Enhancing Communication: The Power of Creating AAC User Communication Profiles

As educators or parents, understanding and supporting effective communication for our students and children is one of our most important responsibilities. An extremely valuable tool that can aide educators and family members in this endeavor is a communication passport or profile. This guide sheds light on the unique communication methods, preferences, and requirements of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) users, and its applicability extends to individuals of any age. 

What is a Communication Profile?

A communication profile serves as a treasure map, guiding caregivers and educators through the intricate world of non-traditional communication. It is a simple and practical guide that can include information about the individual’s unique ways of expressing themselves, their likes and dislikes, communication strategies that work for them, and insights into their current goals and challenges. It can provide a deeper understanding of the individual’s diagnosis or disability, and shed light on key symptoms and facts that can help tailor communication strategies. But perhaps most importantly, a communication profile can paint a vivid picture of who the individual is as a person.

The Benefits of a Communication Profile

1. Personalized Communication: Every individual is unique and a communication profile can help educators and family members recognize and appreciate the distinct communication style of each AAC user, allowing them to tailor interactions to suit the user’s preferences and interests. 
2. Efficient Communication: Understanding an AAC user’s preferred mode of communication expedites the communication process. By knowing which methods or devices they favor, communication partners can create an environment that encourages smoother exchanges.
3. Empowerment and Autonomy: AAC users often face challenges in expressing themselves. A communication profile acknowledges their autonomy by embracing their preferred means of communication, enabling them to participate actively in conversations and decisions, thereby granting them a sense of control.
4. Reduced Frustration: Miscommunication or lack of understanding can lead to frustration for both the AAC user and their communication partners. A well-developed communication profile gives positive problem solving solutions rather than just listing additional needs. It helps minimize misunderstandings, leading to more positive interactions and helping new teachers or unfamiliar communication partners quickly understand an individual’s personal needs.
5. Inclusive Education:  In educational settings, a communication profile fosters inclusive practices by enabling teachers to accommodate the unique communication needs of AAC users. It encourages a supportive learning environment that nurtures each student’s abilities

Creating an Effective Communication Profile

Creating a communication profile for AAC users can be as simple or involved as you feel necessary for the target audience. Sometimes a few short paragraphs on a single page may be easier when giving an overview to family members. Or you may want a more detailed format that covers multiple areas of need that could be given to an individual’s school team or doctors. This guide outlines some important steps that highlight the key components that contribute to a comprehensive communication profile. 

1. Gather Information: Begin by gathering input from family members, educators, therapists, and the AAC user themselves. This holistic approach entails collecting details about the individual’s communication methods, preferences, goals, challenges, interests, and background.

2. Structure the Profile: Organize the gathered information into a structured format. Create clear sections that make it easy to navigate the profile. Consider including the following components:

• Introduction to the AAC User: Provide a brief overview of the individual, including their name, age, and background information.
• Unique Communication Methods: Elaborate on the various ways the AAC user communicates, including speech, gestures, signs, or specific devices.
• Likes and Dislikes: Highlight the AAC user’s interests, hobbies, and preferences to personalize interactions.
• Effective Communication Strategies: Share insights into communication approaches that work best for the individual.
• Current Goals and Challenges: Detail communication goals the individual is working on and any challenges they’re facing. You may also list additional goal areas that may provide more insight on how best to support the AAC user.
• Diagnosis or Disability Information: Provide an overview of the individual’s diagnosis, key symptoms, and relevant facts that may impact communication.
• Personal Vision Statement: Incorporate a statement capturing the values, strengths, and aspirations of the individual and their family. This statement can center around personal or professional ambitions and is designed to align with overarching, long-term dreams.

3. Include Visuals: Enhance the profile’s accessibility and engagement by incorporating visuals, symbols, or pictures. Suggestions include pictures of the individual, their equipment, communication system, or some of their favorite items.

4. Regular Updates: Communication profiles are living documents that evolve with the AAC user’s changing needs and progress. Plan to review and update the profile every 6 to 12 months, or as significant changes occur in the AAC user’s life or communication journey. As the individual acquires new skills, objectives, and preferences, a regularly updated communication profile accurately mirrors these changes, preserving its effectiveness.

5. Distribution and Utilization: Keep printed copies of the communication profile on hand for various contexts, such as medical visits, school meetings, therapy sessions, and family gatherings. Consider creating a digital version for easy sharing via email or messaging apps.

Where Communication Profiles Can Be Utilized

Communication profiles are versatile tools that can have a positive impact across various aspects of an AAC user’s life:

1. Educational Settings: Introduce the communication profile to teachers, special educators, and school staff at the beginning of each school year. This equips them with essential insights to tailor their teaching methods and create an inclusive classroom environment.
2. Medical Visits: When visiting new doctors, therapists, or specialists, providing them with a communication profile gives them valuable context about the individual’s communication needs, making the appointment more productive and comfortable.
3. Therapeutic Sessions: Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists can utilize the communication profile to design effective therapy sessions that align with the AAC user’s communication goals.
4. Family Gatherings: Sharing the communication profile with extended family members and friends fosters understanding and meaningful interactions, allowing the AAC user to connect with their loved ones more effectively.

Who Should Create a Communication Profile

Creating a communication profile is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders:

• Family Members: Family members are essential contributors to the communication profile. They have an intimate understanding of the AAC user’s daily life, preferences, and communication style.
• Educators: Teachers and school staff play a vital role in the AAC user’s development. Their insights into the individual’s interactions within the classroom setting are invaluable.
• Therapists: Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other professionals working closely with the AAC user can provide expert input on communication strategies and goals.
• AAC Users: Depending on their abilities, the AAC user can actively participate in creating their communication profile. Their input ensures their voice is at the forefront of the process.

Conclusion: Fostering Connections Through Communication Profiles

Creating a communication profile for AAC users bridges the gap between words and understanding. By investing the time and effort to know an individual’s unique communication style, educators and family members embark on a journey of empathy, connection, and empowerment. This  guide serves as a reminder that every AAC user’s voice is valuable, and it’s our shared responsibility to ensure that their communication journey is one filled with support, respect, and limitless possibilities. Having these communication profiles readily available will also allow for seamless introductions to new doctors, therapists, or team members at the start of a school year, ensuring continuity in providing the best possible care and education for the AAC user.