Reimagining AAC: A Tool Based Approach to Meaningful Communication
This workshop reframes AAC as a continuum of tools that support communication across routines, environments, and stages of development. Participants will explore how gestures, subtle cues, core boards, switches, robust systems, and partner strategies work together to create a flexible communication toolbox. We'll examine how shifting from a device‑focused mindset to a tool‑focused approach reduces pressure, increases access, and supports joyful interactions. Attendees will learn to identify AAC tools across the continuum, support communication in natural contexts, model language authentically, build confidence through low‑pressure opportunities, and create environments where AAC users have multiple ways to express themselves.
Presented by
Malka Arnstein, MS, CCC‑SLP, CAS, is a speech‑language pathologist, AAC specialist, and founder of SpeakingAAC LLC, a private practice dedicated to AAC‑focused services and supports. She brings more than 15 years of experience as a school‑based SLP, including work as a District Assistive Technology Specialist leading AAC implementation, device trials, and team training. Through SpeakingAAC LLC, she provides AAC evaluations, mobile therapy, consultations, coaching, professional development, and resource design for families, schools, and clinical teams.
Disclosure: Malka receives compensation for this presentation
Built for you
Who this course is for
Every minute is written for working clinicians, educators, and families. You walk away with real-world tools to try with your next learner, not abstract theory.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
AT Specialists
Educators
After this course
What you’ll walk away with.
You leave with concrete skills and frameworks you can apply in your next session, classroom, or family visit, not just ideas to think about later.
Earn your CEUs
Attend the full course and pass the post-session assessment at 80% or higher. Your 0.1 ASHA CEUs are reported to ASHA when you opt in on the assessment.
- 01
You’ll be able to
Describe the AAC continuum, including no tech, low tech, mid tech, and high tech tools, and explain how these tools work together to support communication across environments.
- 02
You’ll be able to
Identify at least three practical strategies for embedding AAC tools into natural routines, play, and interactions in ways that reduce pressure and increase joyful communication opportunities.
- 03
You’ll be able to
Demonstrate the ability to reframe AAC from a device focused approach to a tool-based approach, articulating how this shift improves access, participation, and connection for AAC users with complex communication needs.
The full 1 hour
Your learning path.
- 1
Introduction
3 minutes - 2
Communication Purpose and Mindset Shift
5 minutes - 3
Eliminating Myths
5 minutes - 4
AAC Continuum Across Contexts
5 minutes - 5
Modeling and Interaction: Where Joy Lives
10 minutes - 6
Practical Strategies for Teams and Families
5 minutes - 7
Case Examples: The Continuum in Action
17 minutes - 8
Action Planning
7 minutes - 9
Closing and Takeaways
3 minutes
Earn ASHA CEUs in three steps
Free courses, ASHA CEUs when you opt in.
Register & attend
Register in under a minute. Join live or watch on-demand, whichever fits your schedule.
Pass the assessment
Complete the short post-course assessment with 80% or higher to confirm mastery.
CEUs reported to ASHA
Choose to be reported on the assessment and your 0.1 ASHA CEUs are filed to ASHA for you. No paperwork, no chasing certificates.
Ready when you are
Save your seat. It’s free.
Registration is short and free: no credit card, no trial, nothing to cancel later.
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