Date: 01/29/2027 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST Location: Online
Price: $60 | Make a Payment
Description
AAC is more than a tool—it’s access to communication, learning, and participation. This 3-hour course introduces Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including who it supports, how to teach it, and ways to embed AAC into daily routines. Participants will learn practical, high-impact strategies to build communication opportunities, staff confidence, and meaningful student participation across environments.
Learning Objectives
- Define and describe Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including identifying multiple forms of communication that are considered AAC.
- Describe and apply evidence-based strategies to teach AAC use, including modeling (aided language input), creating meaningful opportunities for communication, and supporting use across daily routines.
- Identify and explain high-leverage communication partner strategies and how they support student engagement, autonomy, and communication growth.
Agenda
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Welcome & Course Overview: Introductions, goals for the session, and framing AAC as access to communication, learning, and participation
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | AAC Foundations: What AAC is, who it supports, common myths and misconceptions, and the importance of communication access
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM | Understanding AAC Systems & Supports: Overview of different AAC tools and systems, multi-modal communication, and matching supports to student needs
10:15 AM – 10:50 AM | Teaching AAC in Everyday Contexts: Embedding AAC into routines, instruction, play, and social interactions across environments
10:50 AM – 11:25 AM | High-Leverage Communication Partner Strategies: Modeling/aided language input, wait time, creating communication opportunities, and building staff confidence
11:25 AM – 11:40 AM | Implementation Planning & Problem Solving: Addressing barriers, increasing consistency across teams, and supporting carryover throughout the day
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM | Reflection, Resources & Next Steps: Key takeaways, actionable next steps, and additional supports/resources
Course Completion Requirements:
Completion requires learners to (1) view/attend the instructional presentation in full; (2) complete informal learning assessment/reflection; and (3) submit a course feedback evaluation. Attendance will be monitored by Zoom.
The above items must be submitted no later than 2/5/2027.
Audience:
SLPs in K-12 schools working with students who use AAC.
SLP, OT, PT, COTA, Paraeducator, Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Parents, TVI
No prerequisite learning or materials needed.
Presenters
Instructor Disclosure: Sara Ayars is employed by and receives compensation from the Special Education Technology Center; she has no relevant non-financial disclosures.
Policies:
For all of our policies including accommodations, refunds and complaints, please refer to the SETC Website Help Page.
Contact
Email Sue Wright at the SETC office
Zoom link to be provided upon payment – Make a Payment
Clock hours for this webinar and others in this series are available from ESD105 for a small fee. The following Professional Development Enroller link provides more information about clock hours: PENDING