From Frustration to Expression:
A Parent’s Intro to AAC
This beginner-friendly course is designed to guide parents through the essentials of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Whether your child is non-speaking, minimally verbal, or has trouble finding the right words quickly, AAC can be a powerful tool for building confident communication.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll learn what AAC is, how it supports a wide range of communicators—including those with verbal abilities—and why it’s more than just a device. We'll walk you through how to introduce AAC at home, collaborate with school teams and therapists, and become a strong advocate for your child's communication rights and needs.
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Learn what AAC means and how it can help your child communicate with or without words.
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See how to model AAC at home and in daily routines without needing fancy tools or tech skills.
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Discover how to work and advocate with schools, therapists, and insurance
Your Learning Starts Here
Work through the course at your own pace. Once completed, you’ll be directed to a post-course quiz. After that, you’ll receive a certificate of completion along with a downloadable resource PDF to support your next steps.
Coming soon! Our course is currently in development — stay tuned.
AAC Frequently Asked Questions
Helping families support every child’s right to communicate
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AAC helps kids who can speak but struggle to use words clearly, consistently, or under stress. It supports—not replaces—language.
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No! AAC helps many verbal kids too. It gives extra support for learning, behavior, and emotional regulation.
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Not always. Some kids use apps on iPads or dedicated speech devices. Others do well with printed picture boards or symbol books.
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Start with your child’s speech therapist, IEP team, or pediatrician. Devices can often be funded through insurance, Medicaid, or school. If you’re purchasing a device on your own, Mrs. Z partners with MR Tech in Fanwood to offer discounted iPads perfect for installing AAC software. See below for your exclusive discount code.
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Yes! Communication is essential. Devices come with protective cases, and there are low-cost options to begin learning safely. We also partner with MR Tech in Fanwood, offering discounted repairs—including broken screen fixes—for iPads and similar devices when you use the code below.
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Schools are required to support communication access. You may need to advocate, but there are ways to ensure your child gets the help they need.
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Yes! Core boards, sign language, PECS, and printed visuals are all powerful tools to start supporting your child’s voice today.
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Because it’s the law. Under IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), every child has the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) — and that includes communication support. If your child needs AAC to learn, participate, or express themselves, the school must provide and support it as part of their IEP.
Tech Deals for Parents – Powered by MR Tech
Looking for affordable, family-friendly tech solutions? We've partnered with MR Tech in Fanwood to bring you exclusive discounts on refurbished iPads, screen repairs, and expert tech support. Whether you're upgrading your child’s device or fixing a cracked screen, MR Tech has you covered.
Use code MRSZPARENTS at checkout for a special discount.