Must-Have bAACk to School AAC Resources

Course Number: ABIO2115

When: Course content will be available between available October 8, 2021 – October 31, 2026

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

Description: This session discussed important factors and strategies while using digital materials during therapy, as well as, how to effectively engage with the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) user in-person and in teletherapy. This session also explored 2 online resources to support AAC teletherapy.

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 terms 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.

Sarah Gregory, M.S.,CCC-SLP

Sarah is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology consultant in the Ithaca City School District in Upstate New York. She specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication in a public school setting with a focus on inclusion. Sarah has presented on these topics at national and statewide conferences. She shares ideas and strategies for AAC and teletherapy on her YouTube channel, as well as Twitter and Instagram @SarahGregorySLP.

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.

Sarah Gregory has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: Receive a salary from the Ithaca City School District, receive income from Sarah Gregory, SLP, receive income and honorariums from speaking engagements and online courses, have received codes to trial therapy products/tools.

Sarah Gregory has the following nonfinancial relationships to disclose: ASHA member, ASHA SIG 12 member, member of the SIG 12 professional development committee.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Describe at least two strategies to use digital materials during in-person therapy.
Describe evidence-based strategies to engage AAC users in-person and in teletherapy.
Identify at least two online resources to support teletherapy with AAC users.

Agenda

10 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
14 min	Discussion of evidence-based strategies that promote AAC use during in-person and teletherapy
9 min	Discussion of strategies and factors when using digital materials during in-person therapy
10 min	Description of evidence-based strategies to engage the AAC user during in-person and during teletherapy
12 min	Discussion of online resources that support teletherapy with AAC users
5 min	Live Question and Answer session with guest speakers