LIVE COURSE 

AAC Assessment Basics: Communication Assessment for Complex Communicators & Access to Starter AAC

Live Webinar
Level: Introductory
1 Hour
LIVE COURSE INFORMATION
Saturday, October 10, 2026
8:00 - 9:00 AM PT
9:00 - 10:00 AM MT
10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
11:00 AM  - 12L00 PM ET
Zoom Video Conferencing  via your account on The AAC Academy platform

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Early emerging communicators with complex communication needs are often excluded from AAC intervention while teams wait for comprehensive AAC evaluations, funding approval, or clear evidence of symbolic readiness. This course introduces a practical framework for conducting functional communication assessment and initiating access to starter AAC systems using a language-first, participation-focused approach.
Participants will learn how to gather and interpret information from caregiver interviews, observation, informal assessment, communication signal inventories, and dynamic interaction in order to identify communicative strengths, participation barriers, and emerging access needs. The course will also introduce practical considerations for selecting and implementing temporary or starter AAC supports that can immediately increase opportunities for communication and language learning while a more comprehensive assessment continues.

This introductory course emphasizes naturalistic assessment, multimodal communication, and early access to aided language systems for complex communicators.
Great for:
Speech-language pathologists in clinic, school, or home care settings who  work with young, emerging communicators learning to use AAC. 

   CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

ASHA 

  • 0.1 ASHA CEUs
  • Introductory Level

Professional Development Hours (PDH):
 1 Hour

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify components of a functional communication assessment for complex communicators.
  2. Differentiate communication needs from access needs during AAC assessment planning.
  3. Describe information sources that can guide starter AAC implementation decisions.
  4. Select appropriate starter AAC supports based on a learner’s communication and participation profile.

TOPICS & TIMELINES

0:00 - 0:05 minutes Introduction to emerging communicators
0:05 - 0:15 minutes Components of emerging communication assessment
0:15 - 0:25 minutes Emerging communication assessment tools & strategies
0:25 - 0:35 minutes Introduction to a language first approach
0:35 - 0:45 minutes Introduction to AAC starter systems
0:45 - 0:55 minutes Case example & course summary
0:55 - 0:60 minutesLearner reflection & questions

PROFESSIONAL CONTENT AREAS

  • Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
  • Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology
  • Pre-Linguistic Communication Assessment
Course content is informed by current literature, clinical practice frameworks, and evidence-informed AAC intervention principles.
JOIN THE SERIES

Learn more. Pay less.

Did you know that you could save money on this course if you enroll in the full series?

This course is part of a 3-part AAC Assessment Basics learning series designed to help SLPs and other professionals build a practical foundation for supporting individuals with complex communication needs. Explore communication and needs assessment, strategies for providing immediate access to starter AAC, AAC feature matching, and dynamic intervention trials—and learn how to use ongoing observation and data to make individualized AAC decisions and refine supports as learners gain experience communicating with AAC.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Tanna Neufeld, MA, MS, CCC-SLP

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Tanna Neufeld, MA, MS, CCC-SLP, is a state-licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist, AAC consultant, and doctoral candidate with experience supporting children and adults with complex communication needs. She provides AAC consultation, coaching, and professional development focused on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), early communication intervention, communication access, and participation for emerging communicators with complex needs. Her doctoral research examines how parent-child interactions, including parental reflective functioning, sensitivity, and responsiveness, influence communication development in young pre-linguistic autistic children.

DISCLOSURES

Financial Disclosures:
Tanna Neufeld receives compensation for continuing education courses, presentations, consulting, coaching services, and sales of AAC-related educational materials and courses. She is the founding director of AACcessible Foundation and The AAC Academy.

Non-Financial Disclosures:
Tanna Neufeld is the developer of the AAC Compass Framework referenced within this course.




WHAT TO EXPECT

GET READY  FOR THE COURSE
COURSE COMPLETEION INFO

Pre-Requisites

This course is designed for speech-language pathologists who support individuals with complex communication needs and emerging AAC users. No prior AAC specialization is required; however, participants will benefit from foundational knowledge of communication development and basic familiarity with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) concepts.

Tech Check

To participate in this live online course, learners will need:

• A reliable internet connection
• A computer or mobile device capable of accessing The AAC Academy learning platform through LearnWorlds
• Access to Zoom for the live webinar session
• Audio capability through speakers or headphones

Registered participants will receive instructions for logging into The AAC Academy course platform, accessing course materials, and joining the live Zoom session. Participants are encouraged to log in and test technology access prior to the live event to minimize technical difficulties.


Course Format

This live, interactive webinar includes lecture, case examples, and interactive discussion opportunities.

Course Completion Requirements

To meet satisfactory completion requirements for this course and be eligible for continuing education credit, participants must:
  • login to your account and join the live session to track attendance
    attend the full live session (partial credit will not be provided)
  • pass a five-question, mustiple choice quiz with a score of 80% or higher (limitation of two quiz attempts)
  • complete the course evaluation

    All of these requirements must be completed within one week of the live course offering.

Recording Access Information

Live session recordings will be made available to registered participants for supplemental learning purposes following the live event. Recordings will not be eligible for continuing education credit until the asynchronous course offering has been separately established and approved, when applicable. Access to course recordings will remain available for the duration specified on the course registration page or learning platform.

POLICIES

Please review our Continuing Education Policies page for important information related to accessibility accommodations, non-discrimination, attendance verification, satisfactory completion requirements, cancellations, refunds, ASHA continuing education procedures, and other learner policies associated with AAC Academy courses and events.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions or need help, contact us by phone or email:

info@aaccessible.org
303-736-9792 (call or text)

Join the Session Here