Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessment to Intervention - Certificate Program

Presenters

• Michelle Austin, M.A., CCC/SLP Speech-Language Pathologist/Assistive Technology Specialist
• Laura Lavery, M.A., Education Specialist/Assistive Technology Specialist
  

Intended Audience

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Assistive Technology Teams

Dates and Time

Module	Date	Time
Module Date Time Module 1 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication - Assessment to Intervention	September 3, 2026	9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Module 2 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication - Assessment to Intervention (continued)	October 1, 2026	9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Module 3 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication - Assessment to Intervention (continued)	November 5, 2026	9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Module - 4 Building Communication Opportunities	December 3, 2026	9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Module 5 - Low Tech Communication Systems	January 7, 2027	9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Module 6 - High Tech Communication Systems	February 4, 2027	9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Module 7 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Funding	March 4, 2027	9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Format

Virtual

Summary

This certificate program leads to a certificate verifying specific training in assessing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) needs and promotes a decision-making process to make appropriate recommendations utilizing critical thinking. During this training, individuals will be required to complete three augmentative communication assessments, as well as other assignments related to augmentative communication. Attendance on all seven full day sessions and satisfactory completion of projects and assignments are required to receive the certificate.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessment is multifaceted. This dynamic assessment process encompasses current communication skills, overall language (receptive and expressive language), social/pragmatic language, speech/intelligibility, and communication device access. Each AAC system is unique, and each system has a different language base. The assessment process to determine the appropriate communication system needs to take into account the individual's current communication mode, selecting a new method of communication, and determining the best way to implement the new communication system. For the communication system to be functional, often adaptations will need to be made within the environment (communication expectations - demands). The assessment should focus on four basic questions:

1. What are the child's communication needs or goals?
2. What are the child's strengths and abilities?
3. What barriers are preventing the child from achieving his or her full communication/ participation potential?
4. What aids and adaptations (e.g., AAC devices or systems, environmental modifications, policy changes, etc.) will best accomplish the child's goals given his or her strengths and abilities, and current circumstances?

Assessment for AAC is an ongoing process which includes documentation of progress, trial therapy, and adaptations or modifications to the AAC system. The AAC device or system is selected based on a feature match. The feature match not only includes current features needed in communication but it will also need to address future needs as well.

Participants will be able to

• Demonstrate assessment techniques appropriate to address Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
• Demonstrate appropriate feature match for AAC needs.
• Develop an understanding of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and legal implications in relationship to AAC.
• Utilize assessment techniques and a team approach to address specific students' needs in relationship to communication.
• Develop an AAC intervention plan.

Registration

Register for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessment Series