Say It Your Way: Creative AAC Personalization Ideas
By Taylor Coyle, M.A., CCC-SLP
For many families, an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device becomes much more than a piece of technology — it becomes a child's voice. Giving children opportunities to personalize their device can help build confidence, encourage independence, and make communication even more meaningful.
Here are a few simple ways to help your child make their AAC device feel like their own:
Choose a Voice They Love
Many speech-generating devices offer different voice options. Your child may be able to choose the pitch, speaking rate, or even an accent. When children help select the voice they hear every day, it can strengthen their connection to the device and increase their willingness to use it.
Add a Personal Touch
Stickers, colorful cases, favorite characters, sports themes, or family photos can help make an AAC device feel fun and unique. Just be sure decorations don't cover speakers, cameras, or charging ports. Removable stickers and protective cases are great ways to show off your child's personality while keeping equipment safe.
Explore Colors and Themes
Some AAC programs allow families to customize colors, backgrounds, and button styles. While these changes can be exciting, it's important to work with your child's therapist to ensure the setup continues to support visual organization and motor planning. The goal is to create a system that is both functional and enjoyable to use.
Give the Device a Name
Some children enjoy naming their AAC device, and this simple step can help create a positive connection with their communication tool. Whether it's something silly, creative, or completely unique, giving the device a name can make it feel like a trusted companion that goes wherever your child goes.
AAC at Home Video Series - A Resource for Families
We’re excited to share a new resource created by Katie, one of our SLP students! Katie completed a series of brief (2–3 minute) educational videos to help families feel more confident supporting AAC use at home.
The videos provide practical strategies for modeling language on AAC devices, creating communication opportunities during everyday routines, and encouraging communication beyond therapy sessions. Access the videos by clicking the button or scanning the QR code.
Every Voice Matters
At Hogg Therapy Pediatrics, we believe communication should be empowering, meaningful, and fun. Personalizing an AAC device is one more way to celebrate your child's individuality while supporting their communication journey.
Our speech therapists are passionate about helping children build confidence and find their voice. Whether your child is just beginning with AAC or has been using a device for years, we're here to support your family every step of the way. Contact us at (859)353-3666 to learn more about our speech therapy services and how we can help your child communicate with confidence.
![We’ve loved seeing your stories roll in over the past couple weeks and wanted to share one of our own, thanks to therapists Lauren & Maya and their friend Tiffany. ❤️
Last week, OT Ms. Lauren and ST Ms. Maya accompanied Tiffany on a HUGE adventure, attending the Special Needs Camp of Kentucky for activities, friendship, and growth ? Headquartered in Bath County, SNCKI is free to attend, with nearly 100 campers enrolled this year! Ms. Lauren shared her thoughts with the HTP team when she got home: “The other campers welcomed [Tiffany] with open arms, and she made so many new friends…A space where 76 teens/adults with disabilities of all kinds were free to just be them and make those connections with each other while having tons of fun. We have had moments that were trickier to navigate, but we did it together.”
One of the nights was family and community night, featuring a group dance and a talent showcase. ?Lauren said, “The amount of love and support in the gym was out of this world. For her mom to see that, to know that we’ve got her girl no matter what, means more than any treatment code or note I could ever write. She is already asking when she gets to come back…and even told her mom to ‘buy a new house at camp’? If you are not already, follow Special Needs Connections of Kentucky, Inc on facebook. They are doing such AMAZING things for our community here and deserve so much support.” ? We couldn’t agree more!
Therapy isn’t about treatment codes, billable hours, documentation, or recertification. It’s about the meaningful moments and the love we pour into these children every single day. This is why Hogg Therapy exists—to give every child the opportunity to experience a meaningful, joyful life. ✨ Thank you, Lauren and Maya for your support both in and outside of the clinic and for sharing this story! ?](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/747807719_18212073508337241_9129116297997701917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=CkIF2tEeziwQ7kNvwEgidrg&_nc_oc=Adrj7G30jYHsV7nj2WPcQiA_zSxCmZ5fXy4J7QVc5YmVtxfi8Gcy5zhtuJT2KEPZJ_c&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=xAyz1lULWCVdZx-jZfN2rA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQLYp_zLGnAwbpjrX-BRat6OJCiVbXKU6oUli91jk7PjISYikq0w2mp_Q3vRu8EPpPxzhDQdDTQHEw&oh=00_AQJjdsiekszDMbpSQukIPJY7_ONjjk-799vGv7F7zrQung&oe=6A9CA5CA)
![We’re sharing an occupational therapy success story from OT Mrs. Abby today! ? Meet Grayson! When he first started occupational therapy, everyday life felt hard. He was experiencing significant picky eating, struggled with daily routines and transitions, and had a difficult time managing big emotions.
Since then, Grayson has put in so much hard work. Through OT, he has built confidence, strengthened his self-regulation skills, and learned to take on new and challenging tasks with courage. Every small step has added up to something truly amazing! One of the biggest reasons for Grayson’s success has been the incredible partnership with his parents. They fully embraced therapy beyond the clinic by consistently practicing strategies at home through his Home Exercise Program (HEP). Their dedication, encouragement, and willingness to try new approaches have made all the difference.
Today, Grayson is trying new foods every week, navigating daily routines with greater independence, and enjoying more successful, joyful moments with his family. His growth is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a determined child, committed caregivers, and a supportive therapy team work together.
?Congratulations, Grayson! We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we’re celebrating your amazing parents, too. Your hard work, perseverance, and teamwork are inspiring! ?
[This story & all photos shared with parent permission ??] #occupationaltherapy #hoggtherapypediatrics #hoggtherapy #feedingtherapy](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/742695277_18211398901337241_3568386461214310976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=1YPJXCyCqD8Q7kNvwFQrN0c&_nc_oc=AdqhYVPK6THyuqdBQjWR0Wumrhy3-oJZU1cCQYnX9I7V9Is7tYV33kwg3TfZunDhidw&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=xAyz1lULWCVdZx-jZfN2rA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQJ7YpfLjfHEL7hEETcpNPdYgSoWC9Gnm1_0i8BkvvHaNU8FOqQbHbTAZu6sMHGSch75a4P-YXo4iA&oh=00_AQLfEaWdrCUNRAIuO1jgev_WZK47ZCDU5qBCyCvgjGVBFg&oe=6A9CBC8E)
