Therapeutic Horeseback Riding Communication Boards

Give every rider a voice—enhancing safety, independence, and inclusion while making every ride more connected, confident, and engaging.

5 Important Tips for Supporting AAC Users : How to Empower Communication

When it comes to supporting individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or friend, understanding how to create an inclusive and supportive environment can make a world of difference for AAC users of all ages.In this post, we’ll share five practical tips for supporting AAC users, along with helpful resources to deepen your understanding and boost your confidence.

Embrace Consistent Modeling

Modeling AAC use is one of the most powerful ways to encourage communication. Whether the AAC system is a high-tech device or a low-tech communication board, modeling involves demonstrating how to use the system in everyday interactions. When you point to symbols, use the device to form sentences, or incorporate it into routines, you show the AAC user that this is a valid and valuable method of communication.

Tips for Consistent Modeling:

Use the AAC system naturally throughout the day, not just during structured “therapy” time.
Model mistakes and repairs—this shows that communication doesn’t need to be perfect.
Involve siblings, peers, and other family members in modeling to reinforce AAC use.

Enhance Rider Communicaiton
- Supports nonverbal, minimally verbal, and emerging communicators
- Encourages spontaneous communication
- Provides riders the opportunity to more actively particpate in lessons by making requests, answering question or initiating interaction
Improves Rider Safety
- Features core vocabulary words used across environments and activities.
- Standard vocabluary layout is 100% customizable to meet your individual needs.
- Enables riders to communicate discomfort, confusion or safety concerns quickly and effectively.
Assists Volunteers and Staff
- Encourages caregivers, teachers, and therapists to model vocabulary naturally
- Promotes collaboration and carryover across home and school
Facilitates Social Interaction and Inclusion
- Enables riders to greet others, ask questions or comment on their experience, promoting social development.
- Provides a voice for all riders, regardless of speech ability, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.