Augmentative and Alternative Communication Course

Lesson 1 • Populations Who Use AAC

Profiles diagnostic groups commonly served by AAC, including developmental and acquired conditions. Builds awareness of diverse user needs across the lifespan.

Lesson 2 • Defining AAC and Its Scope

Introduces the definition, purpose, and boundaries of AAC as a field. Grounds all subsequent learning in shared terminology and conceptual clarity.

Lesson 3 • Communication Models and Frameworks

Presents theoretical models guiding AAC practice, including participation and social models. Provides the conceptual lens used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Low-Tech and Mid-Tech AAC

Examines picture boards, communication books, and simple voice-output devices. Demonstrates cost-effective options suitable for many users.

Lesson 2 • Symbol Systems and Representation

Reviews major symbol sets and the continuum from concrete to abstract representation. Guides symbol selection based on user cognitive and visual abilities.

Lesson 3 • Vocabulary Selection and Organization

Teaches core and fringe vocabulary concepts and layout design principles. Directly informs how practitioners populate and organize AAC systems.

Lesson 4 • Unaided AAC Systems

Covers manual signs, gestures, and body-based communication strategies. Establishes the no-technology end of the AAC continuum.

Lesson 1 • Feature Matching and Trials

Applies feature-matching methodology to narrow system options and conduct trials. Bridges assessment data to evidence-based system recommendations.

Lesson 2 • Assessment Principles and Team Roles

Establishes collaborative, person-centered assessment philosophy and team composition. Sets the ethical and procedural foundation for all evaluation activities.

Lesson 3 • Gathering Background Information

Covers case history, records review, and structured interviews with stakeholders. Ensures evaluators enter direct assessment with sufficient contextual knowledge.

Lesson 4 • Assessing Communication Skills

Guides evaluation of receptive language, expressive communication, and literacy skills. Provides the skill baseline needed to match users to appropriate AAC systems.

Lesson 1 • Seating, Positioning, and Mounting

Addresses optimal body positioning and device mounting to maximize access efficiency. Integrates occupational therapy principles into AAC access planning.

Lesson 2 • Direct Selection Techniques

Covers finger, hand, and head-pointer direct selection methods and their prerequisites. Establishes the most common access pathway before introducing alternatives.

Lesson 3 • Eye Gaze Technology

Examines dedicated eye-tracking hardware and software for AAC access. Addresses calibration, environmental factors, and fatigue management.

Lesson 4 • Keyguards and Display Modifications

Reviews physical and digital display modifications that improve selection accuracy. Supports users with tremor, spasticity, or reduced motor precision.

Lesson 1 • Core Vocabulary in Language Development

Demonstrates how core vocabulary supports early and expanding language use. Guides practitioners in prioritizing vocabulary that maximizes communicative power.

Lesson 2 • Language Acquisition Principles

Reviews typical language development stages and their relevance to AAC users. Anchors intervention design in evidence-based developmental theory.

Lesson 3 • Language Sample Analysis for AAC

Applies language sample analysis methods to AAC-mediated communication. Enables data-driven decisions about vocabulary expansion and system updates.

Lesson 4 • Aided Language Stimulation

Teaches the aided language stimulation technique for modeling AAC use during interaction. Provides the primary instructional strategy for language input in AAC contexts.

Lesson 1 • Prompting Hierarchies for AAC

Teaches least-to-most and most-to-least prompting systems applied to AAC use. Ensures systematic fading of support to build independent communication.

Lesson 2 • Goal Writing and Progress Monitoring

Guides writing measurable AAC goals and selecting data collection methods. Connects intervention planning to accountability and outcome documentation.

Lesson 3 • Social Communication and Pragmatics

Addresses turn-taking, topic initiation, repair, and conversational management via AAC. Extends intervention beyond vocabulary to functional social communication.

Lesson 4 • Script Training and Routine-Based Intervention

Uses scripted routines to build predictable communication opportunities. Supports generalization by embedding AAC practice in daily activities.

Lesson 1 • Family-Centered Practice

Applies family-centered principles to AAC planning, goal setting, and carryover. Ensures intervention is embedded in family routines and priorities.

Lesson 2 • Communication Partner Roles

Defines the critical role of partners in enabling or limiting AAC success. Motivates the need for systematic partner training as a core intervention component.

Lesson 3 • Interprofessional Team Collaboration

Addresses roles, communication, and conflict resolution within AAC teams. Builds skills for effective collaboration across disciplines and settings.

Lesson 4 • Designing Partner Training Programs

Covers adult learning principles and structured training program design for partners. Prepares students to create effective, context-specific training curricula.

Lesson 1 • Professional Development and Leadership

Guides ongoing professional growth, mentorship, and leadership in the AAC field. Positions graduates as contributors to the broader AAC professional community.

Lesson 2 • Outcome Measurement in AAC

Reviews standardized and functional outcome tools used to evaluate AAC effectiveness. Enables evidence-based reporting of communication gains to stakeholders.

Lesson 3 • Evidence-Based Practice in AAC

Teaches how to locate, evaluate, and apply AAC research to clinical decisions. Builds the habit of integrating evidence with clinical expertise and user values.

Lesson 4 • Funding and Advocacy for AAC

Covers funding pathways, documentation requirements, and advocacy strategies for AAC access. Prepares students to navigate funding systems on behalf of users.