Date: 10/05/2026 Time: 11:00-12:00 Location: internet Type: Webinar
Price: FREE
Description
Join us for our AT & AAC Office Hours, an informal drop-in space where educators, therapists, and families can ask student- or school-specific questions, listen to live discussions, or bring up topics of interest related to Assistive Technology(AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Wondering where to start with AT or AAC? Need ideas for classroom implementation or supporting AAC or AT use at home? Want tips for training team members or embedding AT or AAC into daily routines? All questions are welcome. Whether you’re seeking guidance in considering technology, looking to problem-solve, or just want to learn from others in the field, this is a great opportunity to expand your AT and AAC knowledge in a relaxed, collaborative setting.
An AT Specialist will kick off the session by sharing a resource and then open the session up for discussion, sharing and questions. Bring your lunch, your questions, and your curiosity, and join us for an engaging discussion on AT and AAC strategies, challenges, and best practices.
Fall
10/05/2026 Low-Tech AAC That Doesn’t Feel Like a Downgrade
Resource: Backup communication kit template (low-tech + quick printables)
11/02/2026 iPad Settings That Actually Matter
Resource: Guided access + accessibility settings cheat sheet
12/07/2026 The 15-Minute Team Plan
Resource: Quick collaborative planning template/ resource
Winter and Spring
1/04/2027 From Device to Daily Use: AT & AAC Implementation Checklist
Resource: Simple classroom AAC implementation checklist
2/01/2027 Writing AAC Goals That Aren’t Just Requests
Resource: Goal banks organized by communicative functions and other resources
3/01/2027 Designing Classrooms for Communication
Resource: Inclusive classroom environment checklist
5/03/2027 New School, New Team, Same AT
Resource: AAC/AT transition plan template
Learning Objectives
- Discuss tools and strategies around assistive technology.
- Engage in discussions to troubleshoot challenges, share experiences, and exchange ideas, creating a supportive learning community for AT and AAC users and professionals.
- Explore best practices, strategies, and real-world applications of AT and AAC in educational settings, gaining insights tailored to student and school-specific needs.
Presenters
Sarah Kinsella, MA CCC-SLP
Sarah Kinsella is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and supporting students with complex communication needs. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and has worked in the public school setting for 11 years. She also served as the district Assistive Technology Specialist for 7 years, working with multidisciplinary teams and families to support students with a variety of Assistive Technology and AAC needs. She is passionate about her field and thankful for the students with whom she works as they help her learn and grow along the way.
Sara Ayars, MS, CCC-SLP
Sara is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist with the Special Education Technology Center, and an adjunct professor at Western Washington University. With over 18 years of experience in public education, she specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and supporting the communication needs of students ages 3 to 21 across diverse educational settings. Sara partners closely with educators, offering coaching and guidance to ensure comprehensive support for students with high support needs. She is deeply committed to fostering inclusion, promoting accessibility, and creating meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Contact
Email Sue Wright at the SETC office
Zoom Link
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: Clock hours pending