How to Start (or Start Over) YOUR Organization's AAC Program

What are AAC Fireside Chats?

These chats are held monthly as virtual networking and mentoring events where professionals and partners who are supporting persons who use AAC can connect, ask questions, share ideas, and have discussions.  AAC Fireside Chats are also a place where persons who use AAC and their families are welcome to join and share their perspective and expertise.  All Chats are held via Zoom and are always free.  You must RSVP to receive the Zoom link.  Chats are also recorded and offered on our YouTube Channel after the live event.  

About this Month's  Chat:

Over the last ten years, AAC technology has advanced exponentially. However, access to high-quality assessment and intervention is still inconsistent across the country. Professionals may realize that their organization’s existing AAC program needs an extreme makeover, or in other cases, that they need to start an AAC program from scratch. If you’ve taken on this project, you might feel like you’re facing an AAC Everest—where should you start, and how can you meet the needs of your community? Begin here, with someone who’s made that same climb. In this fireside chat, AAC Specialist Brianna Hughes will share her top 10 tips to help you build your AAC program, based on her experience in a small but growing school district.

Guest Bios & Disclosures:

Brianna Hughes, M.A. CCC-SLP, ATACP is a California speech-language pathologist (SLP), augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) specialist, and assistive technology (AT) specialist. An employee of Communication Works, she has presented continuing education for other SLPs on topics such as AT for the SLP, AAC during distance learning, language sampling for diverse populations, and bilingual assessment. Brianna is currently a full-time AAC Specialist, providing assessments and consultation for a diverse group of AAC users, ages 3-22 in Castro Valley Unified School District. Her specialties include creating individualized training, coaching, and resources for parents, paraprofessionals, teachers, and other staff members. Prior to this role, she served as her district’s AT specialist, and elevated the AT program from an outdated “expert model” to a “capacity-building and universal design” model. She is a recipient of the ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional Certificate for her leadership in these roles, and a passionate advocate for the idea that everyone deserves a voice.