and respond, and reducing reliance on yes/no or choice- based questions, coaches help create a space for authentic communication. In this stage, the coach also emphasizes the importance of modeling language use on the AAC system, demonstrating how to communicate thoughts, needs, and ideas. These strategies are key to building AAC users’ confidence and proficiency in using their devices to express themselves. We see the role of coaches in many other aspects of life, from the sports field to the classroom where constructive feedback on practice is what elevates and enhances performance. The most nuanced level of support, mentoring , is a long- term, relational process. Mentoring recognizes that both the AAC user and their communication partners are continually learning and adapting. Rather than simply providing solutions, mentors focus on fostering a collaborative environment where challenges are acknowledged and explored. This relationship involves open-ended problem-solving through “I wonder” statements, which encourage mutual reflection and shared learning. The mentor’s role is to create a space where both the user and their support team feel empowered to address difficulties creatively and proactively. Mentoring also requires acknowledging the emotional and practical challenges faced by all parties, allowing for empathy and understanding throughout the process. This process applies to mentoring in any field or situation. As you think back, how often were you assigned a “mentor,” only to find that their goal was simply bringing you on board with how things are done, how to fill out forms, or informing you of the rules and regulations of the organization? Was the mentoring really a “training,” with little regard to your own personal goals? Hearing and addressing pain points is essential for building trust and rapport in a mentoring relationship, especially in the context of AAC support. A key responsibility of the mentor in any field of practice is to carefully navigate the balance between acknowledging the challenges faced by the mentee, and guiding them toward potential solutions. The process of “admiring the problem”—taking time to truly understand and reflect on the issue—helps validate the mentee’s experience and shows empathy. This phase is critical in fostering an environment where the mentee feels heard and supported. However, it is equally important for the mentor to know when to transition from simply exploring the problem to fostering solution-based thinking. Effective mentoring involves encouraging the mentee to generate their own ideas for addressing the challenge. When the mentee is involved in the problem-solving process, they are more likely to feel ownership of the solution and are, therefore, more motivated to try it.
On page 6 in Zachary & Fain’s Mentor’s Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships there is a table titled Elements in the Learner-Centered Mentoring Paradigm. In it we find many adult learning principles that are brought to the mentoring process. It includes wording and phrases such as “Adults learn best when they are involved in diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating their own learning,”… “adult learners need to be self-directing, the life experiences of others enrich the learning process,”.. “create and maintain a supportive climate that promotes the conditions necessary for learning to take place,”...and, “critical reflection and application” (Zachary & Fain, 2022, p. 6). By guiding the mentee toward solutions rather than imposing them, mentors help build confidence and empower the mentee to take active steps toward resolving their difficulties. This collaborative approach not only enhances the mentee’s problem-solving skills, but also strengthens the trust and partnership that underpins the mentoring relationship. Ultimately, training, coaching, and mentoring represent a continuum of support that helps AAC users move from basic device operation to confident, independent communication. Each stage builds upon the previous one, ensuring that AAC users not only have the technical skills to use their devices, but also the strategies and support they need to communicate their thoughts and ideas with greater autonomy and impact. As you think about your own field of practice, employing these elements in a continuing and fluid process provides a very supportive space for personal growth.
Dan and Brenda at Closing The Gap Conference.
12 https://www.closingthegap.com/benefits-of-membership/ | February / March, 2025 Closing The Gap © 2025 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
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