Live Course
Navigating AAC Assessment: Unraveling the Who, What, Where, When, and Why
Description: This session will explore the process of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessment. Discover the key elements of a comprehensive evaluation, including tools, strategies, and considerations for individuals with complex communication needs. Through the lens of a case study, participants will apply AAC assessment best practices. The process for identifying individuals who will benefit from AAC, understanding the assessment process, and unraveling the importance of AAC will be highlighted. This session promises to enhance your knowledge and skills and equip you with valuable tools to navigate an AAC assessment with confidence and effectiveness.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the “who” and “why” in AAC Assessment.
- Discuss the purpose and benefit of using the participation model in AAC Assessment
- Match at least 3 features of an AAC device to an individual’s needs and strengths
Agenda:
5 minutes: Introduction
5 minutes: Description of the need for comprehensive AAC evaluations
10 minutes: Case Study Introduction
25 minutes: Principles for AAC Assessments
10 minutes: Questions and Answers
5 minutes: Conclusion and next steps
Cost: Free!
Presenter Information
Stephanie Ekis, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Speech Language Pathologist with a passion for helping individuals realize their full potential. With over 30 years of experience, Stephanie has provided assessment and treatment for children and adults with complex communication needs. With a specialty in augmentative and alternative communication, she is committed to helping support teams and families successfully implement practical strategies to encourage language, literacy, and social skills development using both low and high-tech solutions. Stephanie has led several initiatives to increase awareness about diversity and representation for AAC users. She believes in an interdisciplinary approach where the entire team works together to find the best solutions to help clients meet personal, educational, and vocational goals. Stephanie has presented at both national and international conferences with a focus on successful AAC assessment and implementation.
Presenter Disclosure
- Financial : Stephanie is the co-owner of Interact Therapy LLC and a full-time employee at Dynamic Therapy Associates. A speaker fee was received for this presentation.
- Nonfinancial: Stephanie has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Marleah Herman-Umpleby, MS, CCC-SLP, is a highly experienced Speech Language Pathologist with a passion for empowering individuals to enhance their communication skills. She offers evidence-based strategies to foster successful collaborations among educators, therapists, and families. With a focus on language and literacy, Marleah brings energy and practical solutions to increase engagement and participation within teams. Her expertise spans AAC and language therapy for diverse backgrounds, allowing her to customize effective interventions. Marleah values listening to others’ ideas and perspectives, making collaboration a top priority. Her extensive background includes work in various settings, teaching at universities, coaching, mentoring, and presenting at national and international events. Additionally, she worked in the AAC industry connecting with AAC users and teams to contribute their experiences and voices to product development through usability testing and research.
Presenter Disclosure
- Financial: Marleah is the co-owner of Interact Therapy LLC, full-time Assistant Professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine, and adjunct professor at Duquesne University, Point Park University, and University of Pittsburgh. A speaker fee was received for this presentation.
- Nonfinancial: Marleah has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Participant Information
Course Format: This course will be a live, online course presented via Microsoft Teams. Interaction will be encouraged and time for questions incorporated into the session. If you are not familiar with Microsoft Teams, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app to download the application and learn more.
Target Audience: This session is designed for speech-language pathologists, family members, caregivers, educators, occupational therapists, and anyone interested in AAC!
Completion Requirements: In order to receive a certificate of completion or ASHA CEUs, participants must:
- Attend the full course. Login and logout times will be recorded automatically by the meeting software (Microsoft Teams). Partial credit for attending less than the whole class is not allowed.
- Pass an online exam with 80% accuracy or greater. Exams are multiple choice with 10 or fewer questions and can be taken as many times as needed to pass.
- Complete an online course evaluation.
Links for the exam and evaluation will be emailed to participants and must be completed within 7 days of the training. Certificates of attendance and ASHA CEU documentation will be sent/submitted within 15 days of the session.
Accommodations: Please email [email protected] with any special requests at least 72 hours before the course starts.
Cancellations/Refunds: If you are unable to attend, we completely understand! Check back to see if this course will be offered again or as a recorded session. This is a free course, so no payments or refunds are necessary.
Complaints: Please email [email protected] with concerns or complaints within 60-days of this course. Click here for our complaint policy.
Recording: This course will be recorded and made available at a later date in case you are unable to attend the live session.
Disclaimer: ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.