Building language and communication skills with children who need or use AAC!!

Language and communication skills are essential for children to participate in all aspects of life – to express needs and wants, share information, and build meaningful social relationships. However, children who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood face many challenges learning language and communication skills. This session will discuss evidence-based intervention to overcome these challenges, including (1) intervention to support children who need or use AAC in the development of early language and literacy skills; and (2) intervention with communication partners (families, peers, professionals) to ensure that children have access to meaningful opportunities to learn language and literacy skills. Case studies of children with a range of disabilities will be used to illustrate these evidence-based practices and outcomes.