Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Allies: Strategies for Effective Communication

Welcome to the Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Allies: Strategies for Effective Communication, a 10-part educational series!

In recognition of International AAC Awareness Month, complimentary registration will be provided to all individuals (professionals, parents, and students) throughout the month of October.

An introductory video can be viewed by clicking the image, below.

Registration Fees

Speech Language Pathologists: $250
All Other Learners: Complimentary Registration

Obtaining Your ASHA Credit

To obtain your ASHA credits, a link will appear following the completion of course #10. For any questions on this process, please contact ce@childrenscolorado.org.

Funding For thIs Project

Talking with Technology Camp , our annual summer camp, is sponsored by generous donations from the Scottish Rite Foundation to the Speech, & Learning Services at Children's Hospital Colorado. We are grateful for their contribution to this program, along with several other services that have supported and will continue to support children with complex communication needs.

Target Audience

This training is designed for professionals with backgrounds in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, education, special education, and behavioral therapy, as well as caregivers and community members who are interested in learning more about AAC.

The PowerPoint Slides From the 10 Educational Activities

AAC Educational Sessions - PowerPoint Slides

Learning Objectives

Foundational Knowledge
o Define aided and unaided language
o Distinguish support versus barrier related to the Participation Model
o Differentiate the 3 levels of communicators
o Categorize 3 types of language functions
Implementation
o Define 3 Communication Partner Strategies (CPS)
o Choose 3 CPS to implement in given scenarios
Special Topics
o Describe 3 Alternative Access methods
o Summarize 3 strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals
o Differentiate 3 modifications for individuals CVI and Sensory Integration and use AAC
o Define 4 components of the phonological hierarchy

Additional Information

Course Contact: 
For further information on these courses, please contact ce@childrenscolorado.org
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.35 ASHA
Course opens: 
05/03/2024
Course expires: 
12/01/2024
Cost:
$80.00
Rating: 
5
Presentation TitlePresenter Name
Introductions & ObjectivesCaroline Woeber
Foundational Knowledge: 
AAC & Related DefinitionsCaroline Woeber
Who Uses AAC (Common diagnoses, who benefits from AAC, etc.)Kellie Sitarz
Why Use AACKellie Sitarz
Why AAC (Myths, misconceptions)Kellie Sitarz
Participation ModelCaroline Woeber
Communication CompetenciesKellie Sitarz
Levels of CommunicatorKellie Sitarz
Language Development: Analytic Language ProcessGina Keene
Language Development: Gestalt Language Processor Alyssa Carney 
Language Functions (request, protest, etc)Jenny Gray
Vocabulary: Core, Fringe, Personal PhrasesJenny Gray
Definition and Role of the Communication Partner (What are they, why communication partners need training, etc)Kat Kowerska
Implementation: 
Communication Partner Strategies (CPS) & Set-UpCaroline Woeber
CPS: Engagement/Motivation/Rapport (over compliance)/ReinforcementMeg Campion
CPS: Setting up the environmentKat Kowerska
CPS: Social NarrativesAlyssa Kearney
CPS: Visual SupportsKat Kowerska
ActiveCaroline Woeber
CPS: Aided Language Stimulation & Augmented InputEmi Takeuchi
CPS: Wait timeEmi Takeuchi
CPS: SabotageLisa Martin
CPS: Open Ended QuestionsLisa Martin
CPS: Offering ChoicesEmi Takeuchi
CPS: Levels of Support (Visual, verbal, physical cueing)/Scaffolding/Generalization/Verbal referencing/topic cues)Jenny Gray
CPS: Video Modeling/Peer ModelingCaroline Woeber
CPS: Expansions/recasting/Feedback/ExtensionGina Keene
CPS: ChainingGina Keene
CPS: Contrastive examplesCaroline Woeber
CPS: Supported NavigationLisa Martin
Special Topics: 
Vocabulary: Descriptive Teaching & What to targetBrian Manzaneres
LiteracyGina Keene
NeurodiversityLaura Cooper
Autism: Engaging Your Camper, ESDM (SSRs/JARs)Jaime Chadek
Autism: Learning Styles ProfileJaime Chadek
Autism: Hanen Program & Parent EducationJaime Chadek
Adapting Activities for IndividualsAlyssa Kearney
Interviewing the CaregiverKat Kowerska
Collaborating with Caregiver and StakeholdersKat Kowerska
Sensory Integration & AACNicole Korte & Lauren DeValk
CVI & AACNicole Korte & Lauren DeValk
Alternative AccessLisa Martin
AAC & the Generalist Kellie Sitarz
AAC at Camp (What does it look like, what to prepare for, words of wisdom)Caroline Woeber
Children's Hospital Colorado
Aurora, CO
United States

Megan Campion, MA, CCC, SLP
Originally from Illinois, Meg graduated with her undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and earned her master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Ambrose University in Iowa. She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Illinois and Colorado as well as a member of ASHA. As a member of the AAC Team at Children's Hospital Colorado (CHCO), Meg has a passion for working with the pediatric Autistic community in Colorado and is a certified clinician with the Early Start Denver Model Certification (ESDM). Meg enjoys working with families to aid in their child's success, as every child deserves to communicate and connect with others. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Alyssa Carney, MA, CCC, SLP
Alyssa earned her master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from University of Northern Colorado. She is a Colorado licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist at CHCO and is a member of the AAC team. Alyssa is passionate about supporting individuals with complex communication needs, and values a holistic, team-based approach to AAC therapy. Alyssa enjoys working with autistic individuals and with emerging communicators who benefit from alternative access. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Jaime Chadek, MA, CCC SLP
Jaime earned her master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a Colorado-licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist at CHCO. She specializes in working with Colorado's pediatric, autistic community and believes in and integrates the power of augmentative and alternative methods to support their overall communication and social development. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Laura Cooper, M.S., CCC, SLP
Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Butler University and her master’s in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 2010. Laura specializes in evaluation and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder/autistic children and as an ESDM certified clinician, she currently serves as the Autism Program Clinical Practice Specialist for the speech-language therapy department at CHCO. She also serves as the lead speech language pathologist within the Prader Willi Syndrome multidisciplinary clinic at CHCO. Her other clinical interests include implementing and supporting families with AAC and fostering relationships with patients and families through caregiver coaching. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Lauren DeValk, MS, OTR/L
Lauren earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Saint Louis University in Missouri. She is a Colorado licensed and NBCOT certified occupational therapist at CHCO, where she has been working since 2018. Lauren is passionate about helping individuals with a variety of diagnoses achieve their highest level of daily independence and find joy through meaningful activities. She is dedicated to collaborating with colleagues to unlock creative solutions for individuals accessing AAC. Lauren works in Chromosome 15 Clinic and Neuropsychiatric Special Care Unit for individuals with developmental disabilities. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Jenny Gray, MS , CCC SLP
Jenny grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. She earned her masters of science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and is an ASHA certified speech language pathologist. She loves collaborating with families and clients who are on their unique communication journey. Jenny has worked at CHCO since 2021 and is part of the AAC team. When not working, Jenny is probably doing something in the mountains, hanging out with her puppy and husband, or spending time with family. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Alyssa Kearney, MS, CCC, SLP
Alyssa earned her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Hawai’i at Manoa. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist at CHCO. In her current position, Alyssa enjoys working with children who use AAC and running AAC and social skills groups. Alyssa strives to empower parents to help their children communicate and to give children a voice who can’t with their natural speech. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Gina Keene, MS, CCC, SLP
Gina is a speech language pathologist with over 20 years of experience. She earned her master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado. She has worked in a variety of settings including clinics, schools, and universities. Her areas of interest include AAC, autism, and literacy. She values the opportunities this career has provided her in being a part of helping others find their voice. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Nicole Korte, MS, OTR/L
Nicole earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Mount Mary University in Wisconsin. She is a Colorado licensed and NBCOT certified occupational therapist at CHCO. She is passionate in working with children with multiple diagnoses who need support with access to communication devices. Nicole works in various clinics such as Rett Clinic and AAC Clinic, and serves as the Mentoring Program Team Lead for OT/PT. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Kat Kowerska, MA, CCC, SLP
Kat earned her master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Queens College, City University of New York. She is a Colorado licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist at CHCO. As a member of the AAC team and the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, Kat evaluates and works with a wide variety of families and patients who use AAC to support their communication abilities. Kat strives to empower parents to feel competent and confident when supporting their children in communicating to their highest potential. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Brian Manzanares, MA, CCC, SLP
Brian Manzanares earned his master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is a licensed speech-language pathologist at CHCO, and he specializes in AAC. In his current position, Brian is also involved in using telehealth to increase the access of SLP and AAC services from CHCO throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None)

Lisa Nobel Martin, MA, CCC-SLP
Lisa is the Augmentative Communication Clinical Practice Specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Lisa earned her master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1998. She is a Colorado-licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist at CHCO. She has specialized in the area of AAC for the past 26 years and has expertise in the treatment and evaluation of children using augmentative communication strategies and technology.  Lisa has supported and developed various programs that allow children with AAC needs to access services through a variety of service delivery options. She has taught graduate classes and presented both locally and nationally on the topic of AAC.

Caroline Woeber, MA, CCC, SLP
Caroline earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida. She has worked as a speech-language pathologist in the school, private practice, and hospital settings. As the AAC Camp Coordinator, she organizes and runs AAC Camps for children, families, and professionals. Caroline is passionate about providing training and hands on experience to communication partners to support the communication of individuals who use AAC. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

Emi Yau , MA, CCC SLP
Emi earned her master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a Colorado licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist at CHCO. She specializes in working with children with complex communication needs who require AAC. Emi strongly believes in integrating AAC to support functional communication across all environments. Disclosures: Financial (Employed by CHCO); Non-Financial (None; speaker does not intend to reference the off label/investigative use of any commercial products or devices)

ASHA:

This program is offered for 13.5 hours (1.35 ASHA CEUs; Intermediate Level; Professional).
Attendees are expected to be present for the entire program. Individuals who are not present for the full program will not receive ASHA CEUs. No partial credit will be provided.

To Claim ASHA Credit for this series of educational activities, YOU MUST complete all 10 sessions. Individual ASHA credits, per session, will not be accepted. You must claim your ASHA credits by December 1, 2024.


Attendance
A certificate of attendance will be provided upon completion of this course.

Available Credit

  • 1.35 ASHA
 
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Required Hardware/software

You will need access to the internet, speakers or a headset to participate in this course.