Communication for All: Expanding AAC and Language Access Across Learning Environments

Increase functional communication opportunities for students who use AAC or require visual communication supports. Improve participation during classroom instruction, therapy sessions, and peer interactions. Support language and literacy development through evidence based intervention materials. Increase staff capacity to implement communication supports across educational settings.

This project will provide a portable communication toolkit designed to support students with complex communication needs from preschool through transition age. Materials will include core vocabulary boards, visual supports, communication books, literacy based language intervention materials, adapted curriculum supports, and social communication resources. The toolkit will be used during speech-language therapy sessions and within classrooms to increase student participation, language development, self-advocacy, and access to grade level instruction.

Students will have increased opportunities to: Express wants, needs, ideas, and opinions. Participate in academic discussions. Engage in collaborative learning activities. Develop independent communication skills. Access curriculum using communication supports. The project will support educational achievement by reducing communication barriers and increasing active participation across school environments. Measurable Outcomes At least 80% of participating students will demonstrate increased use of communication supports during academic or social activities. Students will increase independent communication opportunities as measured through therapy data collection. Teachers and support staff will implement provided communication resources across multiple educational settings. Progress will be documented through therapy data, classroom observations, and teacher feedback.

Grant funds will be used to purchase communication and language resources that directly support students with speech and language needs across multiple educational settings. Funding will cover core vocabulary boards and laminating supplies ($250), AAC books and communication resources ($350), language and literacy intervention materials ($500), social communication curriculum and visual supports ($350), adapted books and classroom supports ($300), storage and organization materials ($150), and printing supplies for visual supports ($100). These evidence-based materials will be used during speech-language therapy sessions and within classrooms to increase communication, participation, and access to instruction. All materials will remain school property and will continue to benefit current and future students beyond the grant period. Total funding requested: $2,000. The purpose of this project is to increase access to communication, language, and literacy supports for students with speech and language needs. Funding will provide AAC materials, visual supports, language intervention resources, and social communication tools that promote active participation in academic and social activities.

2000

core vocabulary boards and laminating supplies

250

books and communication resources

350

language and literacy intervention materials

500

social communication curriculum and visual supports

350

adapted books and classroom supports

300

storage and organization materials

150

printing supplies for visual supports

100