Augmentative Alternative Communication
Assessment Tools
AAC Assessment Tools: Supporting Every Student’s Voice
As any experienced clinician knows, the purpose of a comprehensive evaluation is not just to rule in or out eligibility—it’s to build a well-rounded profile of a student’s strengths, needs, and potential. In the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), we hold a foundational belief: every child deserves a voice.
These free assessment tools are designed to support your process by providing insight into key areas of AAC readiness and learning. Importantly, areas of weakness identified through these tools should never be seen as barriers to AAC use. There are no prerequisites to communication. A student doesn’t need to demonstrate specific skills before being given access to a speech-generating device.
Instead, these tools are meant to guide your next steps. For example, if a student shows difficulty with categorization, that becomes an area to support and develop—not a reason to delay access to AAC. With the right supports in place, students can grow into successful, confident communicators.
Let this be your starting point for collaborative, strength-based planning that honors each student’s right to be heard.
Let's TalkbAACk and move forward together!
AAC Grid Size Evaluation
The AAC Grid Size Assessment helps determine the largest grid a student can visually attend to and physically access with accuracy and consistency. Clinicians should select the maximum grid size the student can handle—not the smallest—ensuring future language growth without unnecessary layout changes.
Best Practice Tip:
If vocabulary load is a concern, start with the appropriate grid size but hide unused buttons. This allows for gradual language introduction while preserving motor planning, which is critical for AAC users to develop automaticity and confidence. Once a layout is set, avoid moving button locations. Consistency supports motor memory, allowing users to navigate by feel and visual pattern—not just label recognition. This stability accelerates learning and reduces frustration.
TalkBAACk ✨
AAC Evaluation Tool
Feature-Matching Guided Questions
Progress: 0/6 sections completed
Communication Needs & Current Abilities
Establish communicative intent and current skills
Language & Vocabulary
Expressive/receptive language and symbol systems
Access & Physical
Physical access and motor planning evaluation
Cognitive & Symbolic
Symbolic understanding and abstract thinking
Technology & Device Features
AAC system options and features
Environmental & Team Support
Implementation and follow-through assessment
✓ Check all that apply
🎉 Assessment Complete! 📋
AAC Grid Size Evaluation
The AAC Grid Size Assessment helps determine the largest grid a student can visually attend to and physically access with accuracy and consistency. Clinicians should select the maximum grid size the student can handle—not the smallest—ensuring future language growth without unnecessary layout changes.
Best Practice Tip:
If vocabulary load is a concern, start with the appropriate grid size but hide unused buttons. This allows for gradual language introduction while preserving motor planning, which is critical for AAC users to develop automaticity and confidence. Once a layout is set, avoid moving button locations. Consistency supports motor memory, allowing users to navigate by feel and visual pattern—not just label recognition. This stability accelerates learning and reduces frustration.
🧠 AAC Grid Visual Discrimination Assessment
Progressive button grid complexity evaluation
Assessment Setup
Assessment Overview:
- • Progressive grid complexity (2 to 64 buttons)
- • 3 trials per level
- • Touch the requested button
- • Automatic discontinuation after 2 consecutive failed levels
Touch the:
Assessment Results
Assessment Activity
Using the AAC program/Device you are currently trialing with your student, open the recommended grid size (based on your previous assessment). Engaging in functional communication—all within a motivating, structured task. Guide your student through each step of the activity using their device to make selections.
They’ll practice:
Navigating across semantic categories (animals, emotions, clothing, food) Making meaningful choices. Cue are available to practice using core and fringe vocabulary, as well being able to model and probe 2 word combinations, e.g. 'want dog' 'feel tired', 'put on', etc.
TalkBaack
We are passionate about our mission to make communication accessible, empowering, and fun for every learner and every classroom. As part that mission we would like to offer this free AAC Feature Matching Assessment to help you.
Once answer all the questions you will be able to save a PDF version of your results.
Let’s talk bAACk—and move forward, together!
ps. we love and welcome feedback. If you want to share your thoughts or
have a great idea for a resource you would like to see come to life please email us.
Email: [email protected]
Site: talkbaack.org