Event Description

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Basics
 

Event Information:
Increasing numbers of students need extra support to communicate and participate in their classrooms, often in the form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). In this session, participants will explore the basics of AAC - from Big Macks to Tobii Dynavox eye gaze devices, TouchChat to LAMP, the AAC trial and evaluation process, how to navigate popular AAC systems, and how to implement and support AAC in the classroom for students of all ages.

Participants will be able to:
- Identify at least 5 AAC tools ranging from light-tech to mid-tech to high-tech
- Identify the organization system and basic navigation of 3 popular AAC applications
- Identify three ways AAC can be implemented/supported in the classroom -Understand and implement basic AAC modeling principles
- Identify the steps of the NWRESD AAC trial process and who the points of contact are for AAC trials

Date:
Thursday, October 1, 2026

Time:
- Check In: 9:45 am
- Start: 10:00 am
- End: 12:00 pm

Location: 
NWRESD Washington Service Center
Hillsboro, Oregon
 

Who Should Attend:

• Registrants must be employed with a school district in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, or Washington County
   
• Participants who may benefit most from this training include, but are not limited to, any K-12 Special Education staff, either interested in or already supporting students who use AAC - SLPs, OTs, special education teachers, and educational assistants.
   

Instructor:
Sam Stidham, M.S., CCC-SLP, is an augmentative/alternative communication specialist and speech-language pathologist at Northwest Regional ESD serving students from kindergarten through transition in Columbia, Clatsop, and Washington Counties. She is a passionate advocate for making communication accessible to all students, with a particular interest in supporting children with complex bodies in accessing communication through eye gaze, switches, or other alternative means. Communication is what makes us human - every student has something to say, and Sam’s goal is to support students in saying whatever they want, however they want, whenever they want, to whomever they want.

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Substitute & Mileage Eligible Event:
Do you require a substitute, and/or will you be traveling by car to be in attendance at this event?

• K-12 Special Education events hosted by NWRESD are eligible for substitute and mileage reimbursement. 
• Learn More: NWRESD: Subeligible Events FAQ

• K-12 Special Education Events: Accommodation Request Form
• Questions or Support with Requests: Sabine Eaton | SEaton@nwresd.k12.or.us | 503-614-1351

• Review our Event FAQ to explore if your question can be answered or who to reach out to for more information. 
   

About Northwest Regional Education Service District:
Northwest Regional ESD is the largest of Oregon’s 19 education service districts. We serve students, educators, child care providers, and families living in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties. Our staff members work collaboratively with school districts and other educational partners to deliver quality, cost-effective programs and services, including special education, technology, professional development, school improvement, and operational support. Our vision is that every student is educated, equipped,d and inspired to achieve their full potential and enrich their communities. Learn more at nwresd.org.

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