How long is a piece of string? The time needed to learn the basics depends on the person and the system.
Learning to communicate using an AAC system is a difficult task. Learning how to operate an AAC system can sometimes be relatively straightforward, but it can take longer to learn how to use an AAC system effectively in conversation with other people.
Learning to communicate with some of the aids available is a bit like learning to communicate in a foreign language – you need lots of teaching and opportunities to practise before you begin to feel even slightly confident.
As communication is for life, we need to understand that people using AAC systems never stop learning how to express themselves more fluently. Ongoing support and training for both the person using AAC and their family and carers is very important.
See also:
