Starting with the Basics: A Universal Approach to Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention in Schools!!

Around the world, there are learners who cannot rely solely on speech to be heard and understood who need access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Unfortunately, access to AAC is still limited by a lack of resources and myths regarding eligibility and outcomes. In this session, participants will learn about an evidence-based implementation model, Project Core, which is designed to help educators, clinicians, and families teach early symbolic communication in the context of literacy and language intervention. Using an approach centered on the power of core vocabulary, participants will learn about foundational AAC intervention strategies, myths and misunderstandings that limit AAC access, and emergent literacy routines that provide meaningful contexts for learning AAC. The session will also highlight how the open-source implementation model can be translated, adapted, and culturally localized for international partners, with examples of how Project Core materials and core vocabulary resources have been successfully implemented across languages and global contexts to support more equitable access to AAC.

Participants will be able to:

1. describe 3 evidence-based instructional practices to support communication and language learning. 
2. list 4 components of the Project Core implementation model.
3. access free resources to support application of foundational AAC intervention.
4. recognize the range of resources readily available for translation and localization.

Agenda: 

9:00-9:15:        Introductions

9:15-10:15:       Core Vocabulary and Early Symbolic Communication

10:15-10:30:    Break

10:30-11:00:    Teaching Symbolic Communication Across the School Day

11:00-11:15:      Evidence-Based Emergent Literacy as a Context for Teaching Symbolic Communication

11:15-12:00:     Shared Reading and Communication

12:00-1:00:      Lunch

1:00-1:45:         Predictable Chart Writing and Communication

1:45-2:30:         Alphabet/Phonological Awareness and Communication

2:30-2:45:        Break

2:45-3:45:         Independent Reading/Writing and Communication

3:45-4:15:         Examples of Global Use and Invitation to Translate and/or Localize

4:15 – 5:00:      Wrap up and final questions