Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a type of Assistive Technology. The purpose of AAC is to support the communication skills of a person with a disability, and may include any combination of unaided ("no tech"), low-tech, or high-tech devices. I have many video courses available for you to learn more about this.
Below you'll find some links to fantastic videos and professional development presentations that you can check out for free! Some of the links I have assembled for you are categorized as being of interest "for parents", "for educators", or "for SLPs" but please feel free to explore all sections.
COVID-19 specific information:
How to keep AAC Germ Free. For iPads, Apple has cleaning instructions as well.
Top AAC References:
Scot Wahlquist & Sarah Cox: Transitioning from 'Choice-based' to Core: An excellent example of how core vocabulary changes lives!
Endever* Corbin: AAC Backups (& Backups for Backups): An AAC user gives the most comprehensive list of low-tech AAC back-up options ever.
Lauren Enders: Personalizing AAC - A Deep Dive Into Vocabulary Customization. See also the Diverse AAC YouTube channel.
Kristen Powell & Mary Katherine Dally: All Hands on Deck For Touch Access - if your child/student has a keyguard, or other touch accommodations, this presentation can help you understand why, and how to help them continue developing fine motor skills.
The AAC Agreements: a collection of citations for evidence-based practice in the AAC field. If you're wondering why I recommend a particular strategy (like core vocabulary), and if it will really work, the answer is probably here!
Partners in Policymaking - online courses about how to (self-) advocate for people with disabilities
Training for Educators:
Setting Up Your Classroom for Success:
AAC & Reading:
Lori Geist: Embedding Core Vocabulary in 5 Common Emergent Literacy Routines - this is an overview of comprehensive information which is available on the Project Core website.
AAC & Writing:
Kelly Fonner: Scribbling (The first stage of writing for ALL students)
AAC & Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math:
Teaching Resources:
Children using Unity or LAMP Words for Life (some resources free, some subscription-only): https://aaclanguagelab.com
Core Word of the Week - can be used with Proloquo2go, TouchChat, or any user of Symbol Stix: https://www.assistiveware.com/blog/wonderful-core-words-week
Awesome blog on all things AAC: https://praacticalaac.org
AAC in a Distance-Learning Model:
Lauren Enders & Rachel Madel: Attention-grabbing Tools & Ideas for Virtual Language Learning
Laura Valerio: Promoting Social Language Skills for an AAC User
General AAC:
Amanda Hartmann: Building Language in AAC - the most AAC therapy ideas I've ever seen in one session.
Shaun Pearson, Christopher Bugaj & Katie Robertson: Voice and Choice -- Learning Made Fun Through Interactive Choose Your Own Adventure Games - the most creative AAC therapy idea I've ever seen, and you could easily create a game that lasts as your general therapy plan for a whole year!
Videos which influenced my "Essentials of AAC" videos, that you can watch to learn about topics like modeling and core vocabulary in further detail:
For secondary SLPs: Kathryn Hellend: AAC and the Transition to Adulthood
As CVUSD's AAC Specialist, my role is to provide assessments, consultation, and training to IEP teams (including teachers, support staff, SLPs, parents and children). I am also responsible for assisting IEP teams with obtaining funding for new AAC devices. If your CVUSD IEP team needs additional support, please email me at bhughes@cv.k12.ca.us.