Unlocking the Potential: A Guide to AAC Candidacy

This session addresses the hesitation and uncertainty surrounding the early implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). An overview and practical information will be provided to determine which populations would benefit from AAC. Participants will review a variety of case studies and determine if an individual is a candidate for high tech AAC or what alternative supports would be beneficial. This course will also present resources for access to high tech AAC as well as how to find additional support.

Explore Course

This session addresses the hesitation and uncertainty surrounding the early implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). There is often a feeling in our stomach that tells us our client needs AAC before we begin seeking it. What stops us from trialing AAC earlier? Are we not sure if they really need AAC? Maybe they just need intensive therapy? What if I don’t have access to any AAC apps? An overview and practical information will be provided to determine which populations would benefit from AAC. Participants will review a variety of case studies and determine if an individual is a candidate for high tech AAC or what alternative supports would be beneficial. This course will also present resources for access to high tech AAC as well as how to find additional support.

Presenters

Cara Falade
M.A., CCC-SLP
Cara Falade, MA, CCC-SLP is an Ohio outpatient speech pathologist. Her current caseload ranges from 20 months to 47 years old. With over 15 funded AAC devices in the last 2 years, Cara is dedicated to helping individuals and their caregivers navigate finding the amplification for their voices. She shares all things speech & AAC on Instragram (@thebuckeyslp) as well as self care for professionals and her experiences being Black in a monotony field. She is a proud member of the National Black Association of Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH).

Learning Objectives

Explore the three subgroups of AAC candidacy
Develop strategies to overcome common misconceptions or doubts regarding AAC
Determine and access available resources to facilitate access to high-tech AAC

Agenda

5 minutes	Introduction
15 minutes	Characteristics of AAC Candidates
25 minutes	Case Studies - Are They an AAC Candidate?
15 minutes	Resources for Access to high-tech AAC

Disclosures

Speakers - Financial	Cara Falade receives a salary from a non-profit outpatient clinic in Columbus, Ohio as well as an honorarium from Bright Ideas Media for this course.
Speakers - Nonfinancial	Cara Falade has no non financial relationships to disclose.
Course - Content	Cara Falade has no additional content information to disclose.
Course - Financial Support & In Kind	This course is being sponsored by SLP Toolkit.

ASHA

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area

Unlocking the Potential: A Guide to AAC Candidacy: $25.00
This session tackles common hesitations around early AAC implementation. Participants will learn to identify candidates for high-tech AAC, explore alternative supports, and review case studies to inform decision-making. Resources for accessing high-tech AAC and finding additional support will also be provided. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.