Date: 10/30/2026 Time: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM PST Location: Online
Description
This session introduces a shift in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) practice from communication to authorship, emphasizing identity, agency, and literacy as essential for authentic expression. Participants will examine how AI can expand language while preserving user-directed communication.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Analyze two differences between communication accuracy and authorship in AAC
- Explain the role of literacy in supporting generative language and identity expression in AAC users
- Identify two ways AI can expand language access while maintaining user authorship
Agenda
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM (15 min) | Introductions, disclosures, session objectives
8:45 AM – 9:20 AM (35 min) | Current AAC frameworks and limitations of pre-selected vocabulary Connection between communication, identity, and participation
9:20 AM – 9:50 AM (30 min) | Authorship and agency in AAC Distinguishing communication accuracy from authentic expression
9:50 AM – 10:25 AM (35 min) | AI as language expansion AI as scaffold versus source of meaning
10:25 AM – 10:55 AM (30 min) | Guiding principles for AI and AAC User-directed communication, identity preservation, and ethical use
10:55 AM – 11:20 AM (25 min) | Case examples illustrating authorship, literacy, and AI integration
11:20 AM – 11:30 AM (10 min) | Summary, reflection, and participant questions
Course Completion Requirements:
Completion requires learners to (1) view/attend the instructional presentation in full; (2) complete informal learning assessment/reflection. Attendance will be monitored through Zoom. Course requirements must be submitted no later than 11/03/2026.
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
Brenda Del Monte. MA, CCC-SLP
Instructor Disclosure: Brenda Del Monte receives payment from the Special Education Technology Center. She owns a company called Technically Speaking AAC and co-hosts and develops content for “Awe and Wonder AAC & AT Podcast”. She receives royalties from Amazon for the sale of her book “I See You In There”.
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.
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