A Community-Based AAC Immersion Model

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
educator
family member / caregiver
occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Atrium 1

Description:

Children using AAC face an invisible barrier: while they may have the robust tools and technology, their communities often lack the skills to respond. Traditional clinical therapy occurs in isolation, leaving everyday environments unequipped to engage. This presentation will introduce Camp Corbett, a community-based AAC immersion model.

Camp Corbett transformed the child’s communication community into “AAC ambassadors,” fostering a sustainable support network across settings. Outcomes included greater AAC legitimacy, an increased sense of belonging, and a community empowered to honor the child’s voice.

This presentation will narrate the level of co-design and collaboration to implement this community-based AAC immersion model. As well, presenters will describe the highlights and lessons learned. Finally, Camp Corbett outcomes and future endeavors will be revealed.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• As a result of this activity, learners will compare and contrast the community-based AAC immersion model to traditional AAC clinical services.

• As a result of this activity, learners will demonstrate foundational AAC strategies (e.g., yes-no responses, partner-assisted scanning) both as the communication partner and the communicator.

• As a result of this activity, learners will list at least three benefits individuals may experience when their language is used by their communication community across multiple environments.

Disclosures:

Eloise does not have financial disclosures. She is the mother of Corbett.
I, Andryce Andres, disclose that I am the founder and owner of Heart Speak Journeys and was contracted by Make-A-Wish Foundation in Oregon to develop, organize, and facilitate Camp Corbett in May 2025. Andryce developed, created, and self-published Imagination by Heart Storybooks, which were used during Camp Corbett.