AAC Mini Trainings

The Classroom Communication Journey

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An AAC Training Program for Special Education Teachers & Therapists

Program Overview:

Embark on a comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) training program designed to empower special education teachers and therapists in schools. Delivered one excursion at a time, this innovative program blends engaging live virtual training with supportive resources to ensure sustained progress.

Program Highlights:

  • Excursions (Modules): Each excursion focuses on a crucial aspect of AAC implementation, providing participants with clear strategies and practical techniques.
  • Monthly Checkpoint Trainings (30 minutes): Interactive virtual sessions, hosted by expert AAC trainers, guide participants through each excursion and facilitate collaboration.
  • Mid-Month Pitstop Emails: Two weeks after each checkpoint training, participants receive a "pitstop" email filled with resources, action items, and materials to reinforce the strategies discussed.

Program Levels for Special Educators and Related Service Providers:

  • Level 1 - Exploration Excursions are designed for the entire team: special education teachers, paraprofessionals and SLPs. This is where we gain consensus, learn the framework of creating a communication rich, instructional and supportive environment for all of our learners with special needs.
  • Level 2- Special Applications Excursions are more focused trainings.  These excursions are designed to draw all professionals together to learn about specific topics in special education and communication (AAC) or specific groups of students with similar characteristics, needs or age groups. These are independent of each other so teams can pick and choose topics to meet their unique needs.
  • Level 3 -Discovery Excursions are designed for specialists. These sessions guide SLPs through the foundational steps of identifying communication needs, developing a scope and sequence for AAC skill development, and completing a full assessment—from initial skills evaluation to writing a report that justifies AAC equipment funding.

Charting Your Course:

We highly recommend that all district participants embark on Excursion 1 as their starting point. This approach ensures that everyone is aligned as you navigate your journey together. Excursions in Levels 1 and 3 are in a suggested order of learning. Level 2 Excursions can be chosen to meet the specific needs of your team.

Our AAC Mini program is thoughtfully designed to deliver evidence-based content in a digestible format, providing educators with multi-modal instruction and practical tools they can use right away—while steadily building their knowledge and application over time.

Need to Fast Track? Checkpoints can be presented in half-day or full-day workshops if this better meets the needs of your team.

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Set and track organization to individual-level goals
Monitor timelines and match them against departments
View all your data in one place at the same time
Make real-time decisions
Start Your Free Trial

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Frequently Asked Questions

Feeling unsure? These might help!
Do I need a credit card for the Free 14-Day Trial?

Nope. There are no hidden clauses, no strings attached. You won't be signed up automatically at the end of your trial.

What happens if I want to cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your subscription any time and we'll refund you for the remaining portion of your billing period.

Are the yearly plans cheaper?

Yes, they are.

Can I upgrade my plan after signing up?

You can. Just get in touch with our customer support team and they'll help you with the process.

Do you offer discounts for non-profits?

We do. We offer a sliding scale for non-profits based on your needs and size. Let's talk further.

Do you offer referral programs?

Not yet but watch this space for more soon!

Level 1 Excursions (Exploration)

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Excursion 1: Introduction to AAC in the Classroom

During this introductory excursion, educators and therapists will gain the foundational AAC skills needed to support participation and learning for students with complex communication needs. We will prepare for our journey by exploring the underlying reasons why students may require AAC intervention and highlight basic communication partner skills. During the last leg of our trip, we will learn how to use a checklist to as a way to discover which tools already exist and what potential tools are needed to support communication and learning for all students.

Checkpoints
  • Finding the Why of AAC
  • Introduction to Partner Strategies
  • Communication Functions/Beyond Requesting
  • Classroom Communication Checklist

Excursion 2:  AAC All Day - Supporting Communication and Learning in the Classroom

Suit up! We will do a deep dive into your classroom! We will learn practical ways to embed communication into your existing routines and activities. We will discover ways to increase active participation and learning for students with complex communication needs. Don't worry, we have a lifesaver of ready-made materials when the going gets rough!

Checkpoints

Embedding Communication into Your Classroom

Materials/Activities to Support AAC Learning

Planning for AAC Success

Addressing IEP Goals During Classroom Routines

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Excursion 3: Classroom Communication Goals Grid for Individual Students

Every great trip starts with a solid plan. The Classroom Communication Goals Grid-R is a planning tool that will help school professionals better understand students' current and future communication needs. During this excursion, participants will learn to assess student Present Level of Performance, identify appropriate communication goals, track progress, and provide a clear path for communication instruction. Additionally, ways to use this information to drive the IEP will be addressed.

Checkpoints
  • Communication for Wants and Needs
  • Communication for Social and Information Exchanges
  • Communication for Language Development
  • Communication for Academics and Literacy
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Excursion 4: Partner Strategies to Encourage Interaction for Students with Complex Communication Needs

When exploring uncharted territory, nothing beats a great guide! The same goes for our students who are learning a new way to communicate. A great communication partner (guide) is essential. Improve your communication partner skills by learning specific strategies that can ensure successful interaction and language learning with your students with complex communication needs

Checkpoints
  • Consistent Access to AAC
  • Modeling/Aided Language Input
  • Expectant Pause
  • The Role of Motivation
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Excursion 5:  Classroom Communication Checklist

Get ready for a practical journey to better classroom communication! This 4-part series uses the Classroom Communication Checklist as your guide to explore, evaluate, and build effective supports—especially for students with complex communication needs. Each stop offers simple, purposeful steps to help every student find their voice.

Checkpoints
  • Getting Started with the Classroom Communication Checklist
  • Classroom Communication Resources - Step 1
  • Classroom Communication Resources - Step 2
  • Creating and Developing Your Communication Resource Plan

Level 2 Excursions (Special Applications)

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Excursion 1: Supporting Emergent Literacy and Language Learners

It's time to sit back and relax with a good book. In this excursion, we will explore evidence based strategies for developing emergent literacy skills for students with complex communication needs. We will learn ways to use low and high-tech AAC strategies to foster a literacy-rich environment. We will explore specific strategies to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full literacy potential. Whether you're an educator or therapist, this training will provide valuable insights and practical tools to promote literacy and communication success for all students.

Checkpoints
  • Overview of Literacy - Why is it Important?
  • Shared Reading
  • Predictable Chart Writing
  • Alphabet Knowledge & Phonological Awareness
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Excursion 2: AAC in the Preschool Classroom

Even our youngest explorers need to be included in the fun! It's never too early to start introducing AAC strategies to young students who are non-speaking or speech delayed. Unlock the power of communication for your preschool students with language rich environments, engaging activities, and strategies tailored to meet the needs of young children.

Checkpoints
  • Getting Started with AAC - Assessing Preschool Skills
  • AAC All Day - Embedding Communication in Daily Routines
  • Emergent Literacy for Early Learners
  • Engineering the Classroom: Light Tech to Robust AAC
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Excursion 3: Behavior and Communication

In this excursion, we will explore the relationship between behavior and communication. Learn how key strategies can transform communication challenges into opportunities for growth and understanding. Participants will gain valuable insights into how behavior serves as a form of communication, and how AAC can provide individuals with alternative means to express themselves effectively.

Checkpoints
  • The Relationship Between Communication and Behavior
  • Four Functions for Behavior
  • Visual Supports and Autism
  • Leaning into Student lnterests! AAC for Me!
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Excursion 4: Partner Strategies to Encourage Engagement

Get everyone on board! Engagement makes learning stick. Discover how to ensure consistent access to AAC tools and create an AAC-friendly environment with continuous communication opportunities.

Checkpoints
  • Respect and Reflect
  • Communication Temptations/Joint Action Routines
  • Generalization
  • Repetition with Variety
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Excursion 5: Partner Strategies to Support Language Skills Development

Let's explore partner strategies! On this excursion, learn techniques to expand vocabulary, support conversation skills, and go beyond 'yes' and 'no' for students with complex communication needs.

Checkpoints
  • Beyone Yes and No
  • Expansion Strategy
  • Descriptive Teaching
  • AAC Momentum Strategies
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Excursion 6: Social Skills for AAC Users

Let's make friends! Making social connections is key. From greetings to sharing personal info, discover how to set appropriate social goals and find opportunities to develop social skills for students with complex communication needs.

Checkpoints
  • Introduction to Social Skills for AAC Users
  • Identifying Appropriate Social Goals
  • Creating a Social Implementation Plan and Embedding Opportunities
  • Strategies for Teaching Social Skills
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Excursion 7: AAC and Autism

In this excursion, educators and therapists will navigate the unique landscape of language development in Autism. Gain a deeper understanding of how individuals with Autism perceive and process language, and discover strategies for promoting language development and communication tailored to their unique learning styles.

Checkpoints
  • Autism and Communication
  • Language Development in Autism
  • Sensory Considerations for Communication Development
  • Key Considerations for AAC Tool Selection
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Excursion 8: AAC & Empowering Families

Families play an important role in their child's communication journey. Let's take an excursion where the family is at the center of planning and executing a communication program. During this excursion, we will find practical ways to include families from assessment to implementation.

Checkpoints
  • Representation Matters: Addressing the Cultural and Linguistic Needs of the Family
  • Family Training and Support Resources
  • 10 Ways to Increase Family Involvement
  • AAC Implementation in the Home
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Excursion 9: AAC and Motor /Sensory Impairment

Embark on a journey to unlock communication for AAC users with visual and motor challenges. This expedition will explore accessibility, for our most involved students. Join us to empower AAC users with advanced strategies for seamless and independent expression.

Checkpoints
  • AAC for Students with Complex Motor & Sensory Impairment
  • AAC and Direct Selection
  • AAC and Scanning
  • Teaching AAC Selection Skills

Level 3 Excursions (Discovery)
For SLPs

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Excursion 1: Introduction to AAC for SLPs

A knowledgeable SLP should guide the AAC journey. This introductory excursion will explore communication, identify starting points, and plan effective therapy for expressive and receptive language development.

Checkpoints
  • What is a "Robust" AAC System?
  • Form, Function, & Skills: Understanding How My Student Communicates
  • Simple Starter AAC Goals
  • Planning Effective AAC Therapy
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Excursion 2: AAC 101: Simple Steps for Student Communication

Learning to communicate is a shared journey between students and their communication partners. Educators and therapists need a clear plan to guide the way. In this excursion, your guide will take you on a 5-Step Tour-from choosing communication targets to talking-paving a path to communication success!

Checkpoints
  • Choosing Targets for Communication
  • Training Communication Targets
  • Modeling AAC So Students Take In
  • Helping Students Try It & Talk Using AAC
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Excursion 3:  Communication & Language Assessment for AAC Users

Expand your knowledge about AAC assessment.  Learn how to guide the process and create a plan for communication success.  Build your kit of essential resources to help you gather information, identify student strengths, and assess currrent and future communication needs.

Checkpoints
  • AAC Users: Ability Levels and Competencies
  • Forms and Functions: The Communication Matrix
  • AAC Skills Assessment
  • Pulling It All Together: The AAC Assessment Report
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Excursion 4:  Navigating AAC Applications: Understanding and Selecting the Right Fit

Navigate the world of robust AAC systems. From language strategies to features that support engagement, independence, and communication efficiency, therapists will gain the skills to confidently choose the best AAC systems for student needs.

Checkpoints
  • The Cognitive Demands of AAC Use
  • Selecting Systems that Fit – Balancing Demands and Supports
  • Exploring Organization Types of AAC Systems
  • Operational, Environmental, and App Evaluation Strategies
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Excursion 5:  Writing the Speech Generating Device Report

Learn to plan and write a comprehensive AAC evaluation that justifies the need for a speech-generating device. This report will help support funding requests to school teams, insurance, and Medicaid by clearly documenting the student’s communication needs and how the device will meet them.

Checkpoints
  • Student’s Communication Profile
  • Documenting Access, Language, and Cognitive Skills
  • Assessing Communication Needs and Functional Goals
  • Selecting and Justifying the SGD

Training Excursions

Our training excursions offer evidence-based, multi-modal approach to professional development. Developed to align with adult learning styles, our trainings seamlessly integrate into a busy schedule while delivering maximum impact. Your teams will receive:

  • Monthly 30-Minute Checkpoint Trainings: Engage in dynamic, interactive virtual sessions led by expert AAC specialists. These sessions not only provide in-depth guidance through each excursion, but also encourage collaboration among participants, creating a skilled local professional learning community.
  • Mid-Month Pitstop Emails: Keep the momentum going with our bi-weekly "pitstop" emails. These thoughtfully curated communications are packed with valuable resources, actionable items, and materials that reinforce and build upon the strategies discussed in the checkpoint trainings.
  • Excursion Workbook: For each excursion your team embarks on, participants will receive a digital workbook including sections for each checkpoint with learning objectives, key facts and concepts, self-reflection opportunities and an action item to implement new learning in the classroom. Workbooks can be accessed digitally or printed to create a personal reference library!
  • Specialized Content: Receive AAC and Special Education focused blog articles straight to your in box. Stay informed and inspired with the latest insights and practical tips from industry leaders, ensuring you remain at the forefront of educational best practices.
  • Microcredentialling: Earn a certificate of completion for each excursion completed. Collect these certificates as you work towards becoming a DTA AAC Model Classroom Instructor, showcasing your dedication and expertise to colleagues, administrators, and the broader educational community.

Investing in DTA training means empowering your staff with the knowledge, resources, and recognition to excel. Transform your classrooms into a model of excellence with our expertly designed professional development journey.

For more information, a quote, or help with creating a professional learning program for your staff, please contact us.

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