Teaching individuals using AAC how to read and write is a unique challenge! Are you wondering how the science of reading aligns with comprehensive literacy instruction for your AAC users? As many school districts now follow the science of reading research for instruction, special educators, speech-language pathologists, and parents may feel unsure how to proceed. In this session, we’ll draw comparisons to comprehensive literacy and science of reading interventions, discuss research-based components of emergent and conventional literacy instruction, develop lesson plans that target these areas, and review numerous resources. You will gain new confidence in your understanding of how to implement research-based activities aligned with the science of reading using comprehension literacy approaches that incorporate learning into authentic daily opportunities. This literacy fusion will result in more reading and writing opportunities and increased skill development for your AAC users. Educators, paraprofessionals, speech-language pathologists, administrators and families who have a good foundational understanding of augmentative-alternative communication and are supporting literacy skills of AAC users will find this information valuable.

Devices are not required for this training.

Learner Outcomes:

• List the 5 key components identified by the National Reading Panel for effective reading instruction.
• Describe the differences between emergent and conventional readers.
• Apply five research-based interventions when developing literacy instruction for emergent AAC users.
• Apply five research-based interventions when developing literacy instruction for conventional AAC users.

Agenda:

10 minutes - Introduction and Overview

10 minutes - Perspective: Background of literacy instruction in AAC

20 minutes - Science of Reading and Comprehensive Literacy for All

20 minutes - Emergent Literacy Interventions

20 minutes - Conventional Literacy Interventions

10 minutes - Summary, Resources, Questions

Please note the following details regarding this course:

• You must register for and attend this course using your own AAC Learning Journey account.
• ASHA CEU and certificate eligibility require complete live attendance. Partial credit is not given.
• For those wanting ASHA CEUs or certificate for hours:

-Participate in polls/quizzes throughout the presentation, if applicable.

-Complete our PRC-Saltillo ASHA Certificate Form

-The PRC-Saltillo ASHA/Certificate Form will not be accepted after the course ends.

• Certificates will be available to all participants with verified attendance within a 2-week processing period.
• We get better with your feedback, please be sure to complete our post-course survey.
• If you need accommodations for special needs, please contact seminars@prc-saltillo.com at least 10 days prior to the start of your course. We will review your request and respond as soon as possible.

If this is an online training:

• Please check that your Zoom software is up to date prior to the course start time.
• Pop-up blockers can prevent the join button from working properly. Disable any pop-up blockers or allow an exception for AAC Learning Journey.
• Chrome, Firefox, or Edge are the recommended browsers.

 Instructor bio and disclosures

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Session Dates:

• Online with Beth Waite-Lafever
  September 10, 2025 : 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm EDT