#e147 Selecting And Implementing AAC Systems For Young Children With Complex Communication Needs by Joy McGowan, MS, CCC-SLP

Course overview

This course will aid participants in the decision-making process, including five critical components to consider when selecting an augmentative communication system. The functional implications of cognitive, speech and language development, vision, and gross/fine motor skills on communication interactions in children will be considered. Presented will be guidelines for participants to use in determining the optimal AAC system to ensure successful communication across environments. Both high- and low-tech communication options will be examined, including communication boards, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), switches, eye-gaze, mobile technology, and speech-generating devices featuring static and dynamic displays on dedicated augmentative communication devices. Participants will also learn to formulate appropriate goals and objectives based on data collection procedures specifically designed for monitoring a child's use of the features of his or her AAC system. Case studies will be presented to illustrate these technological advances and recommended strategies.