ASHA Learning Pass

SLPs who work in schools are encountering more students who may require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), but these professionals may not always feel they have the tools to adequately assess and implement interventions. This session shares tips for conducting AAC evaluations in the school setting and using dynamic assessment to guide language intervention. The speaker addresses access considerations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and caregiver involvement.

This course is a recorded session from the 2022/2023 online conference “Assessment, Eligibility, and Dismissal in Schools: Strategies, Tools, and Decision-Making.”

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• Describe dynamic assessment approaches for AAC
• Identify access methods and explain considerations for assessment and intervention
• Consider the importance of multimodal access approaches
• List ideas for caregiver involvement in the AAC evaluation process and beyond
• Identify tools for determining intervention targets

Kathryn D’Agostino Russo, MS, TSSLD, CCC-SLP, is a school-based SLP in New York City. After receiving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola University Maryland, she began working in special education schools with elementary-age students with complex communication needs. Kathryn has been interested in AAC since her undergraduate studies and developed her passion for alternative access as an early professional. She currently works for New York City’s Department of Education’s District 75.

Financial Disclosures:

• Financial compensation from ASHA for this presentation

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• Affiliate of ASHA SIG 12 (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
• Member of ASHA SIG 12 Professional Development Committee

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

To earn continuing education credit, you must complete the learning assessment by April 11, 2028.

Program History and CE Information

Online conference dates: October 12–24, 2022, February 1-13, 2023
End date: April 11, 2028