Teaching AAC is more than just modeling words—it’s about building a meaningful, functional communication environment. Research on second language acquisition emphasizes that language is first acquired through rich social interactions before it becomes formally structured. This concept aligns directly with AAC learning: before individuals can effectively use an AAC system, they must be immersed in real-world, engaging communication experiences.
Games provide an ideal context for language learning because they are motivating, social, and repetitive—allowing learners to engage in meaningful exchanges that build their AAC competence. This session will introduce a variety of games, from structured board games to open-ended play activities, that foster core vocabulary use, turn-taking, and social interaction.
Participants will:
- Experience firsthand how common games can be adapted for AAC users.
- Discover strategies to create a language-rich, playful environment.
- Explore research-based approaches to supporting second language learning through AAC.
- Take away a toolkit of game-based activities they can immediately implement in their practice.
This session will be highly interactive, with opportunities for attendees to try out games, brainstorm creative adaptations, and collaborate on implementation ideas. By the end of the workshop, participants will have concrete strategies and resources to make AAC learning more engaging and effective through the power of play.
