Hi friends! I saw someone ask about tips for creating a custom AAC board from scratch, so here are mine!
- Think about its purpose. What do you plan to use it for? Always, or just sometimes? Is it just created for low tech or is it high tech too? Depending on what it's needed for you might want different words more easily accessible,
- Decide grid size based on the following: What you can see, your motor ability, and your overall processing. If you struggle with vision or tapping, a grid with less buttons might be better. If you don't have those issues, more buttons may be better. (But don't forget to not push it!)
- Design it based what you are already used to. For example, I always have My action buttons green because I am most used to them being green. I also always have My buttons organized alphabetically (when applicable) because otherwise it will confuse Me.
- If you are new to AAC, use a few practice boards for a little bit to see what you like. Many apps for high tech AAC have premade boards and there are lots of options for printable AAC boards for low tech, too! Learn what's best for you and go off that.
- For colours, go based off your vision ability. Bright colours personally hurt My eyes so I need more muted colours. Some people need higher contrasting colours, etc.
- Similar goes for symbols! Not all symbols work for everyone. In My case, I struggle to use a new symbol for a word once I am already used to a different symbol. This likely won't be as important to you if you rely more on text for word finding than symbols, but still good to note.
Sometimes though, it may just be easier to edit a pre-existing board than make a new one altogether. I have done that before and it's totally valid to do!
Most importantly though I will say: It will take time to get used to a board. It will probably feel uncomfortable for a little bit and you might want to start over. Those with even the highest communication abilities it will take a few months to get around it easily using it full-time. Though if you use your AAC board part time, are cognitively impaired/disabled (same), are intellectually disabled, have memory issues (same x2), or have any other condition that may affect navigating AAC, it will take longer, sometimes even years. Don't let that discourage you, though!
That's all My tips, hope you find them helpful! Feel free to add more if you have any!
