AAC… How to do it in this crazy school world we are living in
SLP Connection Presentation
AAC… How to do it in this crazy school world we are living in
As any SLP’s know, it has been a year of living in a crazy world switching from in person to virtual therapy sessions overnight. Then this school year started and many of us are being asked to juggle in person, virtual, and walk-in students. At the end of the day, I feel stressed and not sure how I am going to find the time to help my AAC users. Where do I start and how do I meet their goals? Angela Shofner MS, CCC-SLP from Rutherford County gave a presentation to the SLP Connection group packed with information on how to implement AAC strategies into our therapy sessions and the classrooms. The SLP Connection is hosted by Susan Usery, an SLP & Related Services Coordinator at Tennessee Department of Education. These Community of Practice (COP) sessions are held monthly, and open to any clinician practicing speech therapy within the schools. If you would like to receive notifications about future SLP Connection educational sessions, register at:
During Angela Shofner’s presentation entitled AAC… How to do it in this crazy school world we are living in, she presented the following quote that inspired their AAC implementation strategy,
“The average 18-month-old child has been exposed to 4,380 hours of oral language at the rate of 8 hours/day from birth. A child who has a communication system and receives speech/language therapy two times per week for 20-30 minute sessions will reach this same amount of language exposure in 84 years.” (Jane Korsten).
After a quote like that how do we help our AAC users keep up with their peers? The Rutherford County team has developed a plan to ensure goals are being addressed consistently and continually in both the classroom and therapy sessions. They feel that by having the entire team and family modeling language all day, using the student’s modality, only then will the AAC user have a chance to learn communication strategies similar to their peers. Modeling anytime, anywhere!
In addition to videos and websites shared by Angela that can be used by clinicians to foster increased AAC learning and use, several great websites were shared by both the presenter and audience participants. Her PowerPoint session is available here for preview and below is a list of the websites shared during the presentation.
PRC Implementation Activities
This is a link to the PRC-Saltillo website, providing free resources, AAC implementation activities, and trainings in regards to using their devices and programs.Project Core
A website with trainings, education, teaching supports and implementation materials provided by the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill. Be sure to check out the free series of professional development modules, they are valuable resources for both professionals and parents.Moving Beyond a Common Roadblock to Successful AAC Implementation
An article by Lauren Enders, MA, CCC-SLP provides information and ideas on how to assist your students with moving beyond requesting with their AAC devices.Saskia Splane’s Wakelet for AAC Core Boards
Saskia is one of the SLPs working through TN-Talks and she has shared a Wakelet featuring PDF’s of core boards in an array sizes from many of the popular AAC device manufacturers.Inspiring Communication
Check out this blog post on the USSAAC website from Rachel Madel on inspiring AAC users, not requiring use. USSAAC is an organization that provides education and information to promote the rights of AAC users to receive the best possible communication options for individuals with complex communication needs.Aided Language Stimulator
This short YouTube video provides a great resource advocating providing all individuals with a voice to communicate.
Sabina LaClair MS, CCC-SLP
Sabina is a Speech Language Pathologist with LTVEC and the TN Talks program who is excited to have the opportunity to pursue her passion of assisting all individual in finding a way to communicate. Sabina received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her graduate degree in Communication Disorders from Western Kentucky University. Prior to working with LTVEC Sabina has worked in a variety of settings including schools, adult care facilities, hospital settings and outpatient clinics, providing services for both children and adults. She has also served as a parent advocate for the Indiana First Steps, early intervention program.