NWACS AAC Learning Network

Formerly Evening Seminars

A message from Marci (NWACS AAC Learning Network Coordinator):

NWACS has a really cool history going back to the 1970s. It all started with David Beukelman and others in the Pacific Northwest who wanted to help AAC users. I found out about NWACS when I moved to Seattle in the early 2000s. At that time, NWACS met in person for monthly Evening Seminars. The purpose was to share information and help each other. Most were Speech-Language Pathologists, but also some Teachers, Occupational Therapists, and Assistive Technology specialists.

Since then, we have grown and we're doing great! Our group is diverse, including

• AAC Users,

• Friends and Advocates of AAC Users,

• Parents,

• Grandparents,

• OTs,

• PTs,

• SLPs,

• Teachers,

• and more.

We support each other and our community by sharing resources and doing both in-person and online programs. One of our online programs, Evening Seminars, used to be mainly for professionals. In line with our mission, vision, and values, we're changing the name of Evening Seminars to AAC Learning Network.

As we say on our website, "We know that representation matters." We want different perspectives from AAC users, caregivers, and providers to make our work the best it can be. AAC Learning Network will still give out certificates of attendance. We will have monthly topics where we can learn from each other. Listening and sharing with others leads to better understanding and perspective to support our AAC community.

It is going to be an amazing year!

Marci Revelli

Coordinator of AAC Learning Networks

Marci is leading the NWACS AAC Learning Network committee.

Email your questions and/or suggestions to her attention at: info@nwacs.info

Upcoming AAC Learning Network Events:

The views expressed during these events are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NWACS. No endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned.

PLEASE NOTE: Thoughtful Inquiry: Spelling for Communication (Part 3) has been rescheduled. See details below.

If you missed Part 1, here are a couple of ways to get caught up:

• Watch the recording. Click here to access the slides and recording

• Click here to read a summary blog post

If you missed Part 2:

• Watch the recording. Click here to access the slides and recording

Like with every AAC Learning Network event, no endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned. Additionally, when we say “spelling for communication” or “spelling as communication” we are referring to the use of generative literacy skills as a primary form of augmentative/alternative communication (AAC). This may have different forms or modalities: writing, typing, keyboarding; use of an alternative pencil such as an alphabet board/letterboard. We are NOT referring to a specific method/intervention/program.

We acknowledge that people arrive at the ability to independently spell for communication through many different avenues. We are inviting respectful, thoughtful inquiry and critical thinking about how SLPs can support literacy as a means of communication. 

While the primary conversation will be SLP to SLP tonight and during the full series, anyone willing to be respectful towards our guests is welcome to join.

PRESENTERS:  coming soon

WHEN: Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 5 pm Pacific / 8 pm Eastern

WHERE: on Zoom (link will be posted here closer to the event; no registration needed)

FUTURE EVENTS: FALL 2024 SCHEDULE

Thoughtful Inquiry: Spelling for Communication (a three-part series)

Description:  Over the past several years, we have seen more and more non-speaking young adults share their experiences growing up without AAC. Many are now communicating by spelling, pointing to letters, or selecting keys on a keyboard or touchscreen. What can our evidence-based practice tell us about supporting spelling as a method of communication?  How do we think about the past and consider what we see and experience in the present to make future decisions? 

PART 1: Thursday, October 17, 2024

Presenters:  David Kaufer, Stone Kaufer, Marci Revelli, Jo Ristow, Cass Griffin Bennett, Arti Bhatia

In part 1 of this series, we: 

• Reviewed the definition of evidence-based practice used by SLPs that informs our clinical decisions.

• Reviewed different programs used to teach spelling as a method of communication.

• Shared the experience of a non-speaking AAC user who is learning to use spelling as their means of communication.

PART 2: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Presenters: Arti Bhatia, Sam Bhatia, Marci Revelli, Jo Ristow, Cass Griffin Bennett

In part 2 of this series, we: 

• Briefly summarized what was covered in Part 1. 

• Shared current evidence for supporting AAC users to use spelling as a communication method.

• Discussed instructional best practices that support learning to read and write for AAC users.

• Shared the experience of a non-speaking AAC user who uses spelling as their primary means of communication.

PART 3: Sunday, January 19, 2024

Presenters: to be determined

In part 3 of this series, we will: 

• Continue with a question/answer and discussion of the topic of spelling as a communication method.

• Share the experiences of non-speaking AAC users who use spelling as their primary means of communication.

SLPs: AAC Learning Network events count toward the Certification Maintenance Hours required to maintain ASHA certification. During the Zoom meeting (live) you will have the opportunity to request a Certificate of Attendance. Read more about how to count NWACS AAC Learning Network hours toward your ASHA professional development requirements HERE.

AAC Learning Network Fund

We are excited to invite AAC users to speak at our AAC Learning Network events. It is important to us that we compensate them for their time and energy. You can help our AAC Learning Network Fund with a small $5 - 10 donation. Thank you!

You may donate through PayPal by clicking the Donate to NWACS button at the bottom of the page, or by mailing a check to 19316 Sprague Drive, Bothell, WA 98012