AAC: It’s a Team Effort!

Course Number: ABIO2222

When: Available between available November 15, 2021 – November 15, 2027

Where: Available under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: In this session, we discuss barriers to an interdisciplinary approach to augmentative alternative communication (AAC) implementation. We also discuss the importance of approachable collaboration, dissemination, and strategies to implement AAC throughout the day.

Who This Course Is Good For:

Any ASHA member, CCC holder, or other professional that is licensed or credentialed to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology or preparing to earnASHA CEUs.
A professional who works with pediatric clients that have limited natural speech
A professional who works with pediatric clients that use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems or may be good candidates for AAC
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) who works in a school-based setting
A professional who works with pediatric clients that exhibit challenging behaviors

Who This Course Isn’t Good For:

Any professional who is not familiar with the term AAC
Any professional that does not currently work with any pediatric clients or plan to in the near future
Professionals that solely provide one on one therapy in a medical setting as this course is focused on AAC implementation in a school-based setting.

Presenters:

Venita Litvack, M.A, CCC-SLP

Venita is an Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant in south Florida. She has a passion for using AAC, AT, and literacy to support individuals with complex communication needs, autism, and other disabilities. Venita has delivered poster presentations on several topics related to AAC at ASHA and co-presented several ASHA CEU accredited courses. Venita co-authored two articles published in ASHA Leader’s online publication, as well as the Lou Knows What to Do book series published by Boys Town Press. Recently, Venita started utilizing the power of social media to empower and motivate educators across the country through the Speechie Side Up podcast, blog, Instagram account, and YouTube channel.

Morgan van Dipen, BCBA

As a behavior analyst (BCBA) and co-author of ABA Visualized, Morgan specializes in bridging the gap between behavioral expertise and real-life application using step-by-step visuals and approachable language, allowing effective strategies to be more accessible to those who can benefit from them.

Janna Bedoyan, NBCT

A Nationally Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) & AAC Specialist, Janna specializes in creating teaching environments where students can thrive through classroom design, schedules, routines, and integrating AAC and communication. Janna’s goal is to give all her students and clients a voice!

Disclosure Statements

Venita Litvack has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: ownership interest in Speechie Side Up, LLC and Tassel Learning, LLC; royalties from the Lou Knows What to Do book series.

Venita Litvack has the following relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose: member of the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Morgan van Dipen has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: the co-founder of ABA Visualized which includes receiving payments for trainings and co-authored books.

Morgan van Dipen has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Janna Bedoyan has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: currently employed by Fresno Unified and is the founder of AAC and Me which includes receiving payments for consult services trainings, and co-authored books.

Janna Bedoyan has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Identify at least 2 common barriers with AAC implementation from a multidisciplinary approach.
Describe the importance of approachable collaboration & dissemination.
Identify at least 2 tips on how to promote AAC all the time

Agenda

10 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
15 min	Review of Barriers to AAC collaboration and implementation
10 min	Review of research findings related to AAC implementation and collaboration
20 min	Review of solutions to improving AAC implementation and collaboration
5 min	Overview of the book AAC Visualized
5 min	Closing, Discussion and Questions