AI-Enhanced Writing for AAC: Shifting the Story from Support to Ownership

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

instruction, literacy & inclusion

Format:

networking session / discussion

Subject Level:

n/a

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
educator
family member / caregiver
K-12 administration
paraprofessional
special educator
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Atrium 7

Description:

This course explores how embedded AI tools in AAC systems can transform users from passive communicators into true co-authors of their ideas. Traditionally, AAC output is often shaped by facilitators like paraeducators or parents, limiting authentic self-expression. By integrating AI-based writing and language support, SLPs can scaffold independent authorship — fostering larger, richer language samples directly from the AAC user. Participants will analyze student work with and without AI assistance, develop strategies to guide facilitators’ roles, and learn how to leverage AI as a personalized language tutor that amplifies, rather than replaces, the user’s own voice.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Identify the differences between facilitator-directed and AI-assisted AAC language samples to evaluate communication autonomy.

• Develop intervention strategies that leverage embedded AI features to foster independent authorship for AAC users.

• Coach paraeducators and parents to shift from shaping user content to supporting user-driven communication with AI tools.

Disclosures:

Brenda Del Monte is consultant with Special Education Tech Center in the State of Washington. She contracts with school districts in Washington and Arizona. She receives compensation as a guest speaker at Midwestern University, Arizona State University and University of Washington. She receives compensation from CTG for pre-conference presentations. Brenda Robertson Del Monte receives proceeds from her book “I see you in there.”