From Standards to Success: Crafting Meaningful Goals for AAC Learners
Writing meaningful IEP goals for AAC learners requires more than aligning with standards—it requires intentionality, collaboration, and a focus on real participation. This session supports educators, speech-language pathologists, and support staff in developing functional, measurable, and standards-aligned goals for students who use AAC. Participants will learn how to break down academic standards, integrate evidence-based AAC strategies, and design goals that support academic engagement, communicative competence, and social participation. Through case examples and guided practice, attendees will explore how to create individualized goals that reflect high expectations, student voice, and inclusive classroom routines.
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What You'll Learn
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
LEARNING LEVEL
PRESENTED BY
Kim Richards, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-AAC
Humble ISD
Kim Richards has been a speech-language pathologist for 13 years in the private practice, home health, and school settings. For the last 3 years, Kim has specialized in AAC and is employed by Humble Independent School District in Texas as an Assistive Technology Specialist. Additionally, she is a member of TSHA’s Public Schools Committee and the ASHA Leadership Development Program. She recently achieved Board Specialty Certification in AAC from the American Board of Augmentative and Alternative Communication. In addition to her work with students using AAC, she is a mom to an AAC User and advocates for the full inclusion of AAC Users in society.
THE SCOOP
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 2:30 -3:20 PM Pacific Time
Access to this live session is free during the 2026 Live AAC Early Starts Conference. Attendees can watch recordings and obtain continuing education credits with paid enrollment or an All Access Membership.
You can watch this conference session live for free. Continuing education credit is available with paid enrollment in this course or an active All Access Membership. Members and paid enrollees get access to the recording and continuing education quiz + certificate for this session.
Save as a Member: All Access Members get FREE access to certificates and session recordings for the entire conference (+ our staple course library of over 80 online courses) with their paid membership.
Save as a Member: All Access Members get FREE access to certificates and session recordings for the entire conference (+ our staple course library of over 80 online courses) with their paid membership.
You can watch this conference session live for free. Continuing education credit via PDH is available with paid enrollment in this course or an active All Access Membership. Members and paid enrollees get access to the recording and continuing education quiz + certificate for this session.
Save as a Member: All Access Members get FREE access to certificates and session recordings for the entire conference (+ our staple course library of over 80 online courses) with their paid membership.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
This session offers a total of
1 certification maintenance hour (CMH)
1 certification maintenance hour (CMH)
Learn more about CMH/PDH (versus CEU's or continuing education units) on your course syllabus and on our CEU Page. All learners are encouraged to confirm that this course meets the requirements of their licensing board before purchasing.
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Start Here
find GREAT RESOURCES INSIDE OUR
Virtual Exhibit Hall
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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.
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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.
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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.