K & K Sign/Select To Talk

Support speech clarity and multimodal communication in children with complex needs.

K&K Sign/Select to Talk is an innovative Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and speech therapy program that helps autistic individuals and children with complex communication needs develop functional requesting, verbal approximations, and sign language. Designed for use with both unaided (signs/gestures) and aided AAC systems (PECS®, speech-generating devices), this resource builds verbal speech clarity through the Kaufman K-SLP word shell approach while promoting meaningful communication across settings.

What communication and speech goals does this target?

• Motivates spontaneous requesting using sign and AAC.
• Shapes intelligible verbal speech through successive word approximations.
• Supports receptive identification, labelling, and increased vocal utterance length.
• Builds foundational skills for functional communication across language functions.
• Serves as a sign language dictionary for high-interest vocabulary.
• Encourages generalization of verbal and AAC-based requests into conversational language.

What makes this AAC and speech therapy resource so effective?

• Includes over 200 engaging vocabulary cards (foods, toys, drinks, and activities).
• Real photographs selected for iconicity and generalization across language functions.
• Each card includes:
  • A high-quality image of the item or action (front).
  • Kaufman K-SLP “word shell” approximations (back).
  • Written ASL sign description and hand shape visuals (back).
• Designed to be used with children who are verbal, nonverbal, or using multimodal communication.
• Ideal for treatment teams integrating AAC and vocal language instruction.
• Targets were specifically chosen to match motivators in autistic individuals and support generalization.
• Effective for learners with apraxia or limited vocalizations.

Why this learning approach works so well:

This program builds requesting and verbal skills simultaneously by using preferred items as speech targets within AAC instruction. Learners are supported in shaping verbal approximations of the same items they request with signs or AAC devices. This concurrent instruction increases motivation, speech attempts, and communication confidence. The approach also allows for the gradual expansion of language from requesting to declaratives, questions, and conversational interactions.

Implementation tips for SLPs and educators:

• Select target cards based on student motivation and AAC vocabulary.
• Pair with existing AAC systems, speech-generating devices, or PECS®.
• Use during requesting, mand training, or echoic/verbal imitation tasks.
• Ideal for home programs, school-based speech therapy, and private practice.
• Supports learners aged 2 to 12 across a variety of communication profiles.

Who is the K&K Sign/Select to Talk helpful for?

This AAC and speech resource targets communication development in toddlers to students in grade 7, or ages 2 to 12. K&K Sign/Select to Talk is an educational resource for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), special educators, behaviour analysts, autism specialists, teachers, and parents. Its versatility makes this communication program ideal for therapy clinics, classrooms, and home learning environments, supporting children who benefit from multimodal language instruction.

K&K Sign/Select to Talk includes:

• Over 200 glossy 5" x 7" vocabulary cards featuring:
• Real-life photographs of motivating items and actions (front).
• Kaufman “word shell” approximations to shape speech production (back).
• Written ASL sign descriptions and hand shape illustrations (back).
• Targets include foods, drinks, toys, and activities commonly requested by children.
• Functions as a sign language dictionary for difficult-to-find items (e.g., Cheetos®, JELL-O®).
• 50-page instructional manual covering:
  • Overview of the K-SLP Protocol and its application with AAC.
  • Guidelines for verbal imitation, mand training, and sign instruction.
  • Considerations for learners with autism and apraxia.
  • Teaching procedures for AAC and sign manding.
  • Sign selection, hand shape instruction, and implementation strategies.
• Made in the USA.