This course is designed to provide a new perspective on the implementation of augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) in order to assist the symbol speaker (a person developing language through a symbol system other than or in addition to verbal language) in developing language through AAC. The goal for the symbol speaker is to develop their language system to the fullest extent, in order to be able to communicate spontaneous and novel messages. But, how do we “teach” the person to communicate using AAC? How do we focus on the development of language skills when that language is not verbal?
This course will guide the participants (teachers, special education teachers, therapists, parents/caregivers, and other attendees) in the skills needed to immerse the symbol speaker in both verbal language and symbols. Lecture, collaboration activities, discussion activities, and practical activities will be used for the participants to develop language skills, developing social interaction exchanges using AAC, cooperating in joint interaction activities, and ultimately, dual-symbol immersion for those who are learning language through AAC.
The course objectives include building a foundation of understanding of the elements of augmentative communication and their impact on language development. These include vocabulary and symbol selection. The participants will use what they are learning during guided activities with a symbol speaker using AAC. Ultimately, the participants will learn by dual-symbol immersion in the language of AAC how to immerse symbol speakers who are developing their language through AAC.

SLPs, Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Classroom Aides/Assistants, Other Instructional Staff, Daycare providers, Parents, Caregivers, Extended Family Members of Symbol Speakers using AAC. Teams supporting a Symbol Speaker who is learning language through AAC will be scheduled together in the same Experiential Learning Series whenever possible.

Assistive Technology
Special Education

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