Why do we play games?
 We like to learn new skills and test ourselves against
others.
 We can enjoy being with people without the need to
keep a conversation going.
 We can build relationships with people with whom we
have little in common.
 We learn more when we are having fun.
Why use games for AAC
intervention?
 Games provide scripts for social interaction.
 Participants have repeated, predictable opportunities to
practice target language.
 Games offer a safe environment in which to model and
practice a variety of language functions:
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Self advocacy
Encouraging and supporting others
Cheating
Bluffing
Complaining
Gloating, bragging
Friendly teasing
Good manners
What do you want to play?
A GOOD AAC GAME IS:
 Full of many kinds of communication opportunities!
 Challenging for all participants,
 Accessible for all participants,
 Related to IEP objectives
 FUN!!
Advantages of popular games
 They teach a schema that students can apply at home,
with peers.
 Everyone plays BINGO, Hangman, guessing games,
barrier games and card games throughout the life span.
 They provide exposure to popular culture “what
everyone else is doing” (playing, watching).
 E.g., Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, Deal or No Deal
 It’s easier to adapt a good game then it is to invent one!
Some things to consider:
 Physical Access
 Make it bigger
 Put handles on it
 Stabilize it (with putty or Velcro)
 Make it 3-D
 Sensory / Cognitive Access
 Real objects are easier to see and interpret
 Less is more—reduce clutter!
This…
Vs. This…
This…
vs.
This…
This…
vs. This…
Pick a card!
Roll the dice!
Spin the spinner!
Speaking Dynamically Pro (Mayer-Johnson Co.)
Spin the spinner!
By Canfield & Locke
All Turn It Spinner
AbleNet, Inc.
Dedicated devices can randomize!
PASS software for Vantage Lite, Prentke Romich Co.
Playing the Game
 Be sure to instruct paraprofessionals, peer tutors and
other helpers on what is expected – don’t let the
students become spectators
 Provide and refer to visual supports
 Model during the game
 Make winning worth it!
Resources
 Out and About with AAC CD
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http://www.aacintervention.com/home/180009852/18
0009852/docs/Software%202-06.pdf
Adapted Board Games
http://archive.brookespublishing.com/newsletters/do
wnloads/kluth_board-games.pdf
Teaching Core Vocab with Games
http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.co
m/2014/03/teaching-core-words-with-games.html