Thinking Outside the Classroom: AAC and Social Skills in the Post-Secondary Environment

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
consultant

educator
family member / caregiver
healthcare administration

occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.01 CEU

ACVREP CEs:

1 CE

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 6

Description:

This session will provide participants with tools and strategies to support post-secondary success for students who use AAC. Attendees will explore video modeling, narrative strategies, peer training, and communication partner strategies. The session will highlight how to embed assistive technology and AAC tools to build long-term skills like self-advocacy and relationship-building. Using interactive case examples and neurodiverse-affirming practices, the presenter will guide attendees through integrating social communication instruction into everyday routines that extend into community, work, and home life.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Identify three evidence-based strategies for teaching social communication skills to AAC users transitioning from high school.

• Describe how AAC/AT tools can support lifelong communication in community, work, and home settings.

• Develop and adapt one activity that targets self-advocacy using AAC/AT aligned with neurodiverse-affirming practices.

Disclosures:

Financial: James Engracia is a salaried employee of EncompassNW. No additional compensation or honorarium was received for this presentation. Non-Financial: James Engracia is a member of ASHA and ASHA SIG 12 (AAC).