Integrating Diverse & Inclusive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

This course explains what augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is, who it is for, and how to adapt both light/low tech and high tech to meet the needs of all AAC users. Participants will learn about the importance of personalizing AAC (for skin tone, cultural/religious vocabulary, etc.), discover free and low-cost resources, and gain information on workarounds in the most commonly used communication applications.

Presenters

Christina Royster
EdD, CCC-SLP
Christina Royster is the owner/founder of Play on Words Therapy, LLC. She is licensed in Maryland and Washington DC and has been practicing for over nine years. Christina specializes in working with complex communication needs, including developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and developmental disabilities. She also specializes in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), as she works on an AAC team in the public school setting. Christina attended the University of Maryland, College Park for her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. She earned her Doctorate in Education in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University in 2020. Christina is passionate about increasing diversity in the SLP field, especially related to assistive technology and AAC.
Jill D'Braunstein
M.A., CCC-SLP
Jill is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist living in SoCal where she runs a small private practice serving clients age 2-22 yrs. She specializes in the areas of literacy, AAC and pragmatic language.
Alma Partida
MA, CCC-SLP
Alma is an ASHA certified bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist working in the school setting in Northern California. She specializes in bilingualism, AAC and autism.

Learning Objectives

Learn what AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is and how to get started.
Understand the importance of ensuring representation within an AAC device.
Identify current needs in the diverse representation of AAC users.
Demonstrate workaround strategies/solutions to individualize AAC.

Agenda

5 minutes	Introduction
10 minutes	What is AAC/Types of AAC
5 minutes	Child Development & Onset of Self Identity
10 minutes	How to Begin with Light Tech
15 minutes	Ways to Personalize and Individualize High-Tech AAC
5 minutes	Sharing of Available Resources
2 minutes	Conclusion
8 minutes	Q&A

Disclosures

Speakers - Financial	Dr. Christina Royster is receiving financial compensation from brIQht media, dba brIQht ideas, for this presentation.Jill D'Braunstein is receiving financial compensation from brIQht media, dba brIQht ideas, for this presentation.Alma Partida is employed by Santa Cruz City Schools. She is receiving financial compensation from brIQht media, dba brIQht ideas, for this presentation.
Speakers - Nonfinancial	Dr. Christina Royster has no relevant nonfinancial relationship to disclose.Jill D'Braunstein has no relevant nonfinancial relationship to disclose.Alma Partida has no relevant nonfinancial relationship to disclose.
Course - Financial Support & In Kind	This course, and all courses in The Equity Series, are being sponsored by Having Our Say, LLC and SLP Toolkit.

ASHA

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area, Professional Area

Integrating Diverse & Inclusive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)