How To Incorporate AAC & Literacy

Course Number: ABIO2334

When: August 29, 2023 – August 29, 2028

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

Description: In this session, we discuss reasons why SLPs should incorporate literacy into their augmentative alternative communication (AAC) sessions. We also discuss the criteria for choosing books to use in lessons featuring AAC & literacy, how to plan for AAC & literacy sessions, and how to incorporate literacy into AAC instruction.

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.

Megan Stewart, MS CCC-SLP

Megan Stewart, MS CCC-SLP is a Speech/Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience, most of which have been spent serving students with complex communication needs, within a variety of settings, including early intervention, home health, hippotherapy, preschool and elementary school level. Megan received her Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and now resides in Florida. With extensive knowledge regarding various forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) from lite to high tech, Megan’s passion is to help guide students, parents, and professionals alike in their journey to find the AAC system(s) that will help them become the most independent and autonomous communicators possible. Megan also owns and operates SENSEable Literacy, which consists of both a private practice, providing direct therapy and parent and professional coaching for those interested in learning more about AAC and literacy, as well as a storefront featuring a variety of materials and sensory-based literacy kits that empower those working with complex communicators to include AAC and literacy throughout their day.

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.

Meghan Stewart has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: ownership interest in SENSEable Literacy, salaried employee of a school district, Learning Consultant with Boardmaker.

Meghan Stewart has the following nonfinancial relationships to disclose: ASHA member.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Identify at least 2 reasons why SLPs should incorporate literacy into their AAC sessions
Identify at least 2 criteria for choosing books to use within lessons featuring AAC & Literacy
Describe how to you plan for AAC & literacy sessions
Identify at least 3 strategies to incorporate literacy into AAC instruction

Agenda

10 min	Introductions, Backgrounds & Disclosures
15 min	Discussion of why SLPs should incorporate literacy into their AAC sessions
10 min	Discussion of criteria for choosing books to use within lessons featuring AAC & Literacy
20 min	Description of how to you plan for AAC & literacy sessions
5 min	Discussion of strategies to incorporate literacy into AAC instruction
5 min	Closing, Discussion and Questions