Key Advocacy Techniques for AAC/SGD Implementation

Welcome back to our blog series on Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). As advocates we are always filling in the blanks looking for the needs missed, incompetence presumed, challenges not considered etc., etc. In this day and age you would think that the provision and implementation of AAC/SGD devices would have little resistance, especially since the positives so outweighs the negatives for the student. In this post, we will discuss key advocacy techniques and steps that education advocates and parents can take to achieve measurable outcomes that lead to independent functional performance.

Key Advocacy Techniques

1. Knowledge is Power: Familiarize yourself with the student's rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and your local special education law. This will empower you during discussions and decision-making processes.
2. Communication is Key: Maintain open and regular communication with the school staff. Attend all team meetings and maintain a respectful and positive relationship with all team members.
3. Document Everything: Keep records of all interactions, meetings, discussions, and decisions. This can be critical if disagreements arise. If it is not in writing it does not exist. A promise to do something at the IEP table is not follow through. If it is written into the IEP then it is much more likely to happen.
4. Be Specific: When advocating for AAC/SGD intervention, be clear and specific about what you expect. For example, specify the type of AAC/SGD needed, the goals you're aiming for, how progress will be measured, and the frequency of updates.

Steps to Achieve Measurable Outcomes

1. Identify Needs: The first step is identifying the communication needs of the student. This should be done with the help of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and other relevant professionals.
2. Set Clear Goals: Once the needs are identified, set clear, measurable goals. These goals should align with the student's needs and should be realistic and achievable.
3. Choose the Right AAC/SGD: Collaborate with the SLP to choose the most appropriate AAC/SGD device for the student. Consider the student's cognitive and physical abilities, as well as their communication needs.
4. Implement the AAC/SGD: Once the right AAC/SGD is chosen, it needs to be implemented. This often involves training for the student, parents, and teachers.
5. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly monitor the student's progress towards the set goals. Adjust the goals, the AAC/SGD, or the training as necessary.

Remember, advocacy is not about confrontation; it's about collaboration. It's about ensuring that the student's communication needs are met so that they can achieve independent functional performance. The National Special Education Advocacy Institute (NSEAI) offers excellent resources and training for parents and education advocates to further develop their advocacy skills.

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AUTHORS

Marie Lewis is an author, consultant, and national speaker on best practices in education advocacy. She is a parent of 3 children and a Disability Case Manager, Board Certified Education Advocate, and Behavior Specialist Consultant. She has assisted in the development of thousands of IEPs nationally and consults on developing appropriately individualized IEPs that are outcome-based vs legally sufficient. She brings a great depth of expertise, practical experience, and compassion to her work as well as expert insight, vision, and systemic thinking. She is passionate and funny and she always inspires and informs.

MJ Gore has an MEd in counseling and a degree in elementary education and natural sciences. She worked as a life-skills and learning support teacher She has been honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. She is the Director and on the faculty at the National Special Education Advocacy Institute. Her passion is social justice, especially in the area of education. She is a Board Certified Education Advocate who teaches professional advocates, educators, and clinicians the best practices in education advocacy.]