AAC systems are far more than vocabulary boards—they’re dynamic, multi feature tools that can open new worlds of connection, participation, and independence. Expanding Your AAC Universe invites clinicians, educators, and support professionals to look beyond core words and explore the powerful built in features of PRC Saltillo AAC devices and apps. Through live demonstrations, practical examples, and collaborative discussion, participants will discover how tools such as Built in AI (translate, edit, image generation), List O Matic, Voice Assistants, Notebooks, Sharing Writing to Apps, Computer Controls, and Join In Web Apps can elevate communication across ages and environments. This session highlights real world applications for academics, leisure, employment, and independent living—showing how AAC features can enrich engagement in classrooms, at home, and throughout the community. Whether
Learning Outcomes
- Identify at least three feature-based tools available in PRC Saltillo AAC devices and applications (e.g., AI, List-O-Matic, Voice Assistants, Notebooks) that support academic, functional, or social participation.
- Describe at least three activities or contexts in which AAC features can support participation across developmental stages (early intervention, school-age, adolescence, and adulthood).
- Explain how a selected AAC feature can be adapted to meet the communication needs of individuals with differing ages, abilities, or communication goals.
- 4) Discuss practical examples of applying AAC features to support engagement in academics, leisure activities, employment-related tasks, and independent living.
In today’s educational and workplace environments, literacy, access, and sensory support have become focal points for helping individuals. What are the best practices around how we can use both assistive technology and sensory supports in these and other environments? In this session, we are taking a look at the research and anecdotal evidence for devices which work well and how they can be incorporated in multiple environments. We will discuss how the devices we currently have can be used for the creation of inclusive environments. We will also investigate how certain assistive technology devices can be used in alternative manners to enhance any environment. Finally, we will also look to introduce sensory supports for multiple environments.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will compare various types of assistive technology for reading support and determine which would work best for their individuals.
- Participants will differentiate how various types of assistive technology can be utilized by areas outside of the typical usage patterns in order to create more accessible environments.
- Participants will discuss the various tools and applications that they currently use and how those could be adapted into other settings or activities.
Collaboration between occupational therapy and optometry in home health services plays a vital role in helping individuals gain independence in their daily lives. By working together, occupational therapists and optometrists address both functional performance and visual needs within the client’s home environment. Optometrists assess and manage visual impairments such as acuity, contrast sensitivity, and eye health, while occupational therapists translate these findings into practical strategies for daily activities. This partnership supports interventions like adaptive techniques, environmental modifications, visual-motor integration, and the use of assistive devices. Together, they help clients safely perform self-care, mobility, and household tasks. This interdisciplinary approach ensures holistic, client-centered care that maximizes safety, participation, and overall quality of life for individuals receiving home health services.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and describe the distinct and complementary roles of occupational therapists and optometrists in providing collaborative home health services.
- Explain how common visual impairments (e.g., reduced acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field loss) impact occupational performance and independence in the home environment.
- Apply interdisciplinary assessment findings to develop effective intervention strategies, including environmental modifications, adaptive techniques, and appropriate referrals.
- Explore and differentiate a variety of low vision devices and assistive technologies, and describe their functional applications for supporting independence in daily activities.
