Advocacy in my journey: Assessing AAC in a multilingual & multicultural world

SLP

SLP: AAC & assistive tech

SLP: caseload management

SLP: language disorders

OT: AAC & assistive tech

The information obtained from this presentation will guide SLP’s and other professionals on how to identify the purpose of advocacy through dynamic Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) culturally responsive practices. The ideas shared on advocacy, cultural and linguistic considerations, challenges/solutions, and the information on aligning AAC assessment and intervention goals can help bridge the gap we often see and experience when supporting multicultural & multilingual AAC users.

Presenters

Lelis Nolasco-Garcia
M.S., CCC-SLP
Lelis Nolasco-Garcia has been Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist in schools for the past 25 yrs. She has been in the medical field for the past 15 yrs and in the telepractice field for the past 8 yrs. Her emphasis & passion has been assessment/treatment of multicultural and multilingual students in need of Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC). She is a clinical training host, author, creator, & small business owner of Speech and Language Therapy Cafe (TPT). Lelis is also a ASHA ACE Award Recipient.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the purpose of advocacy through the AAC evaluation and treatment process to improve cultural awareness and competency.
2. Describe 5 evidence-backed considerations for a culturally responsive AAC assessment and intervention.
3. List at least 3 effective solutions when facing challenges during the AAC assessment of multilingual and multicultural students.
4. Align intervention goals and select materials for multilingual/multicultural students with AAC needs.

Agenda

10 minutes	Introduction and bilingual AAC definitions review
20 minutes	Explanation about how to use advocacy through the AAC evaluation and treatment process in order to improve cultural awareness and competency
10 minutes	Explanation of 5 evidence backed considerations for a culturally responsive AAC assessment and intervention
10 minutes	Sharing my SLP’s journey and perspective, listing at least 3 effective solutions when facing challenges during the AAC assessment of multilingual and multicultural students
10 minutes	Sharing bilingual materials and resources for assessment and treatment

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Lelis has received honorariums for hosting training on the topics of Tele-AAC and bilingual assessment and treatment. Author, creator, and small business owner of Speech and Language Therapy Cafe at TPT (8 years). Lelis has also received honorariums from Presence, a large teletherapy company on AAC and bilingual content created in Presence’s Library of Materials. Lelis Nolasco-Garcia is receiving compensation for this course.
Non-Financial Disclosures:	Lelis Nolasco-Garcia is the author of Speech and Language Therapy Cafe at Weebly. ASHA ACE Award Recipient. Guest in Todd & Kim’s telepractice podcast on the topic of AAC. Another non - financial relationship would be as it pertains to my frequent use of the AAC equipment, accessories and/or supplies that may need to be discussed in this presentation.
Content Disclosures:	Any mention of products or services should not be constituted as an endorsement, but rather useful resources I have found helpful

ASHA

This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Area

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Full Series: $149.00
Join us for a transformative online conference focused on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), designed to empower parents, educators, paraprofessionals, therapists, SLPs, and SLPAs. Gain practical tools, strategies, and insights to better support AAC users in real-world settings. Your registration includes access to five recorded courses plus a 30-minute bonus session, all aimed at helping you bring AAC into the hands—and hearts—of those who need it most. Includes optional ASHA reporting.

Advocacy in my journey: Assessing AAC in a multilingual & multicultural world: $25.00
Gain practical insights into assessing and supporting multilingual and multicultural students who use AAC. This course, led by a bilingual SLP, explores advocacy considerations, evidence-based strategies, goal alignment, and real-world solutions to common challenges in AAC assessment and treatment. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.

Advocacy in my journey: Assessing AAC in a multilingual & multicultural world