Play as Connection: Partnering with Families to Build Accessible Play Across Environments
Play becomes most powerful when families and professionals work together to support access, connection, and joy. This session focuses on partnering with families to create meaningful, accessible play experiences for children with complex communication needs across home and school environments. Participants will explore ways to adapt materials for inclusion, expand play opportunities across settings, and use AAC tools to support communication, social engagement, and peer interaction. Emphasis will be placed on honoring each child’s sensory, motor, and emotional needs while fostering connection, turn-taking, and shared engagement. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for strengthening family partnerships and designing play experiences that support communication, learning, and connection across environments.
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What You'll Learn
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
LEARNING LEVEL
PRESENTED BY
Heather Roach, MAT
Owner at AAC Experience, LLC & Parent of a Complex Communicator
Hi, I’m Heather Roach. I am a Certified PODD trainer and special education teacher specializing in AAC and curriculum accommodations for students with complex learning needs. I’m also a parent of two wonderful children, including a 10-year-old with Rett syndrome who uses AAC, so I know both sides of the IEP table firsthand.
I support families and school teams in building meaningful, inclusive communication through AAC and collaborative teaching. My work focuses on creating practical, respectful, and sustainable communication systems and learning environments that connect communication with movement, daily living, and academics, so every student can participate fully. When families and professionals work as true partners, communication and learning become smoother and more meaningful. I love seeing teams gain confidence, families feel supported, and students have the tools to be heard, understood, and included in every part of their day.
As one of only twelve certified PODD trainers in the United States, I conduct assessments, provide training, and consult with teams of educators, therapists, and families. PODD (Pragmatically Organized Dynamic Displays) is a robust AAC system available in both printed books and electronic page sets, with options for eye gaze, color coding, and partner-assisted scanning. I am available for webinars, in-person training, and consulting.
THE SCOOP
Monday, February 16, 2026, 1:30 -2:20 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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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
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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.