by Kathy Smith, MSPA, CCC-SLP/L (Speech-Language Pathologist, retired); NWACS Vice President

AAC Spotlight is a series of interviews that we hope will be another resource. NWACS occasionally interviews people to help all of us learn more about each other and AAC.

In the Spotlight: Lauren S. Enders, MA, CCC-SLP

We are excited to welcome back Lauren Enders as our 2020 NWACS Online Conference speaker! In preparation for our October conference, Kathy once again shines the AAC Spotlight on Lauren, digging into what we can expect at the conference and her AAC interests. Lauren is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist currently working as a full-time Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology Consultant. She has had a passion for using AAC and other forms of assistive technology to support students with complex communication needs and complex bodies since she began her career in 1995. Lauren presents regularly at national conferences including Closing the Gap, ATIA, and ASHA as well as more intimate conferences, speaking engagements and webinars. She has shared her knowledge via blog posts on Praacticalaac.org as well as articles published in ASHA Leader and Closing the Gap Solutions Magazines. Lauren enjoys sharing AAC and AT related resources and networking with others in the field via her professional social media accounts on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

There are so many areas of focus in AAC. What are your AAC interests and involvement?

Currently, I am involved in the world of AAC in two ways. First, in my full-time position with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks County, PA), I serve as an assistive technology consultant specializing in AAC. I support school-aged students that attend public schools in 5 school districts in my county. I provide assistance with all aspects of AAC devices and services and support not only students, but staff, families, and other involved professionals. Second, I spend lots of time creating and sharing AAC-related information and resources via social media and local, national, and international presentations on topics related to AAC. I’m hopeful that I can reach as many people as possible with best-practice information that can positively affect those who need and use AAC!

AAC methodologies and systems have advanced over the years. What do you see as some of the greatest challenges for today’s users of AAC systems?

While AAC awareness has grown and progress has been made, users of today’s AAC systems continue to face many challenges. There are many challenges, however there are a few that stand out to me. First, professionals (special educators, therapists, administrators and others) are simply not receiving sufficient instruction on how to support language and literacy development of individuals with complex communication needs during their educational programs. I’m hopeful that more bachelor’s and master’s programs will begin to bolster instruction about how to support those with complex communication needs and complex bodies. Second, while the importance of modeling AAC to teach language to learners of AAC (also known as aided language stimulation or aided language input) has gained some momentum, modeling AAC is still not happening nearly enough. One more major challenge faced by users of AAC systems is that those supporting them accidentally limit their motivation to learn and communicate by presenting instruction in a manner than seems like a test or a demand. So many teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, family members and caregivers try hard to support AAC learners but inadvertently ask question after question and test instead of modeling and interacting to teach language.

How different will this year’s presentation be from last year’s NWACS conference?

While the topic once again centers around language and literacy instruction for learners with complex communication needs, this year’s presentation will be quite different from last year’s presentation. Last year’s participants explored best practices for AAC implementation, AAC buy-in, engaging lesson ideas, early emergent reading and writing activities and alternative pencils. While we touched on some of the tools that can be used to create custom texts, participants did not have time to see multiple examples or practice using the tools. This year’s presentation will have a make-and-take format and will have a much narrower focus. The day will be focused on how to use a variety of digital storytelling activities and tools to support language and literacy development while appealing to individual interests and accommodating varied skill levels. Digital storytelling activities were selected because they are customizable and reusable, they can be used to target both language and literacy goals, and they can be delivered either in person or virtually. Ideas for adapting activities for students who have complex bodies and use alternative access methods will be shared.

Following initial instruction and examples of how to use a variety of tools to create custom books and texts, participants will enter breakout groups. Within these breakout groups, they will practice using the tools they select to create an activity for a student or client. A cloud-based folder will be provided for participants to upload and share their newly created masterpieces. With access to this shared folder, participants will leave the session with a toolbox of new and engaging digital storytelling activities that can be used right away (or modified to meet individual student needs)!

Is there any way participants can prepare for this year’s presentation?

Yes! Participants are asked to complete a survey to indicate what technology they use with students/clients (PC? Mac? Chromebook? Mobile device?). Answering this survey promptly after registration is completed will help to ensure that content includes instruction for the tools they use.

Participants can maximize the time they have to complete projects during allotted breakout times by following instructions provided by NWACS prior to the conference that explain how to pre-load applications, sign up for free accounts, and save images. While it will take a bit of time to complete this preparation, following these instructions prior to presentation day will allow participants to get the most out of the day’s activities.

Thank you, Lauren, for taking the time to give participants background information and tips on how to prepare for #NWACS2020. Registration is still open. Visit our Eventbrite page to grab your seat!

Want to learn more about Lauren? Check out her 2019 AAC Spotlight interview HERE.

You can read more interviews HERE.

Do you have a suggestion of someone you would like to see us interview for AAC Spotlight? Let us know in a comment below or send us an email.