utensils that are available. In addition to a small notebook and pencil/pen, here are some other writing materials you can throw in your “go-bag”:
- The Dry-Erase Combo: a single dry erase marker and a small dry erase board or a dry erase pocket sleeve can give you lots of opportunities to practice writing and drawing on the go.
- Scribble boards or LCD writing tablets allow for easy writing with no mess in one item.
- Use the keyboard within their AAC system to spell out things you see and do on the go.
AAC Device Prep & Accessibility Shortcuts
We want to make sure that the physical setup of the AAC system doesn’t create a barrier to communication. While having the system with you is the best first step, here are some additional ways you can ensure that you are able to integrate AAC and literacy with ease while you are out and about:
- Strap & Go: Utilize a cross-body strap so the device stays on the body. These types of straps allow you to always keep the device ready for modeling from communication partners or quick initiations by the AAC user.
- The Volume Booster: A small Bluetooth speaker clipped onto a bag, pocket, or device strap is incredibly helpful to ensure that the AAC user’s messages can be heard in loud, public environments.
- Light-Tech Backups: Keeping a printed, laminated backup of the communication system is vital in case a battery dies or your adventures take you somewhere technology shouldn’t go—like a splash pad, pool, or muddy playground.
Let’s pack!
The easiest way to build a community “go bag” and ensure that is is useful and something that you and your AAC user will find helpful is to pick tools that are built for portability. Whatever literacy and AAC supports you choose to add to your “go bag” will ideally be things that are easy for you to grab and go or pack once and keep in the car or by the door so they are always ready.
Before you go, share in the comments, what is one thing you are putting in your community “go bag”?
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