TUESDAY ONLY REGISTRATION – Personalizing AAC Systems: Hands-On Customization of Settings and Vocabulary to Support Connection

Description

Workshop Date/Time: Tuesday, October 20 | 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

Presenters: Lauren Enders Gonzales, M.A., CCC-SLP, Elisa Wern, M.Ed., OTR/L, ATP

Description: Participants will engage in a full-day, hands-on workshop focused on holistic AAC system customization across vocabulary, symbols, physical access, and sensory considerations. The morning session will examine evidence-based frameworks, current research, and case studies, followed by guided application of the AAC User Customization Form and AAC Device Consideration Checklist. In the afternoon, participants will apply concepts directly on AAC devices, making access, sensory, and interface modifications with modeled guidance and support. Concrete examples will include symbol modification, access setting adjustments, and user file development. Participants will also explore emerging AI tools that will support future AAC customization and personalization. At the heart of all customizing is the goal of connection through communication.

Workshop Selection & Policies

Select a First and Second Choice

Registrations are processed in the order received. To ensure a smooth experience, you will be asked to provide an alternative Tuesday workshop choice at checkout.

• If your first choice is at capacity, you will automatically be placed in your second-choice workshop.
• Confirmation: Your final workshop assignment will be included in your registration confirmation.

Assigned Workshop Only (No “Floating”)

Participants must remain in their confirmed workshop for the duration of the day. 

• No “floating”: Moving between different workshops is not permitted. Materials, seating, and CEU tracking are tailored specifically to the pre-registered headcount for each room.

Attendance & CEUs

Attendance is strictly monitored and restricted to pre-registered participants.

• Verification: Consistent attendance in your assigned workshop is required to verify contact hours and issue Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Workshop Switches / Changes:

• Onsite Changes: We are unable to accommodate workshop switches onsite. Each workshop is prepared based on the pre-registered attendee list to ensure adequate resources for all.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellations must be received in writing by Closing The Gap on or before October 1, 2026. Replacements are welcome and must also be submitted in writing.

Cancellation fees:

• $125 for each administrator conference registration
• $150 for each single-day conference registration
• $200 for each student, parent, or individual with disability conference registration
• $275 for each full conference registration. Applicable to standard rate, Solutions member rate, presenter/exhibitor rate and conference registration and membership combo rate.

No refunds will be issued after October 1, 2026. Unpaid balances are due in full.

If for any reason beyond Closing The Gap’s control, Closing The Gap determines that the in-person conference must be cancelled, attendees understand and agree that their registration type shall be changed to a virtual registration. Closing The Gap is not responsible for any additional conference expenses, including hotel, travel, etc.