Introduction

As an SLP using ELD-AAC, you want to get the most out of the software and see real results with your students. We asked experienced SLPs for their top insider tips to share with the ELD-AAC community. Read on as leading experts reveal their strategies to maximize outcomes.

Tip 1: Set Goals Centered on Communication Functions

Experts emphasize starting with specific, measurable IEP goals centered on core communication functions like commenting, requesting, and describing. Having clearly defined expressive language targets provides a roadmap as you implement activities and track progress. Focus goals around building skills like expanding MLU, using prepositions, forming questions, and combining words.

Tip 2: Customize Activities to Student Levels

One of the biggest strengths of ELD-AAC is its ability to tailor activity difficulty levels and vocabulary to match each student’s needs. Experts stress beginning slowly with foundations before advancing complexity. Adjust settings like symbol arrays, sentence patterns, and vocab as students demonstrate readiness. Meet them where they are, then gradually challenge.

Tip 3: Utilize Data Insights to Personalize

Leverage ELD-AAC’s detailed performance analytics to glean insights about each student's strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for growth. Let the data guide your activity customizations, interventions, and instruction. Continually evaluate progress.

Tip 4: Motivate with Supports and Rewards

Keep students engaged in practice by integrating motivating rewards like verbal praise, stickers, preferred toys/items, and acknowledgement. Use prompts and reminders to reinforce participation. Celebrate successes!

Tip 5: Practice Generalization with Modeled Phrases

Help students generalize skills by first modeling target phrases in structured ELD-AAC activities, then practicing using those same phrases in functional contexts. Promote carryover through role play.

Tip 6: Collaborate with Classroom Teachers

Partner with classroom teachers to share vocabulary lists, model functional communication, and encourage carrying skills over into learning activities. Co-treat when possible. Consistency across environments amplifies outcomes.

Tip 7: Track Longitudinal Analytics Trends

Go beyond just session-level data. Compile and analyze student analytics longitudinally to identify patterns in performance over time. Spot progress plateauing and customize supports.

Conclusion

Follow these tips from the experts to maximize communication gains with ELD-AAC. For more AAC implementation best practices, explore our blog. And learn more about ELD-AAC's award-winning software at website.