Before a typically developing child utters their first word, they have been exposed to approximately 2,400 hours of language from those around them. However, a child who uses AAC will probably have limited examples of how to communicate using their specific methods (e.g., voice output device, communication book, etc). There are a variety of identified implementation barriers, environment and partner centered, that can affect the outcome of AAC use within the classroom. Therefore, daily communica

Before a typically developing child utters their first word, they have been exposed to approximately 2,400 hours of language from those around them. However, a child who uses AAC will probably have limited examples of how to communicate using their specific methods (e.g., voice output device, communication book, etc). There are a variety of identified implementation barriers, environment and partner centered, that can affect the outcome of AAC use within the classroom. Therefore, daily communication partners of students who use AAC have a critical role in successful device implementation. In this session, we will identify communication partner strategies and implementation tools that address identified barriers to AAC use in the classroom environment.

This session is intended for individuals working with students with complex communication needs including, assistive technology professionals, speech-language pathologists, teachers, instructional associates, occupational/physical therapists and parents.

*** COST INFORMATION: Workshop fee waived for NSSED employees, Member District* employees, and parents of students in our member districts. For individual participants who do not meet the above criteria, this course participation fee is $150.00. Registration or material fee per participant will be billed to the participant's district after the session. Individuals are not responsible for bringing payment to the session. NSSED reserves the right to cancel any workshop due to low enrollment. Member Districts include: Northbrook 27, Northbrook 28, Sunset Ridge 29, Glenview/Northbrook 30, West Northfield 31, Glenview 34, Glencoe 35, Winnetka 36, Kenilworth 38, Lake Bluff 65, Lake Forest 67, Bannockburn 106, Deerfield 109, North Shore 112, Township HS 113, Lake Forest 115, New Trier 203, Glenbrook 225.