The First Steps After Getting a New AAC Device: Setting Up for Success (registration)

Presenter: Lauren Baker, MS, CCC-SLP

Relevant Financial Relationship: Lauren receives compensation as the owner of Baker Speech Therapy, a private speech therapy practice specializing in AAC, motor speech, and neurodiversity-affirming therapy.

Presenter Biography: Lauren Baker, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), motor speech disorders, and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. She is the owner of Baker Speech Therapy, a boutique private practice based in Westchester, NY, where she provides in-home and virtual speech therapy services for children and adults. With extensive experience in AAC, Lauren guides families, educators, and professionals through device selection, implementation, and integration into daily life. She is passionate about empowering AAC users and their support teams by making communication accessible, functional, and meaningful. Lauren is excited to share her expertise in this webinar, helping families and professionals take the first steps after receiving a new AAC device with confidence and ease.

Learner Outcomes

• Learners will describe how to personalize a new AAC device by adding custom vocabulary
• Learners will list two AAC modeling strategies to support user engagement
• Learners will describe how to introduce an AAC device in the user’s educational and social settings

Agenda

• Welcome & Overview (5 minutes)
• Introduction of presenter and background in AAC
• Purpose and goals of the webinar
• Brief agenda walkthrough
• Unboxing & Setting Up the Device (15 minutes)
• Checking components: charger, case, stylus, etc.
• Charging and battery life best practices
• Turning on the device and adjusting basic settings
• Navigating the home screen and menus
• Securing the device (case, guided access, backups)
• Personalizing the Device (15 minutes)
• Adding the child’s name and favorite things
• Customizing voice and settings
• Adding familiar people (family, teachers, caregivers)
• Exploring vocabulary: core vs. fringe words
• Encouraging safe exploration
• Supporting the User & Next Steps (15 minutes)
• Encouraging daily use in natural routines
• Integrating into the child’s support system
• Adding AAC to the IEP
• Training caregivers, teachers, and therapists
• Introducing the device to peers and classroom settings
• When to seek additional AAC support
• Q&A & Closing (10 minutes)
• Open discussion and audience questions
• Recap of key takeaways
• Resources and next steps

Cost: Free

Audience: Students, Early Career Professionals (under 5 years), Related Professionals

Topic Area: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

To be reported to ASHA CE, participants must indicate their preference to be reported on the post-webinar assessment and achieve a minimum score of 80% accuracy. Unlimited attempts are permitted, but partial credit is not available.