#AACES2026 Conference Session

Digital Play: Implications for Young Children with Disabilities

Digital tools can expand access to play and learning for young children with disabilities when used intentionally and thoughtfully. This session explores how tablet-based apps and websites, when embedded within developmentally appropriate play routines, can support foundational skills such as communication, social interaction, motor planning, and problem-solving. Participants will examine how technology-supported play can reduce physical, language, and sensory barriers while promoting shared engagement. The session will also address common concerns related to screen time, hands-on learning, and access, offering practical strategies for selecting and using digital tools that prioritize interaction, accessibility, and active participation—ensuring every child can experience joyful, inclusive play.
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What You'll Learn

Upon completion of this session, you will be able to:

  • Identify and describe at least three technology-supported tools or strategies that promote access to play for young children with disabilities, including how each supports communication, social interaction, or problem-solving.

  • Evaluate technology-based play resources using an accessibility and developmental-appropriateness checklist to ensure alignment with a child’s strengths, needs, and sensory or physical access considerations.

  • Design or adapt one play routine that incorporates commercially available or DIY technology to increase active engagement and participation for a child who experiences barriers to traditional toy play.

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

eVERYONE

LEARNING LEVEL

aLL

PRESENTED BY

Beth Poss, M.A., CCC/SLP

LessonPix

Beth Poss is the Director of Educational Programs for LessonPix. She is a speech/language pathologist, former special education administrator, and former assistant principal. Beth is passionate about designing educational environments that support all students in accessing a rigorous curriculum and meeting educational outcomes. In her work with school districts, universities, and national and state-level organizations, she focuses on literacy, augmentative and alternative communication, Universal Design for Learning, and inclusive educational practices. She is one of the authors of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year, released in August 2021. 
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THE SCOOP

WATCH LIVE FOR FREE
GET CMH CERTIFICATE
WATCH THE RECORDING

Monday, February 16, 2026, 12:30 -1:20 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.
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)

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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Virtual Exhibit Hall

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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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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. 

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