Issue 23 | October 2025
Special Education Technology
Center
Inclusive Insights & Access Tips
Celebrating AAC Awareness:
Tools, Tips, and Resources
October is International AAC Awareness Month, a time to spotlight Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and honor the many ways people communicate beyond speech. Raising awareness helps ensure students with communication challenges are seen, heard, and supported in truly inclusive classrooms. It’s also a great time for parents and professionals to explore AAC tools, as many app companies offer October discounts that make trying new communication supports more affordable.
How SETC Supports AAC
- Try Before You Buy: Borrow AAC apps and devices via our Lending Library—test multiple solutions before implementing them in your classroom. You can compare apps side-by-side to determine the best fit for your learners.
- Professional Development: Access live and recorded trainings designed to deepen your AAC knowledge and strengthen implementation practices.
- Share & Empower: Use our one-page AAC Awareness Newsletter to spark conversations in your schools and districts, and our AAC Assessment Guide to support teams completing AAC assessments.
Why AAC Matters in Inclusive Education
AAC is not just a tool—it’s a pathway to voice, connection, and participation. When students have access to communication that works for them, they can take part in learning, friendships, and leadership in ways that enrich the whole community. Supporting AAC is essential to building classrooms where every learner belongs—and during AAC Awareness Month, we’re reminded that every voice deserves to be heard.
SETC Spotlight: Meet Sarah Kinsella!
“One question that fuels my work is this: What if the biggest barrier to a student’s voice isn’t their disability, but our collective belief in what’s possible?
This question has shaped me both as a SLP specializing in AAC, and as a parent who navigated early intervention services for my own child. What I’ve learned over nearly two decades of working with incredible students, families, and teams is that the student is never the barrier. As a team, we have the power to listen to each other, solve problems and adapt environments to support all students. It about more than the tool to me, it’s about building relationships that support new worlds of connection and learning for students—where their voices are not just heard, but celebrated.”
Sarah is an essential part of the heart and soul of SETC. Among her many roles, you might spot her bringing joy and expertise on the Awe and Wonder Podcast, supporting teams through technical assistance, or sharing inspiration on social media
Belonging Starts with Being Invited
There’s something powerful about being chosen—especially for students with disabilities. True belonging isn’t just being present in school; it’s when peers and teachers actively seek you out, asking you to join a group project, play at recess, or participate in a club or field trip. For students who use AAC, intentional invitations also show that their communication is valued, their voices matter, and they are fully included in the life of the school community
Coming Soon: Inside the Exploratorium, AAC In Action
Get ready to step inside our model classroom and explore a range of AAC tools and strategies designed to give every student a voice. From low-tech options like core boards and talking photo albums to robust text-based and symbol-based AAC systems, the Exploratorium will showcase tools that support communication across diverse needs.
AI Tip: Reduce Educator Workload, Boost Inclusion
Artificial Intelligence can take on time-consuming tasks- like formatting lesson plans, drafting quiz questions, or creating differentiated reading passages, so you can spend more time building relationships, being present, and supporting every learner. When used thoughtfully, AI frees educators to focus on what matters most: connection, engagement, and inclusion.
AI Tip: Keep Students' Voice at the Center
When using AI tools in the classroom, remember the principle “Nothing about us without us.” Invite students—especially those who use AAC or other supports—to share what they need before adopting a new AI tool.
💡 Why it matters: Inclusive design benefits everyone, but especially students with diverse communication needs.
👉 Try this week: Ask one student (or small group) how AI could support their learning or communication, and use their feedback to guide how you introduce the tool.
Read more in our Inclusive AI in the Classroom Guide.
Accessibility Tip: Preload Key Vocab on AAC Systems
Back-to-School Accessibility Checklist
Make sure students’ AAC devices include the words they’ll need for upcoming lessons, routines, or social events. Adding vocabulary for a science experiment, a book character, or a spirit day helps students participate fully alongside peers.
💡 Why it matters: When students can talk about what everyone else is talking about, it breaks down barriers, fosters peer connection, and affirms that their voice belongs.
👉 Try it this week: Review upcoming lesson plans or activities and add 3–5 relevant words or phrases to a student’s AAC system. Share our AAC Vocabulary Guide with families to gather ideas for meaningful words to include.