Modeling AAC On Vacation

May 3

I just got back from a trip (hence my long break from posts!) and it had me thinking about AAC on the go. Vacations are full of communication opportunities; no matter if you’re family is driving somewhere close by or flying to another state. Vacations are one of the most natural times to model AAC, because routines change, new words come up, and your child has a lot of new things they might want to comment on or ask about.

Why Bringing the Device on Vacation Matters

Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts, having your child’s device with you as often as possible matters.

When a device is newly introduced, sometimes families don’t want to bring it with them because it’s perceived as “one extra thing” to handle. However, this is when it matters most. Bringing the new AAC device with you shows your child, this is something that is important! We, as a family, value your words and value having all your communication tools with us - its not just your responsibility, it’s ours too! Kids learn from watching others. By bringing it, you are modeling to your child that it’s important.

Part 1: Modeling Core Words While Traveling (No Device Customization Required)

This post is built on top of Part 3 of my modeling series, where I shared examples of phrases parents can model in everyday routines. But here, instead of giving you a context and listing words to press, I'm flipping it. I'm giving you one word at a time and showing you how versatile it is across vacation moments.

Core words are the small, common words that show up everywhere in language. Words like go, more, want, look, and all done. They make up roughly 80% of what we say.

The beautiful thing about core words is that they work in any situation. And in most AAC device set ups, these words are already located on the home page of your child’s device. You don't need to add new vocabulary for them.

Below, I picked 5 core words that come up constantly on vacation (and really in any context in life!). For each one, I'll show you a handful of moments where you might model that single word.

Core Word 1: GO

"Go" is everywhere when you travel. Use it to narrate transitions, ask questions, and react to what's happening.

We're going to the airport. Let's go!
Where do you want to go next?
The plane is going fast!
The car won't go yet, we're still packing.
Should we go to the pool or the beach?
Mom is going to the bathroom, I'll be right back.
Time to go to bed!

Core Word 2: LOOK

Travel is full of new sights. "Look" is a great way to share what's around you and invite your child to notice things together.

Look at that big mountain!
Look, the seagulls!
Can you look at the menu with me?
Look out the window!
I want to look at this map.
Don't look down, it's high up!
Look who's here! It's grandma!

Core Word 3: MORE

Vacation tends to be full of "more" moments. Snacks, pool time, ice cream, attention, and so on.

Do you want more ice cream?
One more ride on the carousel!
More sunscreen on your shoulders.
Can we have more time at the pool?
Just one more photo, I promise!
More snacks for the car.
I want more souvenirs from the gift shop.

Core Word 4: ALL DONE / FINISHED

Trips have a lot of "let's wrap this up" moments, too. "All done" is one of the most useful words a kid can learn early.

All done with breakfast?
The flight is all done, we landed!
I'm all done swimming for today.
All done packing the suitcase.
The line is all done, it's our turn!
Are you all done with your snack?
The vacation is all done tomorrow, time to head home.

Core Word 5: HELP

New environments often mean new challenges. Modeling "help" gives your child a powerful tool to ask for what they need.

Can you help me carry this bag?
I need help with the seatbelt.
Help, my suitcase is full!
Do you need help with your shoes?
Help me find dad in the crowd.
Can you help me read this sign?
Help, the door is stuck!

Part 2: Adding Custom Vocabulary for Your Trip

If you want to take it a step further, vacations are also a great time to add a few trip-specific words to your child's device.

But here's the catch, it is important to be thoughtful about where you are programming. AAC devices are designed by AAC companies who have spent countless hours researching and assessing device layout. They have carefully chosen which words are placed where (for example having Core words on the home page) and it is very important not to program over these.

I have two places that I think are a safe place to add a few words to your child’s device without overriding any key programming features. If you read this and still feel a bit nervous, check with your child’s SLP to see what they think!

People Folder

Most AAC apps have a folder for People. Check this folder out and see what’s inside.

Examples to add for a trip:

Swapping out generic terms like Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle, cousins and including names
Names of family friends you’ll see on your trip
Pets at your destination

People sections are typically separate from core vocabulary, so adding names likely doesn't change how the rest of the device works. To be safe, I’d recommend adding any new buttons in blank spaces rather than deleting other words. Check with your child’s SLP if you aren’t sure.

Places Folder

Similar to the People folder, most AAC apps have a folder for Places. Check this folder out and see what’s inside.

Examples to add for a trip:

The destination itself (Florida, the beach, grandma's house, Disneyland)
Specific spots within the trip (the pool, the airport, the cabin)
Restaurants or favorite stops

Like People, Places is usually a self-contained category, so additions there don't bump into your child's core vocabulary. Just be careful to not delete any words when adding your own. It’s best to start by adding new “place” words to button spaces that are already blank within the folder. Check with your child’s SLP if you aren’t sure.

Want help getting your child's device travel-ready?

If you're heading on a trip and want personalized guidance on what to model or how to add custom vacation vocabulary safely, I offer virtual AAC parent coaching across Washington state. We can walk through your specific device, brainstorm modeling moments for your trip, and add a few people or places together.

If you're in the Seattle area, I also offer in-home AAC speech therapy, where I work directly with you and your child on AAC access and communication.

Book a Free 20-Min Call