This 3-hour course is designed for speech-language pathologists, special educators, and other professionals working with individuals who use or need augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The course will focus on AAC implementation skills that are critical yet often overlooked or misunderstood. Participants will learn how to support each communicator’s connection with important people by gaining a deeper understanding of how neurodiversity and physical or medical complexity impact the development of communication. The course will also cover partner strategies that nurture each AAC user's autonomy and self-expression. Join presenter Brenda Del Monte as she shares practical AAC implementation strategies, encourages the reevaluation of assumptions, and fosters the creation of an inclusive environment where all communicators can capitalize on their strengths and interests and develop skills that reflect their potential.

Objectives:

Describe two positive outcomes for AAC learners when professionals and others supporting them PRESUME that EVERY individual has the potential to learn to communicate.

List two evidence-based strategies you plan to try with your selected population (a. neurodiversity/autism or b. complex bodies/medically fragile) to foster the development of autonomous communication.

Identify two newly learned printable resources that can be used to guide and enhance collaboration with communication partners of AAC users.

Presenter:

Brenda Del Monte, MA, SLP-CCC
 Brenda Del Monte has been working as a therapist for over 18 years. Brenda received her undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington and her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology at Western Washington University. She has worked with children and adults with multiple disabilities since 2003. Brenda owns Technically Speaking, PLLC, a company that serves those who use AAC.  As an expert in AAC, Brenda contracts with Advanced Therapy Solutions to evaluate, train and treat those with multiple disabilities and complex medical conditions.

Brenda serves as a practice scholar research mentor at Northern Arizona University’s OTD program. Brenda has taught courses for Central Washington University, Arizona State University Speech-Language Pathology SLP Master’s Program and Northern Arizona University Occupational Doctoral students.

Please visit the SETC website for more information.