Always choose the quickest and most efficient system that does not cause negative side effects such as fatigue. In selecting an AAC program, it is easy to become distracted by the equipment and systems, forgetting that people teach communication, not technology. Therefore, keep the child's goals in mind and think about teaching methods to be used. Extra batteries should be kept on hand. Devices break down and need service.
Some devices require programming and can result in a tremendous amount of work.
Devices need to be portable, as children need to communicate all the time, even while walking or riding in a car. The device should be sturdy, as children tend to be hard on equipment. VOCAs can be very expensive, costing thousands of dollars. Some devices may be too difficult or complicated for the child to operate. Once the method of AAC has been decided upon and the child is ready to begin using AAC, the next difficult task is teaching the child how to communicate with it.