Identifying and Navigating Initial AAC Challenges
Join us to explore why well-intentioned AAC approaches sometimes get in the way of meaningful progress and discover gentle, evidence-based strategies that prompt real shifts for yourself or the AAC users in your life.
9:00–10:00 AM PT
4:00–5:00 PM GMT
Course Description
This webinar explores common AAC implementation barriers and introduces gentle, evidence-based strategies that create meaningful shifts in communication outcomes. Learners will identify approaches that unintentionally slow progress and practical ways to adjust them.
Discover why well-intentioned approaches can sometimes hinder AAC progress. This interactive webinar explores common implementation barriers and introduces gentle, evidence-based strategies that create meaningful shifts in communication outcomes. Perfect for parents, therapists,and educators ready to begin transforming their AAC approach. Learn practical tools to support successful communication journeys.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, learners will be able to:
- List three specific AAC approaches that families commonly use with good intentions but that slow down communication progress.
- Name two reasons why well-meaning family members might accidentally create barriers to their child's AAC use.
- Choose one assessment question from a provided list that helps identify if current AAC strategies need adjustment.
- Select two gentle conversation starters from provided examples to discuss AAC changes with families without causing defensiveness.
- State one way to respect a family's cultural values while suggesting a different AAC approach.
Your Instructor
Lauren Enders Gonzales, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist | Engaging AAC Solutions, LLC
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and educator with 30 years of experience supporting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT). Through Engaging AAC, Lauren works with schools, organizations, and families nationally and internationally — helping them shift how they approach communication so every person's right to be heard is honored.
ASHA CE Approved Provider
This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs (Introductory level, Related area).
Subject code 3040, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Speaker Disclosures
Financial Relationships
- Founder and owner of Engaging AAC Solutions, LLC (receives income)
- Provides guidance to AAC companies on a contract basis
- ASHA-approved continuing education provider
- Receives compensation as a Facebook content creator
- Receives speaking fees for presentations and trainings
Non-Financial Relationships
- Board member, The NIKA Project
- Member: ASHA, ISAAC, USSAAC, #EduGuardians
- Provides volunteer consulting to AAC companies and organizations, SLPs and other related service providers, educators, and families
- Creates and curates AAC best-practice content across social media, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Pinterest, Threads, and YouTube
Satisfactory Completion
To satisfactorily complete this course, participants must:
- Attend the full 60-minute live webinar
- Complete the self-assessment — reflect on what you learned and report on the completion form how you will use your new knowledge
To Earn ASHA CEUs
To Earn ASHA CEUs:
- Complete the learning assessment by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, August 28, 2026
- At registration, indicate your intent to earn ASHA CEUs
- Provide your ASHA account number so your completion can be reported to the ASHA CE Registry
Learners who do not provide an accurate account number cannot be reported.
Important Policies
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Full refunds available up to 48 hours before the session. Within 48 hours, participants may reschedule to another session
at no charge or receive a 50% refund. No refunds after session start time. If Engaging AAC must cancel the event, registered participants will receive a full refund or may transfer their registration to a future session.
Complaint Policy
To file a complaint about the course or instructor, contact lauren@engagingaac.com.
All complaints will receive a response within 5 business days.
Accommodation Requests
Participants requiring accommodations should contact lauren@engagingaac.com at least 72 hours before the session.
Available accommodations include closed captioning and accessible materials in alternative formats.
Privacy Policy
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Financial/In-Kind Support
None
Content Disclosure
This course is not focused on a specific product or assessment tool.