Get Set: How To Conduct Dynamic AAC Assessments

Course Number: ABIO2213

When: Available April 6, 2022 – April 6, 2027

Where: Audio available once you register under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: This session discussed important factors, models, approaches, and processes related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment. This session also explained the universal requirements for an AAC user and provided useful evidence-based resources that apply to her approach.

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 earn ASHA CEUs.
Any speech-language pathologist (SLP) who wants to learn more about AAC assessment and treatment.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) who wants to evidence-based techniques based on emerging research.

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.

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.

KATE MCLAUGHLIN, M.S, CCC-SLP

Kate is a speech-language pathologist specializing in augmentative communication for children with complex communication needs. She is passionate about supporting children and families on their journey to autonomous communication. Kate is a certified member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and holds licensure as a speech-language pathologist in the state of Connecticut, USA. Kate is in private practice in Connecticut providing direct therapy and consultative services for individuals with complex communication needs and is the creator of an online course on AAC called Authentic AAC: Implementing Communication Systems for Autonomy & Connection.

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.

Kate McLaughlin has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: is the owner of AAC Services of CT, LLC and receives a salary. She is also owner of The AAC Coach, LLC and receives compensation for speaking and coaching services. Kate is a course creator for Learn Play Thrive, LLC. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for the sale of the course.

Kate McLaughlin has the following nonfinancial relationships to disclose: Kate serves as the unpaid AAC Chair for the Therapist Neurodiversity Collective (TNC).

THIS COURSE IS OFFERED FOR .10 ASHA CEUS
(INTRODUCTORY LEVEL: PROFESSIONAL AREA)

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Identify 2 universal requirements for all emergent AAC users
Describe 2 models of AAC assessment
Identify 3 key stakeholders in AAC assessment
Describe the dynamic process of AAC assessment

Agenda

10 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
14 min	Description of universal requirements for all emergent AAC users
5 min	Description of important considerations when considering AAC assessment
12 min	Discussion of different models of AAC assessment
13 min	Discussion of how the team needed for an AAC assessment
6 min	Discussion of helpful resources