AAC for the SLP and Beyond: Essential Skills for the Whole Team
Presented by Sara Ware
Effectively supporting individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) requires a skilled, knowledgeable, and collaborative team. This course introduces the foundational concepts of AAC and emphasizes the importance of early access, inclusive practices, and communication partner skills. Learners will be introduced to principles of AAC evaluation and intervention. This course also includes an overview of various AAC types and features and supports learners in identifying the team’s roles in facilitating meaningful participation. Designed for professionals across disciplines, including therapists, educators, and medical providers, this course equips participants with strategies to identify, support, and advocate for AAC users across all settings.
Learning Objectives
- Define augmentative and alternative communication
- Outline the importance of transdisciplinary support for AAC communicators
- Identify at least one reason why providing wait time is a critical component of interactions with an AAC communicator
- Recognize how certain barriers can negatively impact an AAC communicator’s participation in meaningful social interactions
Meet your instructor
Sara Ware
Sara is a speech-language pathologist who has several years of experience supporting AAC users of all ages. Sara graduated with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and holds an additional certificate in augmentative and alternative communication from Stockton University. Sara is…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. An Introduction to AAC
This chapter defines AAC and provides an overview of its benefit for individuals with communication needs. Learners will explore a variety of topics related to AAC including identifying potential need for AAC, prevalence, myths, and benefits of early access.
2. Understanding the AAC Selection Process
This chapter defines AAC and provides an overview of benefits for individuals with communication needs. Learners will explore a variety of topics related to AAC, including identifying potential need for AAC, prevalence, myths, and benefits of early access.
3. Strategies for Supporting AAC Learning and Encouraging Participation
This chapter focuses on person-centered strategies that enhance AAC use across contexts. Topics include communication partner skills, ensuring consistent access, creating inclusive environments, and fostering meaningful interactions. The roles of healthcare providers, educators, peers, and the broader community are explored, with an emphasis on supporting generalization and addressing barriers through advocacy.
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