Write Simple and SMART AAC Goals Like a Pro!

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When I first started out as an SLP, I will admit I used to reeeally overthink AAC goals. Now, I tend to use a few favorite resources and often go back to my favorite goal structure again and again.

So, I thought I’d share those resources and my favorite goal structure with you all today!

Resources for AAC Goals

First things first, the links below are my go-to resources when writing AAC goals for my students:

My Goal Writing Template

Through the years, I realized I tended to fall back on this goal structure when writing many AAC goals:

• Given ______ – insert supports here including access to their robust communication system, familiar communication partner, consistent modeling, sensory supports, indirect verbal prompts, etc…

• NAME will communicate for ## different communicative functions/purposes – name communication functions here including greeting others, making comments, requesting, refusing, sharing information, labeling, asking/answering questions, etc….

• within a ______ – insert time period here such as 20 minute activity, school day, class period, etc…

If you want to see more specifics, you can see more examples of some AAC goals I’ve written before here in my goal bank.

Implement AAC Goals with My Toolkit

And in case you need a tool to help with implementing AAC – like getting teachers on board, training staff, increasing modeling throughout the day, and planning communication opportunities all day – check out my AAC Implementation Toolkit here. It includes a new bonus section all about my AAC goal writing process, as well as everything you need to educate the entire team!

It’s one of my best sellers and has gotten some incredible feedback from other SLPs including….

“I am blown away by this resource- WOW. It is so comprehensive and relevant.”

“After using this resource for a full school year I can report that every.single.one of my AAC users has their device out and available to them ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. I honestly don’t think that would have been possible without this resource. Buy it, you won’t be disappointed!”

My original AAC Implementation Toolkit is $35 and available here. It was also translated into Spanish and that version is available here. If you want to check out a bundle of both versions, you can find that here!

I hope this helps to simplify your AAC goal writing process a bit and that all these resources are helpful!

Once you have a solid goal, make sure you have a plan for taking data to measure progress!

About the Author

Speechy Musings

Shannon is a pediatric SLP and the creator behind Speechy Musings. As an SLP, she is most passionate about language, literacy, and AAC. Outside of being an SLP, she loves hiking, camping, dogs, and travel.