Click on the expander tabs below the image to find unique AAC components (in red) and activities addressing key self-determination skills for students with complex communication needs.
Self-Determination Model
Adapted for Individuals with Complex Communication Needs
Know Yourself and Your Environment
Students learn to:
Dream
Know your strengths, weaknesses, needs and preferences
Know options, supports and expectations
Decide what is important to you
Build an awareness of your special collection of AAC tools
Learn about non-verbal communication and body language
Value Yourself
Students learn to:
Accept and value yourself
Use weaknesses to find strengths
Recognize and respect rights and responsibilities
Take care of yourself
Develop and nurture positive relationships
Learn how to advocate for what you want in your AAC systems
Learn about the responsibilities for the care and maintenance of your communication systems
Plan
Students learn to:
Set Goals
Plan small steps to meet goals
Anticipate results
Be creative
Visually rehearse
Learn about using certain communication tools for certain purposes
Act
Students learn to:
Take risks
Communicate
Access resources and support
Negotiate
Deal with conflict and criticism
Communicate in different ways to achieve a goal, make a choice and have your opinion heard
Experience Outcomes and Learn
Students learn to:
Compare outcome to expected outcome
Compare performance to expected performance
Realize success
Make adjustments
Learn to self-advocate when things do not go as planned
Learn effective communication skills to maintain supports and social relationships
Monitor progress towards goals and adjust as needed
