Supporting Self-Determination for Students with Complex Support Needs Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Being self-determined has often been challenging for students with complex support needs due to limited opportunities to express themselves. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can help students exercise self-determination by providing means to communicate their preferences and choices effectively with a variety of communication partners. The authors of this article introduce four strategies for educators to use when enhancing the self-determination of students with complex support needs who use AAC while honoring their communication: (a) interpreting ways the student communicates, (b) modeling words to express preferences and choices, (c) introducing a ranking scale for weighing preferences, and (d) facilitating meaningful choice-making.