Working Toward UNITY: Principles for Advancing Communication Access for Children with Disabilities!!

This workshop will offer a comprehensive discussion of considerations for equitable access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for children with significant disabilities.  We will use the concept of UNITY to frame the discussion.  Grounded in the principle that communication is a universal human right, UNITY emphasizes meeting Universal Needs, ensuring that every child has opportunities to express themselves and participate fully in their communities. A strong Network of Support—including families, educators, clinicians, and peers—creates consistent, culturally responsive communication environments to support AAC approaches. Evidence-based Intervention practices in AAC promote growth in expressive and receptive communication. Technology, from low-tech tools to advanced speech-generating devices, expands multimodal communication options and supports meaningful engagement. Finally, Yet to Come presents a future-oriented vision, recognizing each child’s evolving identity as a communicator and the potential that continues to unfold over time.

Proposed agenda:

10:15-10:30: Welcome and overview

10:30-11:15: Universal needs

11:15-12:00: Network of support

12:00-1:00: Lunch

1:00-1:45: Intervention

1:45-2:30: Technology

2:30-2:45: Break

2:45-3:30: Yet to come

3:30-4:00: Reflection