Communication Access and Agency for Autistic People

Description

This course explores the critical intersection of communication access and agency for autistic people, moving beyond traditional speech-focused interventions toward a neurodiversity-affirming, multimodal approach. While clinical practice has historically prioritized speech, many autistic people experience internal challenges—such as intermittent, unreliable, or "expensive" speech—that hinder effective communication and autonomy. By reframing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as a primary tool for agency rather than a "last resort," this course provides healthcare professionals with the framework to dismantle systemic barriers and promote self-determination. Participants will examine various models of disability and learn to apply the Participation Model to identify opportunity and access barriers within a student's or client's environment. Designed for speech-language pathologists, educators, and other healthcare providers in school-based or clinical settings, this course offers evidence-based strategies to create inclusive, multimodal environments that honor all forms of communication.

Instructors

Learning Objectives

• Identify and implement neurodiversity-affirming strategies to facilitate cross-community communication and social interaction.
• Construct and formulate strengths-based intervention goals that prioritize self-advocacy and quality of life over normalization.
• Integrate and identify strategies for authentically partnering with the autistic community

Agenda

All times in Eastern Time.

6:00pm–6:25pm

Chapter 1: Reframing Communication: From Speech to Agency

6:25pm–6:40pm

Chapter 2: Deconstructing Barriers and Assessment Framework

6:40pm–7:10pm

Chapter 3: Strategies and Recommendations for Universal Access

7:10pm–7:15pm

Break

7:15pm–7:30pm

Question and Answer Session

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Medbridge is committed to accessibility for all of our subscribers. If you are in need of a disability-related accommodation, please contact [email protected] . We will process requests for reasonable accommodation and will provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate, in a prompt and efficient manner.