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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Action: Practical Strategies for School Teams

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Event Details

Event Description

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Action:
Practical Strategies for School Teams

Event Information:

Attend one session or all four - this flexible series is designed for school-based special education professionals who support students using AAC. Through practical, hands-on learning, participants will explore how to use core vocabulary boards, model language effectively, support language development in AAC users, and embed communication opportunities throughout the school day.

Designed for teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and paraprofessionals, the series emphasizes real-world strategies that can be immediately applied across classroom routines, therapy sessions, and social interactions. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how AAC supports authentic communication and language growth for students with complex communication needs.

Dates: 
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Tuesday, February 2, 2027
Tuesday, April 6, 2027

Time: 
Start: 3:00 pm
End: 4:00 pm

Location:
Virtual: a link will be available upon registration.

Note:
For convenience, you will be registered for all four sessions. Though you are not required to be in attendance at all. 
 
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 :
    • Speech-language pathologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists, or any school staff working with students using AAC.
       
Instructor:
Sam Stidham Profile PictureSam 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.
Event Resources

Subeligible Event:
Do you require a substitute in order to be in attendance at this event?
Accommodations:
We strive to make our events accessible and inclusive to participants from all backgrounds and abilities. Please use the form below to review a list of supports provided and/or to request any additional accommodations. At least two weeks' advance notice of requests will help us to provide seamless access:
Event Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Have a question about this event?
  • 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.

Location

Virtual

Tags

NWRESD Staff and District Partners Subeligible NREN AAC/AT

Fee

Free

Contact Information

Samantha Stidham
sstidham@nwresd.k12.or.us

Session Information

Session #1 (Check back for topic/description)

Start: Tuesday October 6th, 2026 at 03:00 PM
End: Tuesday October 6th, 2026 at 04:00 PM
PDUs: 1.00
Instructor: Sam Stidham, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Specialist

Session #2 (Check back for topic/description)

Start: Tuesday December 8th, 2026 at 03:00 PM
End: Tuesday December 8th, 2026 at 04:00 PM
PDUs: 1.00
Instructor: Sam Stidham, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Specialist

Session #3 (Check back for topic/description)

Start: Tuesday February 2nd, 2027 at 03:00 PM
End: Tuesday February 2nd, 2027 at 04:00 PM
PDUs: 1.00
Instructor: Sam Stidham, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Specialist

Session #4 (Check back for topic/description)

Start: Tuesday April 6th, 2027 at 03:00 PM
End: Tuesday April 6th, 2027 at 04:00 PM
PDUs: 1.00
Instructor: Sam Stidham, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Specialist

Total PDUs:

4
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