Lock, Load, Communicate: From Fresh iPad to Dedicated AAC Device

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
consultant
healthcare administration
K-12 administration
occupational therapist
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 3

Description:

Participants will use a practical, neurodiversity-affirming and culturally/linguistically diverse (CLD)-affirming workflow to set up an iPad-based AAC system that remains communication-ready across settings. The session will walk through a customizable setup checklist that includes identity-aligned symbols/photos, multilingual considerations, and self-advocacy vocabulary, followed by a monitoring checklist for updates, password ownership, backups, and monthly vocabulary growth. A “non-MDM lockdown ladder” will demonstrate how to keep the iPad dedicated to communication using Guided Access, Screen Time restrictions, and Assistive Access. Participants will then learn a skills-based pathway to safely expand device-use beyond AAC (writing, schedules, camera, and other AT tools). A quick hardware segment will cover cases and mounting categories.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Participants will create an affirming AAC setup and monitoring plan that includes identity-aligned symbols/photos, multilingual considerations, self-advocacy vocabulary, and a monthly maintenance routine (updates, backups, passwords, and vocabulary growth).

• Participants will configure a no-MDM “lockdown ladder” (Guided Access, Screen Time restrictions, and App Specific) to keep an iPad dedicated to a communication app and verify the lock is effective.

• Participants will design a tiered skill-building pathway that teaches students the operational and self-advocacy skills needed to expand device use beyond AAC while maintaining communication access and safety.

Disclosures:

Financial Disclosure:
James Phillip A. Engracia, MA, CCC-SLP, is a salaried employee of Encompass (nonprofit pediatric therapy organization). He has received compensation for presenting workshops, webinars, and conference sessions related to AAC, assistive technology, and speech-language therapy. He does not receive financial support from AAC device or software companies and has no relevant financial relationships with commercial entities producing products discussed in this presentation.

Non-Financial Disclosure:
James Phillip A. Engracia holds a Washington State Speech-Language Pathology license and maintains the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.