![]() ![]() In Proloquo2Go, we can change a word’s pronunciation in the settings. Sometimes the voice we choose does not pronounce certain words correctly. They are likely to have a preference as to which voice they want to use. It is essential to involve the user in this choice. Listen to the different voices offered in the AAC system, and choose one that matches by gender, age and accent. Out of the box, an AAC system will have certain default settings. But we can also personalize 3 key settings: the system’s voice, appearance and access. One of the first steps was selecting the grid size with the right number of buttons per page. We will often need to change some settings to suit the individual’s needs and preferences. ![]() This includes valuable reminders to help us make a start and keep track of what vocabulary might need to be added over time. Read Erin's tips on how to customize your simPODD. If you are using the PODD communication system, with the simPODD app, then you will also want set up your AAC. We can speak the word from the keyboard without having to add it to the vocabulary. If the word is not likely to be used again, it may be a good opportunity to model spelling it on the keyboard. If we are in a situation where the AAC user needs a new word, should it be added to the system? Is the AAC user likely to use that word again? Perhaps we can first search the vocabulary for the word. Remember, we do not always need to add every word we encounter to the vocabulary. This way, you can make the most needed vocabulary quickest to access. You should move buttons to the first or second page level based on frequency of use. If you are using Proloquo2Go, you will notice that most folders divide vocabulary between two pages. For example, if we add a friend’s name “Jessie” to the people page, we can say sentences like: We can combine these fringe words with core words to make many different messages. These should be added alongside core words on the AAC system. Many of these words will be nouns, specific verbs, or specific adjectives. Preprogrammed phrases and sentences: work with the AAC user to write and save phrases or sentences that may be said often.Activities: include YouTube channels, favorite websites, books, movies, games, toys, music, and any other activities you think the AAC user will want to talk about.Foods: make sure to put foods the user frequently eats on the first pages of the folders, where they are easy to find.Places folder: include regular and favorite places that the AAC user goes.You can take photos of these people and add them to the buttons. People folder: include family, friends and other important people in the AAC user’s life.About Me folder: Make sure that buttons giving information like the user's name and age are filled in with the correct and current information.Some common examples of vocabulary to personalize include: ![]() New people in the AAC user's life should be able to guess where they might be. As we add words, we should try to put them into logical folders and locations that will make sense for anyone to find. Identify the words that are highly motivating and of high interest. Are the user’s most personally important words in the system? Are they easy to find? If we have chosen a balanced AAC system, the user already has access to core and fringe words organized into categories or folders. This includes ways to personalize fringe vocabulary, and ways to customize the AAC system: for voice, appearance and access. This article will outline considerations for this personalization. This helps contribute to both early acceptance and long-term success of the system. Often, the AAC user can develop a sense of ownership by participating in personalizing their AAC system. Most importantly, it should also include the AAC user. Remember that the team may include siblings, peers, and classmates. This is a team process, where everyone can contribute something in the set up. Personalizing AAC is crucial for success of the system. Out of the box, a communication device or app may not do or say exactly what we want it to. When starting the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) journey, it is very important to personalize the system so it suits the communicators preferences and individual needs. ![]()
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