Free AAC Communication Board | Core Vocabulary Tool
By Karen Krogg, M.S., CCC-SLP
SLPs, special education teachers, and parents are often searching for a free AAC communication board. This core vocabulary tool features core words and specific fringe vocabulary. This board is web-based and does not require a download, and can be accessed on my Speech Therapy Tools page. So, whether you need to model AAC in the classroom, during speech therapy sessions, or at home, this free communication board is the perfect tool.
I’m Karen Krogg, M.S., CCC-SLP, and I’ve spent 15+ years working with students in school-based and pediatric outpatient speech therapy settings. In that time, I’ve worked with many children with receptive and expressive language disorders who have benefited from the use of AAC.
This free AAC communication board is a mid-tech, web-based tool. It features core vocabulary and fringe vocabulary, and offers speech output when a word is selected. It requires no download, account, or purchase. It is accessible directly from the Speech Therapy Tools page on The Pedi Speechie’s website. It works on a computer, tablet, or Smart Board, making it useful for speech therapy sessions, classroom AAC modeling, and home use. It requires the internet to use.
Watch: How to Use the Free AAC Communication Board
Click to read the full video transcript
Hey guys, it’s Karen from the Pedi Speechie and I have an exciting update to my website that I wanted to share with you.
So, if you’re an SLP looking for free, easy to access AAC, I did create a core vocabulary board that you can use directly from my speech therapy tools on my website. So, you have to start by heading to thepedispeechie.com and then select that free tools option up at the top. And as you’ll see, there are a lot of free speech therapy tools that you can check out, but for today, I’m just going to show you this core vocabulary board. So, to start with, I’m going to just zoom out so that you can see it a little bit better. You can adjust the size on your screen as well, and I’ll go over that in just a minute, but I just wanted to show you what the board has.
So, it has lots of core vocabulary such as want, help, go, stop, and more. There’s also a fringe vocabulary strip up at the top. I’m just gonna show you what this sounds like. You can build phrases (want, help) pretty easily. So, it’s very practical for common activities and also daily routines. And because this is web-based, there’s nothing to purchase and there’s nothing to download. So, you can pull it up on a computer, interactive whiteboard, or a tablet and you can begin modeling words right away. It can be useful during therapy sessions, classroom activities, play-based routines, or you could use it as a temporary backup when a student’s primary AAC device isn’t available.
So, as I was saying before, you can adjust how much of the board appears on the screen. On a laptop or a desktop, you can use command and minus on a Mac to zoom out, or you can use command and plus on a Mac to zoom in. And on a PC it is control and minus to zoom out or control and plus to zoom back in. On a tablet, you can adjust the browser view or rotate the tablet to landscape mode for a wider display.
I also wanted to note that this could really be a helpful starting option for parents of toddlers. They can display the board on a tablet and model simple words during mealtime, playtime, books, and everyday routines.
The board is not customizable, and it is not intended to replace a child’s individualized AAC system or a comprehensive AAC evaluation. However, it provides a free, convenient way to model core vocabulary and support communication throughout the day. So, just as a reminder, you can access this at thepedispeechie.com and select the free tools option. From there, you’ll see the core vocabulary board option.
What’s On the Core Vocabulary Board
Core vocabulary words include the most frequently used words in conversation. This AAC communication board includes the following core vocabulary words.
Core Words
- I
- you
- my
- he
- she
- it
- want
- help
- go
- stop
- yes
- no
- more
- again
- all done
- like
- not
- turn
- what
- where
- look
- play
- that
- in
- out
- on
- off
- up
- down
- open
Fringe Vocabulary and Quick Needs
This communication board also includes a small set of “quick needs” and fringe vocabulary words, or highly specific words, that may be useful to the user.
- eat
- drink
- bathroom
- hurt
- mad
- happy
How To Build Phrases
You can use the AAC communication board to build simple phrases and sentences. Here are some examples:
- want help
- what that
- play that
- want more
- like that
- go up
- want eat
- not like
- my turn
- turn up
How To Access and Use The Free AAC Communication Board
- Go to www.thepedispeechie.com/speech-therapy-tools
- Select “core vocabulary board“
- Using a laptop? You may need to zoom out slightly to see the entire AAC board at once. In Google Chrome, press Command + minus on a Mac, or Ctrl + minus on a Windows computer.
- Using a tablet? You may also need to adjust the zoom. Use the “pinch-to-zoom” gesture, or rotate to landscape mode to allow for a wider display.
Who This Free Communication Tool is For
Anyone can use this free communication tool! But it was specifically designed for use with children with communication needs. The following people may especially find this tool useful:
- SLPs (speech-language pathologists) often need quick access to an AAC communication board during speech therapy sessions
- Special education teachers may wish to display this digital communication board on SmartBoards for easy classroom AAC modeling! Paraprofessionals may also assist with modeling core vocabulary during classroom routines.
- Parents may also wish to model core words during daily routines with toddlers and children
Limitations to Consider
This tool functions as a static display and voice output device. It is a mid-tech AAC option. Unlike a paper-based communication board, it does provide speech output when a word is selected. However, it is important to note the following when using this free AAC tool:
- This free AAC communication board is not customizable (the layout and vocabulary are fixed)
- It is not meant to replace a child’s individualized AAC system or a comprehensive AAC evaluation.
Benefits of this AAC Communication Board
- Provides a free, accessible option for AAC language modeling
- Includes high-frequency core vocabulary
- Includes a strip of “quick needs” and fringe vocabulary
- Maintains consistent word placement to support a motor plan
- Simple, on-the-go format for therapy and classroom use
- Provides a backup when other AAC tools are not working or not available
Frequently Asked Questions
Core vocabulary words are the most frequently used words in conversation. They include words like “go”, “want”, and “help”. They are typically verbs, pronouns, and prepositions.
A core vocabulary board is a low-tech AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tool that features a grid of carefully-selected core words. Core words are the most frequently used words in conversation, such as ‘go’ and ‘want’. Core vocabulary boards are especially useful for children who are preverbal (not yet speaking), minimally verbally, or need help with communication. This particular option is mid-tech, since it offers voice output.
This free AAC communication board can be a helpful mid-tech AAC tool to both model and support communication. However, it is not meant to replace a child’s individual high-tech communication device or a comprehensive AAC evaluation.
Yes, absolutely! Teachers can access the free communication board here. After that, display it on smart boards to assist with modeling core words.
Adults should model the language and show the child how to use the tool. Use it in everyday situations. If walking up the stairs, an adult might say, “We’re walking UP“, and click on the core word ‘up’. Do not force the child to say the word, or physically make them point to (or click on) the word. The goal is to model the core words often and provide the child with AAC at all times.
Related Core Words Activities
CORE WORDS BOOKS
Are you looking for simple ways to model core words in speech therapy sessions?
These interactive books are perfect for your students!
Bonus: pair them with the free AAC communication board.
SLPs enjoy using these seasonal and holiday books all school year.
→ Check out the Interactive Core Words Books
PARENT HANDOUTS FOR MODELING CORE WORDS
Help parents learn how to model core vocabulary with these handouts!
These handouts explain to parents how to incorporate core words into everyday routines.
Ashley R. reviewed, “So easy to send home for parents to incorporate use of AAC at home! I love the suggestions and seasonal activities included.”
→ Send home the Parent Handouts for Modeling Core Vocabulary
