by Cassandra Stafford, MS, CCC-SLP/L, ATP (Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Professional), NWACS Board Member

This past summer I was invited as a guest speaker in the AAC class for SLP graduate students at the University of Washington. I was asked to speak about assessment and intervention considerations for teen/adult context-dependent communicators with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I was given one hour to do my best to address this topic for these SLPs-to-be. As this is a little discussed population, I would like to share what I put together - updated a bit from what I presented in August.

Do you work with teens and adults with IDD? What “lessons” do you have to add? Please share your thoughts (or questions) below in comments or on the NWACS Facebook page!

References and links related to information shared in the video:

• Pittsburgh AAC Language Seminar Series - Gail Van Tatenhove is scheduled to present the seminar that I reference in the video again in October 2021

• Ivan Brown, Chris Hatton, and Eric Emerson (2013) Quality of Life Indicators for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: Extending Current Practice. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: October 2013, Vol. 51, No. 5, pp. 316-332. https://meridian.allenpress.com/idd/issue/51/5

• AGOSCI (Australia) publication: In Focus, Summer 2020, Now Communication by Dr. Sheridan Forster (pages 10 – 12); https://www.agosci.org.au/resources/Documents/infocus/AIF%20Summer%202020.pdf

• Hold My Words Facebook page (and Kim’s blog)

• Links to download the two flip books:

bit.ly/AACtipsflipbook

bit.ly/SMoRRESflipbook

• The Communication Bill of Rights is available from asha.org/NJC

• The communication functions poster can be downloaded from praacticalaac.org/practical/practical-resources-partner-strategies-booklet-communication-functions-poster

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