Chapter 10: Component 7 - School–Family Collaboration in the Implementation of AAC

10.1. Introduction: an essential condition for success

The implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can only be fully effective if it is part of a coherent and shared approach between the different environments of the child's life.

One of the key findings from the survey conducted as part of the AAC-Inclusion project is the following:

●       The lack of coordination between school and family severely limits the effectiveness of communication tools

Indeed, when a child uses different media, incoherent pictograms or divergent strategies depending on the context, he or she can quickly lose his or her bearings.

This chapter therefore aims to propose concrete strategies to build an effective, sustainable and structured collaboration.

10.2. Why is collaboration essential?

1. Ensure consistency of practice

When the same tools are used:

●        at school

●        at home

The child understands more quickly

2. Reinforce learning

Repetition in different contexts allows:

●        Better memorization

●        generalization of skills

3. Reduce misunderstandings

Clear communication between adults allows:

●        avoid contradictions

●        better understand the child's behaviours

4. Valuing progress

Sharing observations makes it possible to:

●        Follow the evolution

●        Encourage the child

10.3. Identified obstacles

The investigation identified several obstacles to this collaboration.

1. Lack of communication

●        Few regular exchanges

●        Limited information

2. Differences in practices

●        Different tools

●        Divergent methods

3. Lack of training

●        poorly trained parents

●        teachers with little support

4. Time constraints

●        Busy schedule

●        Organisational difficulties

10.4. Principles of effective collaboration

Simplicity

Implementing: simple tools

Regularity

Maintain: regular contact

Clarity

Sharing: understandable information

Mutual respect

Acknowledging: everyone's role

Common goals

Working towards: child well-being

10.5. Concrete tools for collaboration

1. AAC Liaison Notebook

Allows you to share:

●        observations

●        Success stories

●        Difficulties

Example

2. Digital communication

●        messages

●        Photos

●        Quick exchanges

Ease of continuity

3. Shared tracking sheets

●        Common goals

●        Progress

4. Common Kit

Use:

●       The same cards and pictograms

10.6. Role of teachers

Teachers have a structuring role in the implementation of AAC.

Responsibilities

●        Introduce the tools

●        explain their use

●        Sharing practices

●        adapt the materials 

Best practices

●        Organize times of exchange

●        Provide support to parents

●        Explain the objectives

10.7. Role of parents

Parents play an essential role in continuity.

Responsibilities

●        Use the tools on a daily basis

●        Observe reactions

●        Contacting the school

Best practices

●        Integrate cards into routines

●        Encourage the child

●        Valuing progress

10.8. Concrete example of successful collaboration

Situation

6-year-old child with communication difficulties.

Implementation

●        Same cards at school and at home

●        Liaison notebook

●        Regular exchanges

Results

●        Use of cards in both contexts

●        Reduced frustration

●        Improved interactions

10.9. Link with standardised pictograms

The use of pictograms from ARASAAC makes it possible to:

●        Ensure visual consistency

●        Facilitate understanding

●        harmonize practices

Key element of collaboration

10.10. Recommended Strategy (Summary)

For effective collaboration:

1. Use the same tools
2. communicate regularly
3. Share observations
4. Adjust together
5. Valuing progress

10.11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lack of communication

Consistency Adjustment

Different tools

Confusion

Lack of involvement

Efficiency

Non-shared goals

Misalignment

10.12. Conclusion

School-family collaboration is a key pillar of the AAC-Inclusion toolkit.

It allows you to:

●        Enhance tool effectiveness

●        Ensure consistency of practice

●        Supporting child development

It transforms AAC into a comprehensive, integrated and sustainable approach.