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April 2022

News from North Ed Assistive Technology

Augmentative & Alternative Communication

What is AAC?


Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to any device or method used to supplement or replace verbal speech. It's really all the ways that we communicate without talking. This includes body language, facial expressions, sign language, symbol boards, and speech generating devices. The North Ed Assistive Technology Department supports many students in our service area who do not use verbal speech and/or are unintelligible. 

Students use a variety of tools from low tech, printed symbol boards to high tech, computer or tablet devices with specialized communication software. They also access these supports via a range of methods from direct touch (pointing to a cell) to eye tracking. There are many opportunities through North Ed and across the state and country to learn more about AAC! Watch for upcoming training opportunities through North Ed AT in next month's newsletter. Discover a few of our favorites from other organizations listed below!

Upcoming Training Around AAC & Disabilities

#Talking AAC Conference

The North Ed AT Department is on the planning committee for the #Talking AAC Conference, and we are so happy to be hosting the main conference in person again this fall in East Lansing! More than 35 speakers from around the world will share content related to AAC including: literacy, mindset, implementation, access, and special interests.

When: Oct. 4&5 and Nov. 2&3

Where: Hybrid and in-person in East Lansing, Michigan

Cost: Varies depending on which options you choose

Find out more!

AAC in the Cloud

AAC in the Cloud takes place online each summer and covers a variety of topics. The theme this year is "Take the Next Step." More than 40 presenters will encourage participants to learn from each other to improve the lives of AAC users around the world. 

When: June 28-29

Where: Online

Cost: Free!

View this year's awesome line up of speakers and register here!

OCALICONLINE 2022

OCALICON is an online conference that focuses on autism, sensory disabilities, low-incidence disabilities, and assistive technology. Sessions target a breadth of disabilities including autism spectrum disorder, sensory disabilities, complex and low-incidence disabilities, as well as session offerings for intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities. 

When: Nov. 15-18

Where: Online

Cost: Free until April 30, $200-250 after April 30

Register here today to take advantage of FREE pricing!

NW Augmentative Communication Society Conference

This year’s conference will be a full day, online, interactive presentation by Chris Bugaj and Rachel Madel. Chris and Rachel will help participants explore strategies for teaching even the youngest students language by engineering environments so all communicators have opportunities for rich, meaningful practice of language in the context of everyday routines.

When: Oct. 15 

Where: Online

Cost: $95

Register here today!

Contact North Ed's Assistive Technology Department with any questions!

Megan Graham, MS, OTR/L

Assistive Technology Consultant

231.922.6486 | mgraham@NorthwestEd.org


Jill Dillon, MS, CCC-SLP

Augmentative & Alternative Communication Consultant

231.922.6586 | jdillon@NorthwestEd.org