Turning Inward to Move Forward: The Role of Self-Reflection in Breaking Down AAC Access Barriers During Play
Supporting AAC access during play can be challenging in dynamic early childhood settings, where decisions often happen in the moment. This session explores the role of self-reflection in identifying and addressing barriers that limit meaningful AAC use during play. Participants will be guided through practical reflection tools designed to help pinpoint challenges in their current practices and examine how beliefs, habits, and environmental factors influence AAC access. The session will pair introspection strategies with attainable AAC implementation approaches, empowering participants to make intentional, equitable changes that expand communication opportunities for young learners.
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What You'll Learn
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
LEARNING LEVEL
PRESENTED BY
Melissa Friscia, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-AAC, ATP
Alternatives for Children
Melissa Friscia, M.S., CCC-SLP, BSC-AAC, TSSLD, ATP (she/her/hers) is a licensed, ASHA- certified speech-language pathologist and RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). Melissa is nationally board-certified in the specialty area of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Melissa graduated from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, with a B.S. and M.S. in Communication Sciences Disorders, and she completed the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Currently, Melissa is the clinical coordinator of therapeutic services for Alternatives for Children, a not-for-profit preschool organization serving Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York. Melissa has shared her clinical experiences via presentations at the local, state, and national levels. Her professional interests include mentoring educators and clinicians about AAC systems and supports and advocating for the development of comprehensive AAC guidelines to support students who require AAC access at school. Her ultimate hope is to improve the quality of each student’s educational experience by providing students with access to preferred methods of communication across the school day.
THE SCOOP
Sunday, February 15, 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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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.