AAC that Sticks: Strategies for Building Staff Capacity

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12

Target Audience:

AT specialist
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 1

Description:

Effective AAC implementation grows when staff believe in what is possible and feel empowered to act. This session shares a practical framework for building staff capacity so AAC practices take root and last. Drawing on Elena Aguilar’s Arise and James Clear’s Atomic Habits, we explore how purpose and autonomy increase communication partner buy-in. Participants will learn how to uncover the needs behind resistance, shift beliefs about AAC, and co-construct implementation plans that fit naturally into classroom routines. Rather than focusing on devices and apps, we focus on the conditions that make AAC sustainable. Attendees will leave with strategies to make AAC obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. As a result, AAC doesn’t just get introduced in schools; it grows and sticks.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe 3 ways to build staff capacity through strengths-based collaboration

• List 3 key elements to include in AAC implementation plans.

• Construct a bank of 2 anecdotes that promote presuming potential to share with staff.

Disclosures:

Becky Woolley receives a salary from Mesa Public Schools, where she is an Assistive Technology Specialist. In addition, Becky is the co-owner of Assistive Technology Connection and receives profits.
Samantha Hagness receives a salary from Mesa Public Schools, where she is an Assistive Technology Specialist. In addition, Samantha is the co-owner of Assistive Technology Connection and receives profits.