VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

2026 AAC Early Starts Conference, LIVE

#AACES2026 is FREE, LIVE, & VIRTUAL!

Pre-Conference, February 14, 2026
Main Conference, February 15-16, 2026

If you are a parent or professional supporting a child eight years or younger with complex communication needs, join us to learn and share at this fifth annual virtual learning event!
Two days of live sessions with experts, AAC communicators, and caregivers sharing their knowledge & experiences!  

AACcessible and The AAC Academy by AACcessible are excited to host this fourth annual AAC Early Starts (AACES) Conference for professionals and families! The mission of this event is to promote awareness of and education on the holistic supports and services needed to maximize early intervention outcomes for children with complex communication needs. This conference will occur entirely online with live learning sessions and keynote speakers spanning two full days. Topics will focus on the unique needs of complex communicators aged birth through eight years and the experiences of AAC communicators and families from this early stage in their AAC Journey. The scope of presentations will cover the whole child, lending knowledge, support, inspiration, and hope across domains of development. Leading experts across the fields of special education, early intervention, rehabilitation, and augmentative communication will join to share their knowledge and skills in this comprehensive, free, and live event!
Write your awesome label here.

THE SCOOP

  • 18+ Live & Asynch. Sessions
  • Professional & partner topics
  • Free access to the live event
  • Low-cost access to recordings for non-members, free  access for members
  • CMH/PDH options available with recordings purchase or 12-month All Access Membership

Holistic & Naturalistic Focus

Learn from professionals across developmental domains and the unique perspectives of families and AAC users as they reflect on the early stages of the AAC Journey.  

Better Outcomes

Improve support & service for the youngest complex communicators to secure a brighter future full of hope, joy, possibility and independence. 

START HERE FOR #AACES2026

Registration
Schedule
Tech Check Sessions
Pre-Conference
Main Conference
Exhibit Hall
February 14-16, 2026

AACES Conference Schedule

AACES takes place live and online Saturday, 02/14/26 through Monday, 02/16/26. Explore the conference schedule for further details. 
Saturday, february 14, 2026, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM PT

Expanding How We Notice and Respond to Children’s Play, Learning, & Communication

AACES includes a two-part pre-conference series (FREE to attend live) that invites participants to slow down and look more closely at how young children communicate—especially in subtle or easily missed ways. Grounded in CARA’s Kit for Toddlers and aligned with recommended practices in early intervention and inclusive early childhood education, the session blends foundational knowledge with guided observation and practical application.
sunday, february 15 & Monday, february 16, 2026, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM PT

Live & Asynchronous Sessions

The main AACES conference includes a live track and an asynchronous track.  Bptj tracls will be free to attend during the live, main conference hours.  Paid access to the conference recordings is available following the live event. Explore each track for details on session titles, topics, and presenters. 
Empty space, drag to resize

Visit the AACES Virtual Exhibit Hall

Learn more about our sponsors, presenters, and partners, connect to product demos, and scope out giveaways!

Registration Required

Although AACES is free to attend, you must register to access live conference sessions and resources. Additionally, access to recordings and continuing education credits is available to All Access Members or via paid enrollment in individual AACES session courses.  More information on recordings and CMH can be found here. 
February 14-16, 2026

Tech Check Mini Sessions

These short Tech Check Mini Sessions will take place live at the start of each conference day and are designed to help attendees get connected, explore tools, and learn directly from our conference sponsors and partners. Each session includes a brief technology check, a 15-minute product demo, and opportunities for giveaways. Tech Check Mini Sessions are free to access and open to all conference participants. While they do not offer continuing education credit, they provide a great way to preview innovative tools, discover new resources, and ensure your tech is ready before the day’s learning begins.
find GREAT RESOURCES INSIDE OUR

Virtual Exhibit Hall

Write your awesome label here.

Learn about Grid AAC by Smartbox

Smartbox creates software and devices to support a wide range of complex needs. We are passionate about helping people succeed on their journey with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Our technology exists to give people a voice and independence, so they can build meaningful connections and achieve their ambitions. We are building a world where no one is left without a voice. 
Write your awesome label here.

Learn About DTA Schools by DTA

DTA Schools brings AAC and special education expertise straight to your district—classroom resources, training, and coaching included! Our membership hubs offer 1,000s of materials plus 100+ AAC learning modules your team can use right away. We support teachers and students in person and nationwide through telepractice.

The AAC Shop

Discover downloadable tools and AAC-inspired merch designed to raise awareness, spark connection, and support parents and professionals helping AAC learners find their voice.  Even better, every purchase supports AACcessible’s mission to make communication possible for all.
Write your awesome label here.
Empty space, drag to resize
Write your awesome label here.

Play for Every Body

The theme for #AACES2026 is "Play for Every Body."  Play is the heartbeat of childhood — but for many children with disabilities, play isn’t always accessible. Our Play for Every Body campaign is about opening doors: adapting environments, rethinking routines, and equipping families and professionals with practical strategies. When we say Play for Every Body, we mean every child, every ability, every body. 

#AACES is possible because of you.

Each year, we rely on volunteers to share their time and talents as a member of the editorial board, moderator, or presenter.  Will you join us this year?

Become an AACES Reviewer


 

Serve as an AACES Moderator


 
CONFERENCE  SPONSORSHIP

Want to Sponsor #AACES2026?

We welcome individual and corporate sponsors who share in our mission to improve access to AAC knowledge, skills, and tools through education, awareness, advocacy, and action. More information on sponsorship options and a link to the sponsor application can be found on our conference sponsorship page. 
Write your awesome label here.

DON'T MISS OUT!

Get #AACES2026 Access+

With your annual membership (just $100 per year!), you could get access to the entire library of conference recordings and CMH/PDH opportunities for less than half of the cost of purchasing each session recording individually. And the perks don't stop there! Members have access to over 70 other staple courses in our online library, with new content added monthly! Check it out!
#AACES2026 on-demand options

Want CMH/PDH?

Check out purchase options here! If you're an All Access Member (12-month subscription only), you get access to recordings & CMH/PDH for #AACES2026 FREE with your 12-month membership!
Write your awesome label here.

We are launching the #AACES2026 Schedule

Till then, why don't you subscribe in our newsletter?
Thank you!
#AACES2026 Live Pre-conference sessios

Expanding How We Notice and Respond to Children’s Play, Learning, & Communication

This two-part pre-conference session (FREE to attend LIVE) invites participants to slow down, look closely, and expand how we interpret children’s action and communication—especially when it shows up in subtle, unconventional, or easily missed ways. Grounded in CARA’s Kit for Toddlers and aligned with recommended practices in early intervention and inclusive early childhood education, this experience blends foundational knowledge with guided observation and practical application.
Empty space, drag to resize
Write your awesome label here.
LEARN WITH OUR AACES SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Tech Check Mini Sessions

These short Tech Check Mini Sessions are designed to help attendees get connected, explore tools, and learn directly from our conference sponsors and partners. Each session includes a brief technology check, a 15-minute product demo, and opportunities for giveaways. Tech Check Mini Sessions are free to access and open to all conference participants. While they do not offer continuing education credit, they provide a great way to preview innovative tools, discover new resources, and ensure your tech is ready before the day’s learning begins.
Empty space, drag to resize
Write your awesome label here.

Live, February 14, 2026
8:30 - 9:00 AM PT

Exploring AACcessible Resources

Join Tanna Neufeld, Founding Director of AACcessible, for a brief overview of the resources, training, and services available through AACcessible. This Tech Check Mini Session will highlight professional learning opportunities, practical tools, and community-based supports designed to strengthen AAC implementation across home, school, and therapy settings. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win giveaways while getting connected and ready for the day’s learning.
Write your awesome label here.

Live, February 15, 2026
8:00 - 8:30 AM PT

AAC in Education with DTA Schools

Join the DTA Schools team for a brief demo of their two online membership hubs designed to support AAC implementation in educational settings. This Tech Check Mini Session will highlight the DTA Schools Resources & Materials Hub—featuring ready-to-use classroom resources, assessment and IEP planning tools, and communication-rich supports—as well as the DTA Schools Training Hub with on-demand professional learning for educators and teams. Attendees will get a quick look at how these tools can support confident, efficient AAC implementation in classrooms—and have a chance to win giveaways during the session.
Write your awesome label here.

Live, February 16, 2026
8:00 - 8:30 AM PT

Accessible Books in Grid: Opening Doors to Early Literacy

Join the Smartbox team for a brief demo highlighting how Grid can support early learners through play, participation, and literacy. This Tech Check Mini Session will showcase ways Grid connects children to play using environmental controls, voice assistants, and interactive grid sets designed for active engagement. Participants will also get a look at built-in literacy supports, including Accessible Books and ready-to-use templates that make reading more inclusive and accessible. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore these tools—and enter to win giveaways during the session.

AACES 2026 Live Track Sessions

All main sessions in the live conference track will take place live on Sunday February, 15 and Monday, February 16, 2026.  Click on "Enroll" under each session for details about the session, as well as the live session schedule (all sessions are free to attend live) and paid on-demand (recording access) + continuing education options. 

Day 1 (Sunday, February 15, 2026)

Day 2 (Monday, February 16, 2026)

AACES 2026 Asynch Track Sessions

All main sessions in the asynch track are pre-recorded and will be available to view free during the live conference times (Sunday, February 15 and Monday, February 16, 2026, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM PT).  Click on "Enroll" under each session for details about the session. 

Sessions for this track coming soon. 

Okay, I'm jazzed!  But I have a few questions...

Is this conference live?

Yep!  The AACES Conference includes live and asynchronous sessions.  All live sessions will be hosted via Zoom in the course player here at The AAC Academy.  Asynchronous sessions are pre-recorded and published for free viewing during the live conference. See the conference schedule for a full list of live and asynchronous sessions.

Bummer! I can’t attend live. Will sessions be recorded?

Yep!  All sessions will be recorded and published to the course player after the conference is finished.  Although you have free access to the live conference (live sessions and asynchronous sessions), on-demand access following the live conference requires the purchase of individual sessions or a 12-month All Access Subscription. 

Do you offer CEU or CMH/PDH? 

Those attendees who are interested in certification maintenance hours (CMH) or professional development hours (PDH) for conference sessions must purchase an on-demand option (or an All Access Membership) to access quizzes and be eligible for CMH certificates. You can attend the live sessions and complete the quizzes for certificates after each live session, or watch session recordings and complete quizzes for certificates at your own pace.   Quiz and certificate access for CMH will not be provided to those attendees who do not purchase an on-demand access option, but you can still watch the sessions live and learn for free!   ASHA CEU’s will not be hosted or provided for these events.   Learn more about the difference between CMH and CEU’s here.

Are their scholarships for on-demand access?

Yep!  All are welcome to attend the live conference for free.  If you'd like to be considered for a scholarship or coupon code for on-demand access to recordings and CMH/PDH options , you can email us at info@aaccessible.org for more info.  

Complimentary or discounted access to on-demand materials will also be offered to conference presenters and volunteers while supplies last.  

How do I  join the live sessions?

A Zoom link will be published to the course player prior to the live event.  You can access the course player when you are logged in to your AAC Academy account and navigate to the AAC Early Starts Conference LIVE course in your profile (under the "Me" > "My Courses" link).  Please note that even though the live event is free, you must register in order to access the conference link and materials. 

What is the course player all about?

All session handouts, exhibit hall vendors, and other materials related to the conference can be found within your course player once you register for the event.  If you enroll in an on-demand option to access CMH/PDH and recordings, you will find these options within the course player for your purchased session(s) as well.   All Access Members will find the live and recorded session access and materials in their course library automatically (under "Me" > "My Courses" at the top of the site). 

Will there be handouts?

We have asked all speakers to consider providing a handout and will collect and post those as they are available.  All handouts received in advance will be posted to the course player in the learning Path as they are received and those shared during the live sessions by the presenter (via link or file upload to chat) will be posted ASAP once shared.  Some presenters will not provide a handout but you can access a full transcript of the conference in an on-demand package and can take notes etc.... as you need throughout the conference.  
jOIN THE LIVE EVENT!

2026 AAC Early Starts Conference, LIVE

If you are a parent or professional supporting a child eight years or younger with complex communication needs, join us to learn and share at this first annual virtual learning event! Two days of live sessions with experts, AAC users, and caregivers sharing their knowledge & experiences-FREE!
Empty space, drag to resize
Write your awesome label here.