Your First Login: Navigating Flexspeak AAC

Welcome to Flexspeak! This guide will help you understand how to use your AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) grid to communicate effectively. Even if you've never used an AAC system before, we'll walk you through everything step by step.

What is an AAC Grid?

An AAC grid is a digital communication board that helps you express thoughts, needs, and feelings by selecting words and symbols. Think of it as a visual keyboard where each button represents a word, phrase, or concept that can be spoken aloud.

Understanding Your Screen

Top Toolbar

Language Selector (Center): Select your speaking language (English, Spanish, etc.) Message Bar: Shows the words you've selected to create your message Toolbar Buttons (Right): Access settings, search, and other tools

Main Grid Area

The large grid in the center contains all your communication options, organized by color-coded categories.

Color-Coded Categories

Flexspeak uses colors to help you find words quickly:

Pink/Red - People

• Who you're talking about: I, you, we, they, she, he

• Family members: mom, dad, sister, brother

• Relationships: friend, teacher, doctor

Blue - Actions

• What you want to do: want, go, like, play

• Daily activities: eat, drink, help, stop

• Movement: put, have, look, listen

Green - Describe

• How things are: good, more, other, now

• Qualities: not, done, big, small

• Feelings and states: happy, tired, hungry

Gray - Topics

• Places and things: home, school, animal, health

• Categories: colors & shapes, technology, nature

• Subjects: sensory, transportation, time

Yellow - Social

• Social interactions: about me, thank you

• Politeness: let's, wait, yes, no

• Greetings and responses

Orange - Prepositions

• Location words: to, up, on, down

• Relationship words: with, in, under, over

• Direction words: around, through, between

How to Create Messages

Basic Message Building

1. Select words in order: Click buttons to add words to your message bar

2. Build sentences: Choose words that make sense together

3. Speak your message: Your device will say the words aloud automatically

Example Message Creation

To say "I want to go home":

1. Click "I" (pink People category)

2. Click "want" (blue Actions category)

3. Click "to" (orange Prepositions category)

4. Click "go" (blue Actions category)

5. Click "home" (gray Topics category)

Navigating Categories

Main Categories

• Category buttons have arrows (►) showing they contain more words

• Click a category to see all words in that group

• Individual words can be clicked to add them to your message

Drilling Down

1. Click a category like "People" to see all people-related words

2. Browse the expanded options: family, friends, titles, relationships

3. Click specific words to add them to your message

4. Use the back arrow to return to the main grid

Finding More Words

• Sub-categories like "My Family" or "Identity" contain even more specific words

• Click the arrow next to these to explore deeper

• Navigate back using the home button or back arrow

Multilingual Features

Language Selection

• Primary language: Choose your main speaking language from the dropdown

• Secondary language: Add a second language for translation

• Switch languages: Change between languages as needed

Translation Mode

• Translate button: Convert your message to another language

• Dual language display: See your message in both languages

• Language learning: Practice vocabulary in different languages

Message Bar Functions

Building Messages

• Word order: Words appear in the order you select them

• Message display: See your complete message before speaking

• Edit options: Remove or change words as needed

Speaking Options

• Automatic speech: Words are spoken as you select them (if enabled)

• Manual speech: Click the speak button to hear your message

• Voice selection: Choose different voice options in settings

Helpful Features

Search Function

• Search button: Find specific words quickly

• Type to search: Enter words you're looking for

• Quick access: Skip browsing categories when you know what you want

Keyboard Option

• Keyboard button: Type words directly

• Custom messages: Create messages not available in the grid

• Spelling support: Type words to add to your message

Settings Access

• Settings button: Customize your experience

• Adjust preferences: Change voice, speed, grid size

• User customization: Personalize your communication setup

Tips for New Users

Start Simple

1. Practice basic messages: Start with "I want" or "I like"

2. Explore categories: Click through different colored sections

3. Try common phrases: "Thank you," "Help," "More"

4. Build confidence: Use familiar words first

Learning the Layout

1. Remember colors: Each color represents a type of word

2. Use patterns: People (pink), Actions (blue), Descriptions (green)

3. Practice navigation: Learn to move between categories and back

4. Explore regularly: New words become familiar with use

Building Fluency

1. Practice daily: Regular use builds speed and comfort

2. Try new combinations: Experiment with different word orders

3. Use in real situations: Apply AAC in actual conversations

4. Ask for help: Family and professionals can support your learning

Common Beginner Challenges

"I can't find the word I need"

• Use search: Type the word you're looking for

• Try synonyms: Look for similar words

• Use descriptions: Combine words to explain your meaning

• Ask for help: Someone can help you locate words

"The message doesn't sound right"

• Word order matters: Try rearranging words

• Add connector words: Use prepositions and articles

• Practice patterns: Common sentence structures become natural

• It's okay to be imperfect: Communication is more important than perfect grammar

"It's too slow"

• Speed comes with practice: Using AAC gets faster over time

• Learn shortcuts: Memorize locations of common words

• Use predictions: The system may suggest words

• Customize: Adjust settings to match your needs

Remember, learning to use AAC is a journey. Be patient with yourself, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to experiment. The more you use Flexspeak, the more natural it will become!