Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) in a Child’s Therapy Program

PRESENTATION:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to a diverse set of tools and strategies designed to support or replace verbal communication for individuals with limited speech or language abilities. For many with communication difficulties, AAC provides a likely avenue for access to a robust communication system. Many individuals can be hesitant to implement these strategies due to unfamiliarity and concerns about possible effects of these interventions. This caution can lead to inadvertently limiting access to communication for individuals with communication differences. In this presentation, we seek to demonstrate how the areas of expertise of speech-language pathologists and behaviour analysts can mutually complement each other to support young children learning to express themselves using AAC. We’ll discuss some of the barriers to implementation that stakeholders may face, some of the shared strategies we may use, and review case examples from our clinic.

Learning objectives

Participants will identify existing evidence for the use of AAC

Participants will identify ways in which AAC and ABA strategies share common ground

Participants will identify common myths associated with AAC and how to combat them

GUEST PRESENTER:

Maria Sample, MA, BCBA

Maria is a passionate leader in the field of behaviour analysis, who carries a deep love for the science itself, and a love for the process of creative problem-solving in applying the science in clinical practice. Maria has extensive experience as a behaviour analyst in multiple settings since 2008, including private practice, home-based, and clinic settings. Recently, Maria has specialized in naturalistic, developmental behavioural interventions and parent coaching and support. Maria is a co-founder and the Director of Programming for UP Early Intervention Clinic, Inc, where she now applies organizational behaviour management, acceptance and commitment training, and systems analysis concepts to meet the organization’s objectives with a team of 20 individuals. Maria is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with a Masters of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia and an ESDM Certified Therapist. Maria has also conducted and published research, served as a subject matter expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and has presented research at conferences locally and internationally.

Chelsey Chichak, M.S., R-SLP, SLP(C), CCC-SLP

Chelsey Chichak, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, has been dedicated to the field since 2010, establishing herself as the proud owner of Mainland Speech Language Pathology Inc. Her expertise lies in Early Intervention and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). With a unique proficiency in assessing a diverse range of AAC systems, including intricate eye-gaze technologies, Chelsey stands out as a certified TouchChat Trainer. Her commitment extends beyond individual clients, as she actively collaborates with parents, therapy team members, and school teams, imparting invaluable support to enhance the communication experience for TouchChat AAC users.

As the esteemed President of Speech and Hearing BC, Chelsey Chichak is driven by a fervent passion for knowledge-sharing within her professional community. She tirelessly advocates for the advancement of speech and hearing practices, reflecting her unwavering dedication to empowering both professionals and clinics through her wealth of expertise.