Partnering Beyond the Session: Building the Provider-Parent Relationship for Effective AAC
Effective AAC support extends beyond individual sessions and is strengthened through intentional partnerships between providers and families. This session explores the role of collaboration in supporting consistent, functional AAC use across everyday contexts. Drawing from the dual perspective of practitioner and parent, participants will examine common barriers to family–provider collaboration and explore evidence-informed strategies that foster meaningful parent engagement. A case example will illustrate how strong partnerships can lead to measurable outcomes for AAC implementation beyond the therapy room. Attendees will leave with practical tools and actionable insights to build trust, strengthen collaboration, and support AAC use across home, school, and community settings.
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What You'll Learn
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
LEARNING LEVEL
PRESENTED BY
Sheridan McClurg, MS, CCC-SLP
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Sheridan McClurg, M.S., CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Educator in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She also supervises graduate students in the public school setting. Sheridan received her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University and her graduate degree from Nova Southeastern University.
Sheridan has experiences in the private practice setting, early intervention, and the public schools in Seattle, WA. Sheridan specializes in childhood apraxia of speech, is an Apraxia Kids Directory Member, and has completed a variety of apraxia intensive trainings. She also has an interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication and speech sound disorders.
Zoie Gregory
Parent of an AAC Learner
Zoie Gregory is a devoted mom to a wonderful child with Autism, and she is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive world. Actively involved in her child’s care, she advocates for understanding and acceptance while sharing the knowledge and insights gained from her journey to help other families thrive.
Miranda Rainey, OTR/L
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Miranda Rainey, OTR/L, is the Lead Occupational Therapist at We Achieve Pediatric Therapy. She earned her undergraduate degree in Recreational Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Winston-Salem State University.
Miranda has spent her career working in outpatient pediatric therapy and truly enjoys partnering with children and their families to support meaningful progress. She has a particular passion for working with children with sensory processing differences, and she values child led, engaging, and individualized interventions that build confidence. Miranda is committed to thoughtful, evidence-based practice and ongoing learning to best support the children, families, and providers she works with.
THE SCOOP
Monday, February 16, 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.