How can augmentative communication be integrated into the IEP?

I just wrote about how teachers can help students who use augmentative communication who may display learned helplessness. Now I will discuss how augmentative communication should be integrated into the IEP. First of all, it must be determined to be necessary for the student. From there the IEP should outline the necessary components for the technology and how it will be used. Goals will be developed and the IEP must explain how these goals will be met using the device. The use of augmentative communication is not a goal in and of itself. Rather is it a means to meeting a goal. The IEP should also indicate how the technology will be used throughout the day in various settings.