AAC services
Augmentative & Alternative Communication support for young children in Early Steps – a dedicated specialist, a lending library, and resources for families and providers.
Empowering children to communicate effectively and reach their full potential.
The HPC Early Steps AAC Program provides comprehensive Augmentative & Alternative Communication services for young children receiving Early Intervention through the Gulf Central and Southwest Florida Early Steps programs.
We specialize in supporting children’s participation in everyday routines, at home, at play, and in the natural environment through evidence-based AAC practices.
What is AAC?
Augmentative & Alternative Communication is any tool or strategy. beyond speech alone, that helps a child express themselves and understand others.
Many forms, one goal. AAC ranges from gestures, sign, and picture cards (no- and low-tech) to speech-generating apps and devices like Proloquo2Go, LAMP, and TD Snap (high-tech).
AAC supports speech — it doesn’t replace it. Research is clear that using AAC does not stop a child from talking; it often helps spoken language grow.
It works best in everyday routines. Modeling language on a device during play, meals, and books is what builds communication.
What we provide
A dedicated AAC specialist
Available for consultations, AAC assessment, and hands-on implementation support.
A lending library
Training & coaching
Why we start early
A full range of supports, delivered in your child’s natural environment by a coordinated team.
Speech ↑
Early Intervention and AAC: What a Difference 30 years makes
A landmark review found AAC use was associated with gains, not losses, in natural speech for most children. Introducing it early removes the “wait and see” risk.
Birth - 3
The earlier, the better
The early years are a critical window for language. Aided language input during this period builds both comprehension and expression before frustration sets in.
Daily
Modeling drives outcomes
Children learn AAC the way they learn speech, by seeing it used. Consistent aided language modeling in routines is the strongest predictor of progress.
Watch & learn - by topic
A growing collection of short videos supporting AAC implementation in daily routines.
Tools, manuals & printables
Hand-picked guides and materials from around the web. We thank all the writers and creators for their hard work; this collection is updated often.
Modeling AAC Around the Home
Ideas for the language you can model with AAC in every room of the house.
LessonPix
TD Snap
TD Snap is a flexible software offering professionals and families a choice of AAC solutions.
Learn with our team
We offer training and coaching for Early Steps staff and the families they serve – from “AAC 101” basics to device-specific, hands-on sessions. Most can be delivered virtually or in person.
Meeting links for the following have been shared with providers and service coordinators and can be found in your Teams calendar.
Contact Irene Haakman at [email protected] if you haven’t received invitations.
Caregivers, if you would like to attend office hours, please email me ([email protected]) or reach out to your primary service provider for the meeting link.
Trainings
Speech-Language Pathologist AAC Training, Topics listed on Teams invitations.
First Friday of each month (except holidays): 8am-9am, repeating at 11am-12pm
Office Hours
- Second Friday of each month (except holidays): 8am-9am and 11am-12pm
- Fourth Friday of each month (except holidays): 8am-9am and 11am-12pm
All are welcome, come and go as needed.