Indiana AAC Summit 2024

This is the 9th year for our annual conference, which brings together educators, therapists, administrators, parents, and AAC communicators for networking, sharing resources, celebrating successes, and working through challenges.

A Certificate of Attendance will be provided at the end of the day.

8:00 AM Registration - Register for the 2024 Summit at the IMMI Conference Center

8:30 - 8:45 Welcome - Welcome to the 2024 Summit by Beth Waite-Lafever and Beth Browning

8:45 - 9:45 Session 1

Why Movement Matters: Enhancing Communication through Engagement & Connection with Complex Learners

Presented by Beth Moss, MA/CCC-SLP; Sara Davis, PT, DPT; et al

In this presentation, we will describe profiles of our complex learners including communication styles, positioning needs, access and expectations as a student in their learning environment. We will look into how different examples of positioning tools, low tech/high tech supports, and adaptive seating can be used to impact student engagement. We will also share how we utilize a multidisciplinary approach to collaborate and enhance communication through movement and positioning. Finally, we will share our strategies for assessment and implementation to achieve positive outcomes for complex learners. Our presentation will focus on students at the secondary level but the information can be implemented with individuals of all ages.

10:00 - 11:00 Session 2

A Journey through AAC in the Classroom

Presented by Joanna Miller, BS/MS; Cindy Addie, MS, CCC-SLP; et al

Our presentation will take participants through the journey of accessing and implementing AAC in the classroom. It is often the case that a teacher may get speech generating devices for their classroom and think “OK, now what?” Our presentation will address this question in three parts: how to help students obtain their own device (including how to train staff, peers and families on the particular device), ways in which to incorporate AAC usage in the classroom, and a case study of a student who is emerging as an autonomous communicator.

11:15-12:15 Session 3

Let's Play! Adapting Board Games and Activities for All

Presented by Kim Hurley, MA, CCC-SLP

This highly interactive session will provide tools and strategies for adapting games and play activities for AAC users. Participants will have time to practice planning and adapting an activity, and will leave the session with ideas and plans to use the next week!

12:15-1:00 Lunch Break

A box lunch will be served at the IMMI Conference Center. Special dietary needs? You're welcome to bring in your own lunch and drinks.

1:00-2:00 Session 4

AAC Integrators: Building a Communication Community

Presented by Kelly Cummings, MS, CCC-SLP; Dawn Sponn, MS, CCC-SLP; et al

A need for a cohesive understanding and implementation of AAC across school buildings was recognized by a team of SLPs within a school district. The developmental preschool-12th grade Life Skills classrooms were chosen as the pilot classrooms to embark on an AAC implementation journey. For 7 months of the school year, a different foundation of AAC was highlighted each month for the classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, PTs, OTs, and other school personnel. Participation opportunities for the teachers and paras provided baseline data for knowledge of AAC, opportunities for collaboration, and fun prizes for team-building. The team of SLPs worked through challenges, adjusted plans where needed, and celebrated the big and small victories.

2:15-3:15 Session 5

Maximize Your Impact Through Collaboration

Presented by Darla Ashton, BCBA; Beth Moss, SLP; et al

Do you ever feel like you are living on an island? Having trouble finding others to collaborate with on complex communication cases? Are you just feeling like you and your colleagues have little left to teach each other and are earning for ways to grow? You are not alone! This is the story of the Assistive Technology educators in and around Hamilton County, and how they came together to form a coalition of support. In this session, the Hamilton County group will explain how they came together and how they are supporting each other with all things AT related, but specifically how their collaboration and problem solving sessions have impacted their systems of support and specific student needs back in their districts. Each cohort member will share an idea or strategy that came out of group collaboration and how it impacted their student and/or district. The group will share ideas on how to grow your local and national collaboration opportunities.

3:15-3:30 PM Closing - Prizes & Goodbyes with Beth Browning and Beth Waite-Lafever

Host or Publisher Indiana AAC Summit