Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

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Implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Current Issues
Format(s): SIG Perspectives
These SIG 12 Perspectives articles offer opportunities to extend augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) clinical practice through the inclusion of critical topic areas. They describe survey results and recommendations on disaster preparedness for SLPs to support people who use AAC; propose strategies for clinicians to create a “friendship mindset” in AAC assessment and implementation; offer strategies for designing and implementing Visual Scene Displays (VSDs) as a component within AAC systems for clients across the lifespan; and describe how perspectives of adult part-time AAC communicators support assessment and intervention with beginning communicators who have intermittent, unreliable, and inconsistent speech.
AAC Coaching in a Virtual World: Strategies for Success
Format(s): eWorkshop
Coaching communication partners to support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an important and effective strategy, and the increase in virtual communication over the past year has opened the door for more comprehensive and robust coaching opportunities. This session from ASHA's 2021 Schools Connect online conference examines technology tools that make the process more efficient, accessible, and effective. The presenter also discusses strategies to build relationships and create positive collaboration with families and caregivers.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Challenges and Solutions 
Format(s): Books
Providers of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) face myriad challenges in a rapidly changing and developing field. This solutions-oriented text prepares professionals to face those challenges with a can-do perspective. Featuring contributions from prominent AAC researchers and providers, as well as actual AAC users, this resource traverses a wide range of scenarios that clinicians deal with on a daily basis.
Current Issues in Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Format(s): SIG Perspectives
These SIG 12 Perspectives articles provide information on current issues associated with visual processing of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) displays for people with traumatic brain injury, assessment of the expressive language abilities of Spanish-speaking children who rely on AAC, and culturally sensitive approaches to aided language modeling. Readers will be more adept at designing effective AAC displays for adults with traumatic brain injury and at providing AAC services to children from multilingual and multicultural backgrounds.
Conversations on AAC with Gail Van Tatenhove, Vicki Haddix, & Kevin Williams
Format(s): eWorkshop
This recorded dialogue features two speech-language pathologists and an AAC user, who discuss collaboration and language intervention using AAC.
Conversations on AAC with Ashley Larisey & Kate Ahern
Format(s): eWorkshop
This recorded dialogue features speech-language pathologist Ashley Larisey and educational specialist Kate Ahern, who discuss strategies and ideas for engaging middle and high school students and for supporting AAC learning at home for students of all ages.
Conversations on AAC with Kathy Howery & Cynthia Cress
Format(s): eWorkshop
This recorded dialogue features two experts on AAC, who discuss challenges and potential solutions when creating more effective learning environments for AAC users and using AAC with individuals with different developmental needs.
AAC for All: Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Practice 
Format(s): Books
This book is a resource for practicing speech language pathologists and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) specialists working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations. Written in an easily accessible style, the book walks the clinician through the process of supporting this particular population and includes tips and resources for easy implementation.
Contemporary Issues: Augmentative & Alternative Communication Service Provision
Format(s): SIG Perspectives
These SIG 12 Perspectives articles provide information on current issues associated with display design and image complexity for individuals with cortical visual impairment and an in-depth overview of telepractice for people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication. Readers will be more adept at assessing and assisting children with cortical visual impairment and will have a better understanding of telepractice methods that can be used to improve virtual service delivery.
A Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Approach to AAC
Format(s): eWorkshop
In this session, the speaker reviews the characteristics of culturally and linguistically responsive AAC practices and presents evidence-based strategies for culturally appropriate bilingual AAC assessment and intervention. The speaker discusses partnering with families to determine values, needs, priorities, and resources when implementing AAC. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
AAC Intervention as Language Intervention: Building on What You Know
Format(s): eWorkshop
This session explores how to adapt traditional speech-language practices to serve students who use AAC systems. The session demonstrates analyzing language samples from a student using an AAC system and then developing goals and intervention activities to address development in the areas of pragmatics, phonology, vocabulary, and grammar. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Building Early Communication Skills: Matching AAC Strategies to Developmental Needs
Format(s): eWorkshop
Learning to gesture or use aided AAC for intentional communication with a partner is challenging for some infants and toddlers with complex communication needs. This session explores a variety of intervention strategies that improve pre-intentional and intentional communication skills using various AAC modalities and some of which incorporate families and caregivers. The speaker shares live illustrations and video examples of young children who have various difficulties with pre-intentional communication and problem solves about how intervention can structure the learner’s experiences to fill in gaps. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Creating AAC-Friendly Environments
Format(s): On Demand Webinar
This session explores evidence-based strategies to make environments communicatively accessible to students who use aided language systems. The speaker discusses barriers these students may encounter in language learning, how we can proactively reduce these barriers, and how we can use peers and other communication partners to create language-supportive environments using AAC. The session also includes reflections on what worked and what didn't from students who used AAC systems in classrooms. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Developing Engaging AAC Sessions for Secondary and Post-Secondary Students
Format(s): eWorkshop
SLPs who work with older students who use AAC are challenged to develop engaging intervention activities that are age-respectful as well as integrate literacy, classroom curriculum, and post-secondary training. This session explores how to use communicator profiles to provide scaffolding for secondary and post-secondary students who use AAC within the context of meaningful, engaging activities. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Effective Practices in AAC Assessment
Format(s): eWorkshop
Given the landscape of hundreds of apps, speech-generating devices, low-tech options, and no-tech strategies, SLPs who do not typically complete AAC assessments may wonder who to refer for an AAC an assessment and how they can contribute to the assessment process. This session reviews the AAC assessment process, with an emphasis on feature matching and consideration of the individual’s current and future needs. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Effective, Engaging AAC Instruction

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Format(s): eWorkshop
This session explores tools, strategies, and a framework to enhance engagement, learning, and generalization for students who use AAC. The speakers discuss various ways to support students’ learning and communication with peers, including using social communication games, combining core vocabulary and literacy, and determining authentic purposes. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Engaging and Manageable School-Based AAC Telepractice
Format(s): eWorkshop
AAC teletherapy can be fun, engaging, and effective with the right tools and strategies. This session provides guidance on setting up AAC systems for modeling during virtual sessions as well as tools SLPs can use to view a student's AAC device virtually. The speaker explores free and low-cost telepractice materials to increase student engagement and make planning more manageable. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Improving AAC Implementation With Effective Collaboration
Format(s): eWorkshop
Effective collaboration among individuals who use AAC and their families, communication partners at school/work, and those in the community can promote positive outcomes for the AAC communicators. This session defines what successful information exchanges can look like and explores who in the community an SLP may want to include as collaborators. The presenter shares strategies for effective and efficient collaboration across the AAC communicator’s family, school/work life, and broader community. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Integrating AAC in School Settings
Format(s): eWorkshop
This session discusses strategies to incorporate AAC throughout a student’s school day to increase their expressive output over a variety of communication opportunities. The speaker presents ideas for creating a systematic integration plan and discusses strategies that can work with low- or high-tech AAC systems to prompt expressive communication initiations, topic maintenance, and appropriate conversation redirection and termination. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Moving Toward a Robust AAC System
Format(s): eWorkshop
This session examine the often-daunting process of moving a child who is minimally verbal or nonverbal from a basic to a full-featured AAC system. The session covers the selection, use, and goal-setting process for a basic, functional communication and language development system while planning for assessment for and implementation of a fuller system. The speaker shares suggestions for designing effective intervention sessions and ideas for helping the team get on board. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
Setting Goals for Students Who Use AAC
Format(s): eWorkshop
This session explores the process of selecting and crafting measurable goals that are appropriate for students learning to communicate using AAC. The speaker reviews the AAC competency categories, shares tools that SLPs can use to identify developmentally appropriate learning targets, and discusses strategies for writing observable and measurable goals. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
There’s No Place Like Home: Supporting AAC at Home
Format(s): eWorkshop
Having knowledgeable and supported caregivers—including parents, siblings, care attendants, home aides, home nurses, and extended family—is vital to an AAC user’s success. New opportunities for virtual sessions allow a level of home involvement and support previously made difficult by time and logistical constraints. This session discusses practical strategies for teaching and supporting home caregivers. This course is a recorded session from the 2021 online conference “Expanding AAC: Accessible Strategies for Functional Communication.”
AAC for Patients in Critical and Acute Care Settings
Format(s): eWorkshop
Regardless of their age, patients in critical and acute care settings may experience communication difficulties due to the nature of their illness and the medical interventions they require. This session discusses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for these patients, including evaluation and intervention considerations, resources, and materials to support AAC service delivery.
AAC Considerations for Individuals With ALS [On Demand Webinar]
Format(s): On Demand Webinar
When individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience changes in speech, they often look to SLPs for guidance and hope. SLPs have many tools at their disposal that can make a dramatic difference in patients’ quality of life. This on demand webinar will describe practical, patient-focused methods for AAC assessment and implementation for individuals with ALS that are based on an individual’s current strengths and needs.
SLP and BCBA Collaboration for AAC: Finding Common Ground (SIG 12) (On Demand Webinar)
Format(s): On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar (available beginning November 20, 2020) will address interprofessional collaboration between SLPs and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) when assessing and implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Focusing on a case study where collaboration improved outcomes for a young child who uses AAC, the speaker will address terminology and language frameworks used by each field, highlight the perspective of each discipline, and share practical strategies for facilitating collaboration. Participants will walk away with a handout with conversation starters and question prompts SLPs can use to facilitate discussions about AAC with BCBAs. This webinar – part of the SIGnature Series – was developed by SIG 12: Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
AAC and Core Vocabulary Implementation in Schools: Secrets to Success
Format(s): eWorkshop
This session—a recorded session from ASHA’s 2020 Schools Connect conference—reviews five key secrets to success for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and core vocabulary initiatives in schools. The speaker discusses specific strategies and tools based on a successful, large-scale AAC implementation. She also shares student examples with language targets and staff examples with fidelity tools.
AAC for Early Intervention: Myths and Realities
Format(s): eWorkshop
This session provides an overview of myths – widely held but false beliefs – that have hampered the use of AAC in early intervention services (e.g., that a child must be a certain age to benefit from AAC, or that AAC hinders or stops speech development). The presenters provide evidence to refute these common myths and discuss strategies for how to debunk them. This course is a recorded session from the 2019 online conference “Birth to Three: Working Together to Serve Children and Their Families.”
Planning AAC Intervention for Children With ASD (On Demand Webinar)
Format(s): On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar presents an organizational framework for planning AAC intervention that maximizes communication for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The course presents strategies to support children with ASD and their communication partners, including clinicians, parents, and teachers. The speaker defines the “mask of attention” for children with ASD; discusses factors that contribute to the challenge of looking behind this mask to increase communication; and demonstrates how to plan and organize a goal-driven AAC intervention session.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Speech-Language Pathologists Can Help
Format(s): Booklets and Brochures
This brochure explains augmentative and alternative communication, also known as AAC—what it is, who uses it, and why. It tells how speech-language pathologists can help find and implement the right AAC system for a person.
From 1 to 49: $0.40
50 or more: $0.30
Innovations in AAC Assessment, System Design, and Communication Partner Training
Format(s): Journal (Online)
SLPs who work with children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) need a broad base of knowledge in evidence-based assessment, system designs, and implementation practices, particularly as technological innovations in AAC proliferate. This journal self-study explores of all of the above. The first article provides a useful framework for assessment that distinguishes essential components according to the child’s motor and cognitive abilities. Two articles examine design features: The first examines consistency of symbol location to increase efficiency, and the second looks at characteristics of naturalistic displays and their effects on gaze behavior according to clinical profiles. The final article in this self-study reviews practices for training communication partners of children who use AAC.
Effective Solutions to Ethical Dilemmas in AAC (On Demand Webinar)
Format(s): On Demand Webinar
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can be life-changing for many individuals, but due to its complex and commercial nature, it also comes with a myriad of potential ethical concerns. Clinicians can improve AAC assessment and intervention outcomes for those they serve by being confident they are making ethically informed decisions about AAC use. This webinar uses case studies to discuss common ethical dilemmas encountered in the use of AAC, leaning on the ASHA Code of Ethics for support. The presenter outlines a process for ethical decision-making and shares trends in school and health care settings that affect ethical decision-making as it relates to AAC use.

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