“Apple provides many great accessibility settings in their iOS devices. Some AAC apps have built-in accessibility settings as well. This hands-on session will compare and contrast the adjustments which are available in iOS and the PRC-Saltillo AAC apps. The course also examines tool-use learning for AAC, using the Assessment of Learning Process (ALP) framework. Clinicians will gain insights into alternative access evaluation and strategy development through interprofessional collaboration.
Discussions cover assessment, teaching strategies, and adjustments to enhance communication, addressing movement disorders and vision-related issues. Audience participation includes reviewing videos and clinical strategies. This course equips participants with practical approaches to optimize AAC access and communication effectiveness using iOS.”
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the three stages and eight phases of the ALP for AAC.
- Explain three considerations in assessing a client’s level of AAC access proficiency.
- Contrast the iOS accessibility settings with the app-specific access settings.
While best practices encourage clinicians to support all languages used by AAC users, implementing bilingual interventions often presents more challenges than solutions. This presentation explores evidence-based frameworks for implementing culturally responsive AAC intervention for multilingual communicators. Key topics include strategies for effective caregiver collaboration, bilingual AAC system personalization, and how to leverage AI tools for bilingual material development. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for supporting multilingual AAC users while honoring their cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as access to ready-to-use resources for immediate clinical application.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will analyze key features and limitations of bilingual AAC systems to make informed decisions for customization for bilingual communicators.
- Participants will integrate strategies for meaningful caregiver collaboration to support long-term AAC use across multiple language environments.
- Participants will utilize artificial intelligence tools and translation resources to support the development of bilingual AAC materials while maintaining cultural and linguistic accuracy.
In today’s ever-evolving technological landscape, the availability of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solutions continues to expand. Among the leading providers, PRC-Saltillo stands out with its Accent, NovaChat, and Via line of devices, offering a range of vocabularies and features tailored to meet diverse communication needs. In this interactive workshop, participants will delve into the AAC with a focus on these cutting-edge devices, discovering both the practical functionalities and the fun elements they bring to the table.
Learning Outcomes
- Explore the versatile features of PRC-Saltillo's AAC devices, including Accent, NovaChat, and Via, to enhance communication and engagement.
- Learn innovative ways to integrate AAC devices into classroom activities, leveraging their capabilities to support language learning and social interaction.
- Gain hands-on experience in customizing communication boards and visual supports using the intuitive interfaces of Accent, NovaChat, and Via devices.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is more than just a tool for speech—it is a bridge to human connection. This one-hour course explores the fundamental purpose of AAC: fostering relationships, self-expression, and meaningful interactions. Participants will gain insight into how AAC empowers individuals to connect with others and engage in the world around them.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize human connection as the primary purpose of AAC and its impact on quality of life.
- Identify strategies to support authentic, relationship-driven communication for AAC users.
- Apply best practices to promote meaningful interactions and social inclusion through AAC.
