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Resources
What Is an AAC Device?
If you're curious about how Communication Devices are empowering individuals with communication challenges, you're in the right place!
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices, or AAC devices, are revolutionary tools designed to enhance communication for people who face difficulties in speaking or expressing themselves through traditional means. AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech and alternative means to be used instead of speech.
Who can benefit from a communication device?
People who are non-speaking all or some of the time, individuals whose speech is unclear, or an individual who has a significant discrepancy between their understanding of language and their ability to express what they want to say. Some people use AAC throughout their life while others may use AAC only for a short time, like when they have surgery and can't speak.
Whether you're a parent seeking solutions for your child, a therapist exploring new methods, or simply curious about the world of assistive technology, our website offers a comprehensive and compassionate guide to the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices, and their profound impact on improving the quality of life for individuals with communication difficulties or who are non-speaking.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices, or AAC devices, are revolutionary tools designed to enhance communication for people who face difficulties in speaking or expressing themselves through traditional means. AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech and alternative means to be used instead of speech.
Who can benefit from a communication device?
People who are non-speaking all or some of the time, individuals whose speech is unclear, or an individual who has a significant discrepancy between their understanding of language and their ability to express what they want to say. Some people use AAC throughout their life while others may use AAC only for a short time, like when they have surgery and can't speak.
Whether you're a parent seeking solutions for your child, a therapist exploring new methods, or simply curious about the world of assistive technology, our website offers a comprehensive and compassionate guide to the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices, and their profound impact on improving the quality of life for individuals with communication difficulties or who are non-speaking.
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Device Maintenance
Open Access Resource Centre sets up iPad-based Communication Devices to be updated and managed through Mobile Device Management (MDM).
This enables us to automatically deploy software, updates, and settings and to maintain them as dedicated communication devices.
*Please be aware that while Open Access Resource Centre can access
some information contained on and related to Devices via this remote
management, such as hardware information, OS version, installed apps,
and security settings, it does not have access to cameras, microphones,
files, or photos contained on devices connected to our MDM server.*
To properly maintain your device, it is necessary for the device to have periodic access to a WIFI.
For more tips on how to maintain your iPad as a communication device, see the Reference Guides listed below.
This enables us to automatically deploy software, updates, and settings and to maintain them as dedicated communication devices.
*Please be aware that while Open Access Resource Centre can access
some information contained on and related to Devices via this remote
management, such as hardware information, OS version, installed apps,
and security settings, it does not have access to cameras, microphones,
files, or photos contained on devices connected to our MDM server.*
To properly maintain your device, it is necessary for the device to have periodic access to a WIFI.
For more tips on how to maintain your iPad as a communication device, see the Reference Guides listed below.
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Helpful Links
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iPad Reference Guide - Remote Management
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iPad Reference Guide - Remote Management
This package has been designed as a reference guide regarding the ongoing maintenance and care of your iPad. Your iPad has been programmed to maintain its use as a communication device. If you reset or change any settings, some of the features listed may not work as intended.
Remote Management
Your iPad has been set up and is remotely managed by Open Access Resource Centre (OARC). This includes the ability to restrict functionality, install apps, manage the backup of data, and monitor some device settings.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT COVERAGE
Telephone Technical Support Your product is eligible for telephone technical support under an AppleCare product.
Repairs and Service Coverage
Your product is covered for eligible hardware repairs and service under an AppleCare product.
AppleCare+ Warranty
You may qualify for service and support for your product. You must contact OARC to access these services.
OtterBox Lifetime Warranty If you have an OtterBox case only: Your OtterBox product will be replaced at no charge to you except for shipping, handling and applicable taxes. Please complete the form located at: http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/warranty-claim
GENERAL INFORMATION
Connect to a Wi-Fi network
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network allows for features on your device to be activated such as automatic system updates and app backups. 1. From your iPad screen > go to Settings > Wi-Fi. 2. Your device will automatically search for available Wi-Fi networks. 3. Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to join > Enter password (if required) > Join. A checkmark will appear next to the network name and in the upper-left corner of your screen. 4. To exit > press the Home Button, or 5. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen.
Access the Control Center
The Control Center allows you quick access to the camera, lock rotation, screen brightness, volume, AirDrop, and more. To open the Control Center 1. Swipe from the top-right corner. To close the Control Center 1. Press the Home button, or 2. Tap the screen.
AirDrop
AirDrop allows you to instantly share your photos, videos, and more with other Apple devices that are nearby. To turn on AirDrop 1. Open the Control Center. 2. Touch and hold the network settings card in the upper-left corner. 3. Tap AirDrop . 4. Choose one of these options: • Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device. • Everyone: All nearby iOS devices using AirDrop can see your device.5. If you see Receiving Off and can't tap to change it, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure that AirDrop is turned on.
To turn off AirDrop 1. Tap AirDrop. 2. Choose Receiving Off: You won't receive AirDrop requests.
To share using AirDrop 1. Open the Photos app, select the photo(s) you would like to share. 2. Tap Share . 3. Tap the AirDrop user that you want to share with, or 4. Tap AirDrop, then select the user.
To receive using AirDrop 1. When someone shares using AirDrop, you see an alert with a preview of the content. 2. Tap Accept or Decline. 3. If you tap Accept, the photo(s) will appear in the Photos app.
Charge your iPad every night
1. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi. 2. Connect your device to its cable. (Some devices use the Lightning cable, while newer devices use the USB-C cable.) 3. Plug into a wall power outlet, computer, or power accessory.
TROUBLESHOOTING If you are experiencing any problems with your device, its operating system or Apps, follow the below troubleshooting steps. If, after completing all steps you are still having trouble, please contact our office.
Close down Apps that are running in the background
1. Double-click the Home button to see all the open Apps, or 2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of any screen. 3. Swipe up on running Apps to close them. 4. To exit > press the Home Button or tap the screen.
Force restart your device
If your device freezes, or any Apps become unresponsive, you can force restart your device. 1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Top or Side (Sleep/Wake) button at the same time for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. If your device does NOT have a Home button: Press and release the volume up button. Press and release the volume down button. Press and hold the Top button for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. 2. The device will restart.
GUIDED ACCESS
Guided Access limits your iOS device to a single app (ie. disables the Home button and locks you in an app), and lets you control which features are available.
To set up Guided Access
1. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access. 2. Turn ON Guided Access. 3. Tap Passcode Settings > then tap Set Guided Access Passcode. 4. Enter a passcode > then re-enter it.
To start a Guided Access session
1. Open the app > then triple-click the Home button, or the Power button. 2. If you want parts of your screen to stop responding to touch > use one finger to draw around those areas. You can move or resize the shape, or tap the X to remove it. 3. Tap Start. Note: You will only be required to press Start the first time you use this feature in each app.
To end a Guided Access session
1. Triple-click the Home button, or the Power button. 2. Enter your Guided Access passcode. 3. Tap End.
Remote Management
Your iPad has been set up and is remotely managed by Open Access Resource Centre (OARC). This includes the ability to restrict functionality, install apps, manage the backup of data, and monitor some device settings.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT COVERAGE
Telephone Technical Support Your product is eligible for telephone technical support under an AppleCare product.
Repairs and Service Coverage
Your product is covered for eligible hardware repairs and service under an AppleCare product.
AppleCare+ Warranty
You may qualify for service and support for your product. You must contact OARC to access these services.
OtterBox Lifetime Warranty If you have an OtterBox case only: Your OtterBox product will be replaced at no charge to you except for shipping, handling and applicable taxes. Please complete the form located at: http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/warranty-claim
GENERAL INFORMATION
Connect to a Wi-Fi network
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network allows for features on your device to be activated such as automatic system updates and app backups. 1. From your iPad screen > go to Settings > Wi-Fi. 2. Your device will automatically search for available Wi-Fi networks. 3. Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to join > Enter password (if required) > Join. A checkmark will appear next to the network name and in the upper-left corner of your screen. 4. To exit > press the Home Button, or 5. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen.
Access the Control Center
The Control Center allows you quick access to the camera, lock rotation, screen brightness, volume, AirDrop, and more. To open the Control Center 1. Swipe from the top-right corner. To close the Control Center 1. Press the Home button, or 2. Tap the screen.
AirDrop
AirDrop allows you to instantly share your photos, videos, and more with other Apple devices that are nearby. To turn on AirDrop 1. Open the Control Center. 2. Touch and hold the network settings card in the upper-left corner. 3. Tap AirDrop . 4. Choose one of these options: • Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device. • Everyone: All nearby iOS devices using AirDrop can see your device.5. If you see Receiving Off and can't tap to change it, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure that AirDrop is turned on.
To turn off AirDrop 1. Tap AirDrop. 2. Choose Receiving Off: You won't receive AirDrop requests.
To share using AirDrop 1. Open the Photos app, select the photo(s) you would like to share. 2. Tap Share . 3. Tap the AirDrop user that you want to share with, or 4. Tap AirDrop, then select the user.
To receive using AirDrop 1. When someone shares using AirDrop, you see an alert with a preview of the content. 2. Tap Accept or Decline. 3. If you tap Accept, the photo(s) will appear in the Photos app.
Charge your iPad every night
1. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi. 2. Connect your device to its cable. (Some devices use the Lightning cable, while newer devices use the USB-C cable.) 3. Plug into a wall power outlet, computer, or power accessory.
TROUBLESHOOTING If you are experiencing any problems with your device, its operating system or Apps, follow the below troubleshooting steps. If, after completing all steps you are still having trouble, please contact our office.
Close down Apps that are running in the background
1. Double-click the Home button to see all the open Apps, or 2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of any screen. 3. Swipe up on running Apps to close them. 4. To exit > press the Home Button or tap the screen.
Force restart your device
If your device freezes, or any Apps become unresponsive, you can force restart your device. 1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Top or Side (Sleep/Wake) button at the same time for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. If your device does NOT have a Home button: Press and release the volume up button. Press and release the volume down button. Press and hold the Top button for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. 2. The device will restart.
GUIDED ACCESS
Guided Access limits your iOS device to a single app (ie. disables the Home button and locks you in an app), and lets you control which features are available.
To set up Guided Access
1. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access. 2. Turn ON Guided Access. 3. Tap Passcode Settings > then tap Set Guided Access Passcode. 4. Enter a passcode > then re-enter it.
To start a Guided Access session
1. Open the app > then triple-click the Home button, or the Power button. 2. If you want parts of your screen to stop responding to touch > use one finger to draw around those areas. You can move or resize the shape, or tap the X to remove it. 3. Tap Start. Note: You will only be required to press Start the first time you use this feature in each app.
To end a Guided Access session
1. Triple-click the Home button, or the Power button. 2. Enter your Guided Access passcode. 3. Tap End.
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iPad Reference Guide - with Apple ID
iPad Reference Guide - with Apple ID
This package has been designed as a reference guide regarding the ongoing maintenance and care of your iPad. Your iPad has been programmed to maintain its use as a communication device. If you reset or change any settings, some of the features listed may not work as intended.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT COVERAGE
Remote Management Your iPad has been set up and is remotely managed by Open Access Resource Centre (OARC). This includes the ability to restrict functionality, install apps, manage the backup of data, and monitor some device settings.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT COVERAGE
Telephone Technical Support Your product is eligible for telephone technical support under an AppleCare product.
Repairs and Service Coverage
Your product is covered for eligible hardware repairs and service under an AppleCare product.
AppleCare+ Warranty
You may qualify for service and support for your product. You must contact OARC to access these services.
OtterBox Lifetime Warranty If you have an OtterBox case only: Your OtterBox product will be replaced at no charge to you except for shipping, handling and applicable taxes. Please complete the form located at: http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/warranty-claim
GENERAL INFORMATION
Connect to a Wi-Fi network
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network allows for features on your device to be activated such as automatic system updates and app backups. 1. From your iPad screen > go to Settings > Wi-Fi. 2. Your device will automatically search for available Wi-Fi networks. 3. Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to join > Enter password (if required) > Join. A checkmark will appear next to the network name and in the upper-left corner of your screen. 4. To exit > press the Home Button, or 5. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen.
Access the Control Center
The Control Center allows you quick access to the camera, lock rotation, screen brightness, volume, AirDrop, and more. To open the Control Center 1. Swipe from the top-right corner. To close the Control Center 1. Press the Home button, or 2. Tap the screen.
AirDrop
AirDrop allows you to instantly share your photos, videos, and more with other Apple devices that are nearby. To turn on AirDrop 1. Open the Control Center. 2. Touch and hold the network settings card in the upper-left corner. 3. Tap AirDrop . 4. Choose one of these options: • Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device. • Everyone: All nearby iOS devices using AirDrop can see your device.5. If you see Receiving Off and can't tap to change it, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure that AirDrop is turned on.
To turn off AirDrop 1. Tap AirDrop. 2. Choose Receiving Off: You won't receive AirDrop requests.
To share using AirDrop 1. Open the Photos app, select the photo(s) you would like to share. 2. Tap Share . 3. Tap the AirDrop user that you want to share with, or 4. Tap AirDrop, then select the user.
To receive using AirDrop 1. When someone shares using AirDrop, you see an alert with a preview of the content. 2. Tap Accept or Decline. 3. If you tap Accept, the photo(s) will appear in the Photos app.
Charge your iPad every night
1. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi. 2. Connect your device to its cable. (Some devices use the Lightning cable, while newer devices use the USB-C cable.) 3. Plug into a wall power outlet, computer, or power accessory.
TROUBLESHOOTING If you are experiencing any problems with your device, its operating system or Apps, follow the below troubleshooting steps. If, after completing all steps you are still having trouble, please contact our office.
Close down Apps that are running in the background
1. Double-click the Home button to see all the open Apps, or 2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of any screen. 3. Swipe up on running Apps to close them. 4. To exit > press the Home Button or tap the screen.
Force restart your device
If your device freezes, or any Apps become unresponsive, you can force restart your device. 1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Top or Side (Sleep/Wake) button at the same time for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. If your device does NOT have a Home button: Press and release the volume up button. Press and release the volume down button. Press and hold the Top button for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. 2. The device will restart.
GUIDED ACCESS
Guided Access limits your iOS device to a single app (ie. disables the Home button and locks you in an app), and lets you control which features are available.
To set up Guided Access
1. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access. 2. Turn ON Guided Access. 3. Tap Passcode Settings > then tap Set Guided Access Passcode. 4. Enter a passcode > then re-enter it.
To start a Guided Access session
1. Open the app > then triple-click the Home button, or the Power button. 2. If you want parts of your screen to stop responding to touch > use one finger to draw around those areas. You can move or resize the shape, or tap the X to remove it. 3. Tap Start. Note: You will only be required to press Start the first time you use this feature in each app.
To end a Guided Access session
1. Triple-click the Home button, or the Power button. 2. Enter your Guided Access passcode. 3. Tap End.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT COVERAGE
Remote Management Your iPad has been set up and is remotely managed by Open Access Resource Centre (OARC). This includes the ability to restrict functionality, install apps, manage the backup of data, and monitor some device settings.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT COVERAGE
Telephone Technical Support Your product is eligible for telephone technical support under an AppleCare product.
Repairs and Service Coverage
Your product is covered for eligible hardware repairs and service under an AppleCare product.
AppleCare+ Warranty
You may qualify for service and support for your product. You must contact OARC to access these services.
OtterBox Lifetime Warranty If you have an OtterBox case only: Your OtterBox product will be replaced at no charge to you except for shipping, handling and applicable taxes. Please complete the form located at: http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/warranty-claim
GENERAL INFORMATION
Connect to a Wi-Fi network
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network allows for features on your device to be activated such as automatic system updates and app backups. 1. From your iPad screen > go to Settings > Wi-Fi. 2. Your device will automatically search for available Wi-Fi networks. 3. Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to join > Enter password (if required) > Join. A checkmark will appear next to the network name and in the upper-left corner of your screen. 4. To exit > press the Home Button, or 5. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen.
Access the Control Center
The Control Center allows you quick access to the camera, lock rotation, screen brightness, volume, AirDrop, and more. To open the Control Center 1. Swipe from the top-right corner. To close the Control Center 1. Press the Home button, or 2. Tap the screen.
AirDrop
AirDrop allows you to instantly share your photos, videos, and more with other Apple devices that are nearby. To turn on AirDrop 1. Open the Control Center. 2. Touch and hold the network settings card in the upper-left corner. 3. Tap AirDrop . 4. Choose one of these options: • Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device. • Everyone: All nearby iOS devices using AirDrop can see your device.5. If you see Receiving Off and can't tap to change it, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure that AirDrop is turned on.
To turn off AirDrop 1. Tap AirDrop. 2. Choose Receiving Off: You won't receive AirDrop requests.
To share using AirDrop 1. Open the Photos app, select the photo(s) you would like to share. 2. Tap Share . 3. Tap the AirDrop user that you want to share with, or 4. Tap AirDrop, then select the user.
To receive using AirDrop 1. When someone shares using AirDrop, you see an alert with a preview of the content. 2. Tap Accept or Decline. 3. If you tap Accept, the photo(s) will appear in the Photos app.
Charge your iPad every night
1. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi. 2. Connect your device to its cable. (Some devices use the Lightning cable, while newer devices use the USB-C cable.) 3. Plug into a wall power outlet, computer, or power accessory.
TROUBLESHOOTING If you are experiencing any problems with your device, its operating system or Apps, follow the below troubleshooting steps. If, after completing all steps you are still having trouble, please contact our office.
Close down Apps that are running in the background
1. Double-click the Home button to see all the open Apps, or 2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of any screen. 3. Swipe up on running Apps to close them. 4. To exit > press the Home Button or tap the screen.
Force restart your device
If your device freezes, or any Apps become unresponsive, you can force restart your device. 1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Top or Side (Sleep/Wake) button at the same time for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. If your device does NOT have a Home button: Press and release the volume up button. Press and release the volume down button. Press and hold the Top button for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. 2. The device will restart.
GUIDED ACCESS
Guided Access limits your iOS device to a single app (ie. disables the Home button and locks you in an app), and lets you control which features are available.
To set up Guided Access
1. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access. 2. Turn ON Guided Access. 3. Tap Passcode Settings > then tap Set Guided Access Passcode. 4. Enter a passcode > then re-enter it.
To start a Guided Access session
1. Open the app > then triple-click the Home button, or the Power button. 2. If you want parts of your screen to stop responding to touch > use one finger to draw around those areas. You can move or resize the shape, or tap the X to remove it. 3. Tap Start. Note: You will only be required to press Start the first time you use this feature in each app.
To end a Guided Access session
1. Triple-click the Home button, or the Power button. 2. Enter your Guided Access passcode. 3. Tap End.
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Modeling without expectations
Speak AAC to teach AAC!
Modeling without expectations means that we use the communication device when speaking to our child without requiring that they respond. We use the device to supplement what we are saying and point to or push key words while talking. The purpose of this is to demonstrate or "model" how to use the device in a natural context. Browse the resources below to give you examples of how we model without expectation in our every day lives. You can also click here to download a our Top Modeling Tips!
Modeling without expectations means that we use the communication device when speaking to our child without requiring that they respond. We use the device to supplement what we are saying and point to or push key words while talking. The purpose of this is to demonstrate or "model" how to use the device in a natural context. Browse the resources below to give you examples of how we model without expectation in our every day lives. You can also click here to download a our Top Modeling Tips!
AAC Information
Video Explanations and Examples of Modeling
Planning Guides for Modeling
It can be helpful to have a list of words to model when discussing a particular topic. Download and print these pages as a reference for what words you can use when talking about butterflies, the toothfairy, and riding the bus!
Symbol-Based Activities
Download and use these activities as a way to incorporate symbol-based language into every day fun! Countdown the month of December with a target word/symbol each day or write your letter to Santa using your communicaiton device!
AAC Everywhere
Children who use communication devices should have access to their words at all times. Whether in the pool, biking, jumping on a trampoline, or playing with slime, there are ways to use no-tech or light tech solutions to maintain access to their communication.
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The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is dedicated to enriching the lives of Manitobans who have communication difficulties or who are non-speaking by providing access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
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