Description
Published: August 4 2025.
Length: 60-Minutes
In this fast-paced world of evolving technology, AAC devices are now more accessible to families than ever before. Families are reporting acquisition of devices through insurance, public school issued loans, or privately funded purchases. Beyond the initial set up and training efforts provided to families (editing a button, changing the grid size), families often report that they feel “stuck” or “lost” as to how to implement the device. During the evaluative process, parents have shared fear or concern of abandonment due to “not being the professional” and not feeling consistently supported in training protocols.
All work settings come with a set of challenges in how best to get the team members and caregivers involved and motivated to use the AAC device. This webinar will serve to identify the burnout caregivers can feel when tasked with implementing use of an AAC and demonstrate ways SLPs can encourage small, tangible changes in the home and school settings. By analyzing therapeutic examples through videos and treatment plans, participants will formulate a plan for caregivers to feel empowered and create a sense of ownership for their child’s device.
The presenter will discuss components of the AAC device needed for learning, including linguistic skills, operational skills, and possible behavioral supports. Consideration will be given for SLPs employed across a variety of work settings, with a shared intent and focus on effective knowledge consolidation. In thinking of collaborative effort, the webinar will provide supports for the AAC user’s extended family members, paraprofessionals, school support staff, and community-based family and friends. Lastly, measurable timelines will be given for parent training that align with mandated work setting requirements, while helping SLPs manage their ever-growing caseloads.
As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:
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Identify at least 3 methods for training caregivers in successful generalization of AAC device use.
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Formulate 2 novel short term goals for a client’s AAC device use.
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Analyze an IEP/treatment plan and write an accompanying example of a monthly parent newsletter to support AAC device implementation.
Grace Hastings, M.A., CCC-SLP, with 17 years experience in a variety of pediatric settings (outpatient clinic, home health, and public schools). Currently she sees clients ranging from toddlers-young adults in the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center. Additionally she serves as the SLP for the Vanderbilt Down Syndrome Clinic Multidisciplinary team. She has a special interest in AAC evaluations and treatment, and loves collaborating with other professionals to maximize communication opportunities for clients.
