The IMPACT of Shifting Mindsets to Building Capacity Across Instructional Environments
The need to build capacity while supporting students with complex communication needs is critical. Having the knowledge in the hands of one expert is not a sustainable model of support for AAC. To ensure a larger impact, we must move to a model that builds capacity. In this presentation I will share the impact this model has on educational teams when a collaborative mindset is embraced while delivering professional learning to support implementation. The big question teams often ask is, "how do I get others to follow-through with the strategies presented?" The transfer of knowledge, strategies and skills to implement AAC in the communication environment can seem daunting. I will share the approach, self -reflection, outcome and next steps from several teams who participated in a capacity building initiative. Participants will leave with an action plan describing their current state, highlighted knowledge, application to their practice, and next steps.
Presented by
Marlene Cummings, M.A., CCC-SLP is an Augmentative/Alternative Communication Consultant. She specializes in designing innovative implementation systems utilizing cutting edge professional learning frameworks and dynamic service delivery models to build capacity and sustainability among teams and organizations. As a consultant, she receives consulting fees for lecturing at Wayne State University and a salary from Oakland Schools in Michigan. Additionally, she shares her 35+ years of expertise through state, national and international conference presentations, teaching, blog posts and other collegial collaborations.
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
Special Educators
Paraprofessionals
AT Specialists
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 0.15 ASHA CEUs are reported to ASHA when you opt in on the assessment.
- 01
You’ll be able to
Identify at least 3 keys to a capacity building model Learners will identify 2 considerations in determining current state of capacity Learners will identify at least 3 steps in the transfer process.
The full 1.5 hours
Your learning path.
- 1
Introduction & Overview
20 minutes - 2
Examples of team approaches and outcomes
50 minutes - 3
Summary and Action Plan
20 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 0.15 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.
Keep going
More in AAC in Educational Settings
Fostering IEP and Staff Commitment to AAC
Building AAC commitment doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Explore fun, doable strategies to unite your IEP team, increase staff confidence, and create consistent communication opportunities for students.
AAC and Collaboration in the Classroom: Two Minds Are Better Than One!
In this session, participants will explore the benefits of using AAC in the classroom and discover strategies SLPs can use to support classroom collaboration. They will learn to identify three key challenges in AAC implementation and ways to overcome them, gaining insights into what special education teachers want SLPs to know to enhance AAC use in their classrooms.
One, Two, Three - AAC: Streamlining AAC at School Using MTSS Tiers and the Specific Language System First Approach
Learn how one school district has streamlined AAC services with an AAC framework, tiered AAC supports and focused classroom interventions. Participants will learn about intersections between AAC supports and Multi Tiered Systems of Support, understand the Specific Language System First approach, and review a case study of how one district implemented AAC modeling and focusing on core words as their primary AAC classroom interventions.