How Stella Learned to Talk: The Groundbreaking Story of the World's First Talking Dog

by Christina Hunger

Aided language input means using the learner’s AAC system to talk naturally while saying the same words verbally at the same time. Using both spoken language and the device simultaneously is shown to increase the learner’s receptive and expressive language skills.12 This simple strategy improves language outcomes for a couple of big reasons. First, the speaker tends to slow down their rate of speech as they go back and forth between saying a word verbally and with the device. A slower rate of speech gives the learner more time to process the words. Second, aided language input serves as a model for the user. The learner hears a word verbally, hears and sees another way to say that same word, and observes the word being used in appropriate contexts.

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