Connect and Thrive: Scaffolding AAC from Childhood to Real-World Participation

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist
consultant
family member / caregiver
healthcare administration
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Atrium 7

Description:

AAC doesn’t end with school- it supports how people engage in life. This session explores how AAC can be used to support participation in hobbies, relationships, daily routines, and self-expression across school, home, and community settings. Using AAC systems as a demonstration tool, presenters will highlight practical strategies for embedding meaningful, real-world communication opportunities into everyday environments. Emphasis will be placed on supporting transition from school-based AAC use to long-term outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Attendees will gain actionable ideas to move beyond task-based communication toward supporting autonomy, identity, and participation, regardless of age, ability, or access method.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Participants will identify and apply at least three strategies to support AAC use for meaningful participation beyond academic tasks (e.g., social interaction, self-advocacy, daily routines).

• Participants will analyze a communication context (school, home, or community) and determine specific opportunities and supports for embedding AAC use across environments.

• Participants will describe how AAC intervention priorities shift across the lifespan and select at least two strategies that support transition from pediatric to adult communication outcomes.

Disclosures:

Amanda receives a salary from Smartbox Assistive Technology, Inc, and receives a salary from them.
Alicia receives a full-time salary from Smartbox Assistive Technology, Inc. She also earns part-time income from her private practice, providing AAC therapy services.