AAC RESOUCES MARY BAUMANN-SPOONER/ Assistant Professor SCSU SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) can be an intimidating topic for many Speech-Language Pathologists who have not worked with many students or clients needing AAC. Adding to the lack of experience, many SLPs have students with complex medical histories and multiple disabilities affecting their ability to use AAC systems. Knowing how to assess, determine the appropriate system and then implement the AAC system into the child's daily life can be difficult for some families and school IEP teams. Luckily, many resources have been developed over the years to assist with this process. The best chance for success is through a team approach where all members help to implement the use of AAC systems in the child's natural environment. This includes the SLP, classroom teacher, special education teacher, paraprofessionals, occupational therapists, physical therapist, family and other support personnel. Teaching a child through the traditional therapy pull out model, twice a week, one on one, in a separate therapy room does not allow for natural communicative exchanges that will be motivating to the student. Working with the student in his or her classroom and daily routines allows for cross training of support staff and on the spot learning for carryover. The goal of this website to gather the wealth of support materials that have been developed by national and international experts to help others be successful with implementing AAC systems.
Below is a zip file on AAC Evaluation to Implementation Workshop. February 22, 2023, sponsored by Regions 5 & 7 Low Incidence Committee: