Past AAC Learning Networks


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.

Past 2024 AAC Learning Networks

Information will be added here after each virtual AAC Learning Network event is held.

February 22, 2024: What is Comprehensive Literacy and Ideas for Literacy at Home - A brief overview of learning to read and write for children who use AAC. And a discussion of ways to build literacy into daily home routines. Speaker: Marci Revelli

March 21, 2024: Literacy Planning Resources - An overview of the “Comprehensive Literacy for All” Book Collection hosted by the Special Education Technology Center (SETC) website. Guest speakers: Sarah Kinsella and Barb Lark

April 18, 2024: AAC and Access to Literacy in the Classroom - April and Kelly share about co-teaching literacy in the classroom. Guest speakers: April Weitkamp and Kelly Marks

May 16, 2024: Assistive Technology Tools to Support Comprehensive Literacy - Amy and Sara share examples of Assistive Technology (AT) supports that are frequently used as part of a comprehensive literacy program. Guest speakers: Amy Connolly and Sara Ayars

June 13, 2024: Emergent Literacy, “Early” AAC & Gestalt Language Processing: A Parent Perspective - Cass shares her family’s AAC journey (which started in toddlerhood) and the common themes in

  • supporting her daughter with AAC

  • and supporting her in emergent literacy.

Cass shares literacy-related strategies, tools, and tips from her experience parenting at the intersection of gestalt language processing and toddler AAC. Speaker: Cass Griffin Bennett

October 17, 2024: Thoughtful Inquiry: Spelling for Communication (part 1) - This series is an invitation to respectful, thoughtful inquiry and critical thinking about how SLPs can support literacy as a means of communication. Like with every AAC Learning Network event, no endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned. For this series, “spelling for communication” or “spelling as communication” refers 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, partner-assisted scanning, use of an alternative pencil such as an eye gaze frame, alphabet flip chart, alphabet board/letterboard, etc. This series is NOT referring to a specific method/intervention/program. Speakers: David Kaufer, Stone Kaufer, Marci Revelli, Jo Ristow, Cass Griffin Bennett, and Arti Bhatia

Part 1 of this series: 

  • 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.

November 21, 2024: Thoughtful Inquiry: Spelling for Communication (part 2) - This series is an invitation to respectful, thoughtful inquiry and critical thinking about how SLPs can support literacy as a means of communication. Like with every AAC Learning Network event, no endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned. For this series, “spelling for communication” or “spelling as communication” refers to the use of generative literacy skills as a primary form of augmentative/alternative communication (AAC). Speakers: Arti Bhatia, Sam Bhatia, Marci Revelli, Jo Ristow, Cass Griffin Bennett

Part two of this series continues on the topic of non-speaking Autistic AAC users and how some have learned to spell for communication. Information is offered to guide decisions on supporting literacy development. Including when considering moving toward spelling as a form of communication. There are many many literacy curriculums taught in schools. The presenters focus on a few that may be applicable. They also share what is considered good instruction and a good learning environment.

NOTE: the presenters state that the UFLI Foundations program is free. You must purchase the manual; the rest of the materials are freely available on the UFLI website.

Related resource:

Past Evening Seminars

Past Evening Seminars (2022 - 2023)