Evolving Communication: My Journey with AAC
from Classroom to Community
In this session, LJ hopes to inspire positive change and create a future where everyone, no matter their communication abilities, can thrive and be heard. As he has grown older, it has become his mission to raise awareness about students like him and to use his experiences to give kids, parents, teachers, paraeducators, therapists, and administrators strategies to help those who use augmented communication.
LJ will take you through his early journey, sharing his experiences of learning and navigating the AAC system, including both the joys and frustrations he faced. He will discuss some of the challenges he is still working on with his AAC system and explain why spelling and literacy are important for self-advocacy. In this talk, he will dive deep into what some of the hardest parts of learning to use an AAC device were for him. He will also share tips and advice for anyone new to being a good communication partner.
This session will also look at the complexities and challenges of moving from a self-contained AAC classroom to an inclusive general education setting. LJ will share personal insights from his own journey, reflecting on the unique benefits and limitations of both types of classrooms. While self-contained classrooms can provide tailored support, they often come with restrictions that limit social interaction and broader academic integration. On the other hand, moving to a general education setting has its own challenges for students who rely on AAC, such as access to communication tools and the need for more wait time, support, and accommodations.
Attendees will also leave with a better understanding of why it is important to give AAC users access to a richer, more diverse vocabulary beyond just "core" words. This session will highlight the need to expand communication options for AAC users, empowering them to express themselves fully in many different situations—from academic terms like math vocabulary to more personal and emotional expressions, such as the word “deserve.” LJ will challenge traditional ways of teaching AAC, stressing the need to rethink and "rescramble" how we teach and support AAC users in building a stronger and more functional vocabulary that reflects the complexity of their thoughts, needs, and identities.
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What You'll Learn
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
LEARNING LEVEL
PRESENTED BY
LJ Seiff, AAC User
LJ Seiff is a 16-year-old boy who lives with his family and service dog in Virginia. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), LJ primarily uses an Accent 1,000 with a Touch Guide and the Unity 84 language system mounted to a power chair to communicate. Beyond LJ's identity as a High School student who uses AAC, he embodies a wealth of interests and talents beyond any singular label. He has spoken at school board meetings, national conferences including the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference in Orlando in 2022 and 2023, presented to CVI Now- Perkins School for the Blind, and presented on several panels promoting equality, inclusion, and accessibility.
THE SCOOP
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 8:30-9:30 AM Pacific Time
Access this session free (as scheduled) during the live AACES conference.
Enroll in this session for access to the quiz and CMH certificate.
All Access Members get FREE access to certificates and session recordings for the entire conference (+ our staple course library of over 60 online courses) with their paid membership.
All Access Members get FREE access to certificates and session recordings for the entire conference (+ our staple course library of over 60 online courses) with their paid membership.
Enroll in this session for access to the recording.
All Access Members get FREE access to certificates and session recordings for the entire conference (+ our staple course library of over 60 online courses) with their paid membership.
All Access Members get FREE access to certificates and session recordings for the entire conference (+ our staple course library of over 60 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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