Unlocking Communication Through Aided Language Boards

At North West Speech and Language Therapy, we believe in empowering individuals of all abilities to express themselves. Aided language boards are a powerful tool that can help children and adults communicate more effectively, fostering connections and reducing frustration. In this blog, we’ll explore what aided language boards are, how they can be used, and why they are an essential resource for developing communication skills.

What Are Aided Language Boards?

Aided language boards are communication tools that provide a visual display of symbols, words, or pictures. These boards are designed to support individuals who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. By pointing to or selecting symbols on the board, users can convey their needs, feelings, and thoughts.

Aided language boards can be tailored to suit the individual’s age, interests, and communication goals. They may include basic requests such as "I want a drink" or more complex concepts like "I feel nervous."

Who Can Benefit from Aided Language Boards?

Aided language boards are helpful for a wide range of individuals, including:

• Children with Autism: Supporting communication when verbal speech is challenging.
• Individuals with Speech Delays or Disorders: Offering a means to express themselves while developing verbal skills.
• People with Physical Disabilities: Enabling communication when motor challenges make speaking difficult.
• Those Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Providing a low-tech complement to high-tech devices like communication apps or speech-generating devices.

How to Use Aided Language Boards

Using aided language boards effectively requires consistency and modeling. Here’s how to get started:

1. Introduce the Board: Present the board in a calm and positive environment, explaining how it can help with communication.
2. Model Language: Show the user how to point to symbols or pictures while you speak. For example, if they want a drink, point to the "drink" symbol while saying, "Do you want a drink?"
3. Encourage Use: Prompt the individual to use the board during daily activities. Ask open-ended questions that can be answered using the board.
4. Expand Communication: As the user becomes more confident, encourage them to use the board for more complex interactions, like sharing feelings or asking questions.
5. Customize for Their Needs: Ensure the board includes symbols or words that reflect the individual’s interests, routine, and environment.

The Benefits of Aided Language Boards

• Increased Independence: Aided language boards allow individuals to communicate their needs and make choices without relying solely on others to interpret their behaviour.
• Reduced Frustration: By providing an accessible way to express themselves, users can avoid the frustration that comes from being misunderstood.
• Enhanced Language Development: Pairing spoken language with visual symbols supports understanding and helps build vocabulary.
• Improved Social Connections: Aided language boards can facilitate conversations, helping users connect with peers, family members, and educators.

Why Choose Aided Language Boards Over Other Tools?

Aided language boards are particularly valuable because they are:

• Low-Tech: They don’t rely on batteries or devices, making them reliable and easy to use in any setting.
• Cost-Effective: Aided language boards are an affordable communication tool that can be printed and laminated for durability.
• Customizable: They can be tailored to suit the user’s specific communication needs, preferences, and abilities.

How We Support Families and Settings

At North West Speech and Language Therapy, we can provide bespoke aided language boards designed to meet the needs of each individual. We also offer training for families and educational settings on how to use these boards effectively.

Our experienced therapists work closely with families and schools to ensure that aided language boards are integrated into the individual’s daily life, supporting their unique communication journey.

Get Started with Aided Language Boards

If you think an aided language board could help your child, student, or loved one, we’d love to help you get started. Contact us to discuss your needs, and let’s work together to create a communication system that empowers the individual to express themselves and thrive.