Integrating AAC into Evidence Based Writing Instruction: Practical Strategies for Complex Students

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

instruction, literacy & inclusion

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
consultant
educator
occupational therapist
paraprofessional
special educator
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 2

Description:

In this interactive workshop, participants will explore practical, evidence-based ways to integrate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) into writing instruction for students with complex communication needs. Attendees will begin with a brief overview of the research supporting AAC as both a communication and literacy tool. They will then examine strategies for emergent writers, including shared and predictable chart writing with aided language modeling. Next, participants will engage in hands-on practice of guided and independent writing activities, using AAC keyboards, core vocabulary, and text-to-speech feedback. Concrete examples will include students creating stories, lists, and messages for functional life skills. By the end of the session, participants will leave equipped with strategies and ideas that they can immediately apply in classrooms and therapy settings.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Identify strategies to use for writing instruction for complex learners including alphabet knowledge, name writing, drawing, predictable chart writing, journaling, and visual thinking tools.

• Explain how aided language modeling, core vocabulary, scaffolding, and AAC-specific adaptations can be used during guided and independent writing activities.

• Apply tool and adaptation selection skills to their unique classroom and student needs, with an emphasis on high-tech AAC vocabulary and keyboard settings

Disclosures:

I am currently employed by Caledonia Community Schools.
I do not have any financial relationship to any AT or AAC companies.