LIVE COURSE 

AAC, Literacy, & the SLP: Foundations for Assessment & Instruction

Live Webinar
Level: Introductory
2 Hours
LIVE COURSE INFORMATION
Saturday, September 12, 2026,
11:00 AM -1:00 PM Eastern Time 
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Mountain Time
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Central Time
(2 HOURS)
Zoom Video Conferencing  via your account on The AAC Academy platform

ABOUT THIS COURSE

This introductory course (the first in the AAC, Literacy, & the SLP Learning Series) explores the foundations of emergent literacy development for individuals with complex communication needs and the essential role speech-language pathologists play in supporting literacy alongside language development. Participants will examine the progression of literacy development, learn how to assess emergent literacy skills using practical assessment tools, and explore evidence-based instructional practices grounded in the Science of Reading, the Science of Learning, and current AAC research. The course will also address common misconceptions, including why symbol-supported text is not considered a best practice for teaching emergent literacy.

Designed for speech-language pathologists and other professionals who support AAC users, this course provides practical knowledge and strategies that can be immediately applied across early intervention, school, and clinical settings. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how to assess emergent literacy, integrate literacy instruction into language intervention, and support learners in developing the foundational reading and writing skills that expand communication and promote greater independence.
Great for:
Speech-language pathologists and other professionals in clinic, school, or home care settings who work with emergent literacy learners with complex communication needs of all ages. 

   CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

ASHA 

  • 0.2 ASHA CEUs
  • Introductory Level

Professional Development Hours (PDH):
 2 Hours

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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

  1.  List the five components of emergent literacy instruction
  2.  Identify three tools to assess emergent literacy skills 
  3.  Explain two strategies that support emergent literacy instruction in the context of addressing language skills
  4.  Explain two reasons why symbol-supported text is not a best practice in emergent literacy instruction

TOPICS & TIMELINES

0:00 - 0:10  Introduction to the course and grounding
0:10 - 0:25  The relationship of literacy to language for AAC users and the role of the SLP
0:25 - 0:50 Exploring the differences between emergent and conventional literacy
0:50 - 1:35  Assessing literacy in AAC users
1:35 - 1:50 The problem with "symbolated" (symbol-supported) text
1:50 - 2:00  Summary, learner reflections and questions

PROFESSIONAL CONTENT AREAS

  • Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
  • Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology
  • Screening, Evaluation, and Assessment
Course content is informed by current literature, clinical practice frameworks, and evidence-informed AAC intervention principles.
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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, 6-hour learning series designed to help SLPs assess and support literacy development for AAC users. Explore evidence-based approaches to literacy assessment, Science of Reading-informed instruction, shared reading, writing, and accessible literacy—and learn practical strategies for integrating comprehensive literacy instruction into language intervention.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Beth Poss, MA,  CCC-SLP

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Beth Poss, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a consultant, 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, Inclusive 52 Executive Function, Inclusive 52 Reading,  and Quick Wins: Tips to Activate Inclusive Learning.

DISCLOSURES

Financial Disclosures:
Beth Poss receives compensation for continuing education courses sold on The AAC Academy.  She also receives fees for consulting and presenting on other platforms and at conferences. Beth receives royalties from the sale of her books published by ISTE.  

Non-Financial Disclosures:
Beth is a volunteer board member and podcast contributor for AACcessible.org and a member of ISSAC, USAAC, ASHA, CEC, and ISTE.




WHAT TO EXPECT

GET READY  FOR THE COURSE
COURSE COMPLETEION INFO

Pre-Requisites

This course is designed for speech-language pathologists and other professionals who support individuals with complex communication needs. No prior 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, procedural demonstrations, 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