AAC, Attention, and the Classroom: A Framework for Thinking about Attention and Attention Management

The ability to attend is widely recognized as a necessary foundation for learning and cognitive development at all levels – including social, communicative and literacy development. Issues of attention and attention management gain special significance when students have sensory and motor challenges, and where AAC systems place additional demands on a student’s and teacher’s attention. We share a framework that helps educational teams customize environments and practices in ways that maximize individual students’ ability to attend with the ultimate goal of increasing participation, motivation and achievement.