Current Best Practices in AAC (2025)

Presented By Stacey N Harpell, BS, MS, CCC-SLP, RSLP & Lois Turner, MS, RSLP, CCC‐SLP, ATP

Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) is a speciality area of clinical practice that maximizes communication outcomes for people with complex communication needs (CCN, defined by us as strategies, supports, techniques and equipment that support communication when speech does not meet daily needs).

In this presentation, we discuss the knowledge clinicians ought to have to assess adults with CCN and correctly feature match their strengths and abilities to the multitude of AAC options available. We will update and expand on the concepts presented in the SAC Position Paper: The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists concerning Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We will highlight clinical success stories and provide a curated resource list for clinicians wanting to better understand AAC evidence-based practice.

Learning Outcomes
  • Review the regulatory environment shaping evidence-based practice for people with CCN.
  • Understand the benefits of using AAC strategies, supports, techniques and equipment with adults with CCN.
  • Discuss assessment options that lead to discovering the most appropriate communication system for a client.
  • Share curated resources for demystifying and implementing AAC services.
Intended Audience
  • Adult (18-64)
  • Senior (65+)

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