2026 1322

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
educator
K-12 administration
paraprofessional
special educator
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Date and Time (Central Daylight Time):

  • October 22, 2026
  • 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Location:

Plaza 3

Description:

The Minnesota STAR Program has launched a new Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Consideration Toolkit designed to support a child’s IEP team in determining if a student can benefit from AAC. Kits are available for short-term, 8-week loans to allow school teams to trial a range of AAC tools with school-aged students.

Each toolkit contains non-electronic, light-tech, and high-tech AAC equipment, accompanied by a comprehensive Guidebook and dedicated data collection forms. This presentation will detail the kit’s contents, outline the application, and explore evidence-based strategies to help facilitate successful AAC consideration including a comparison of popular AAC language apps. The Toolkit’s robust “Idea Guide” will be presented which features engaging activities and age-specific vocabulary (Pre-K through High School) to ensure that the consideration process is as fun as it is functional. The Guidebook is available as a free download from the Minnesota STAR Program website.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Participants will be able to identify the purpose and the services of the MN STAR Program and its lending library.

• Participants will learn strategies for considering AAC with both emergent and symbolic students, outlined in the kit’s Guidebook

Disclosures:

Financial: Amy is employed by the state of Minnesota

Rebecca is a member of ASHA, MNSHA & co-chair of the MNSHA AAC Committee.​

Mary is employed at SCSU​.MN STAR has reimbursed the cost of the conference and travel/lodging expenses
Non-financial: Member of ASHA & MNSHA AAC Committees, USSACC DEIB Committee.​