TECHNICALLY SPEAKING AAC

The human element: Cultivating connection in AAC therapy 

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Course Instructions
Brenda Del Monte MA CCC-SLP Katelyn. Oeser MS CCC-DLP
ACCESS DATE
Course available for ASHA CEUs starting on May 1, 2026 and content will be updated May 1, 2029.
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Course Description

 In this course, you’ll explore how communication goes beyond words to include learning, emotional expression, and authentic connection. Through thought-provoking concepts and practical tools, you’ll uncover four key clinical questions to guide your AAC therapy practice. Whether you’re an SLP, educator, or caregiver, this course will inspire you to prioritize the human element in every interaction. True success in communication isn't always quantifiable. It's found in the moments of mutual understanding, genuine connection, and showing up with authenticity to learn and grow. When you enroll in this course, you'll learn more about truly successful communication exchanges, and how we can integrate these experiences into the world of therapy and education where numbers matter. Join this course today to gain the tools and strategies you need to excel in your practice and make a significant impact on the lives of your clients.

Cost: $75.00
Audience
This course is developed for SLPs, OTs, PTs, teachers, TVIs and other professionals supporting school-aged children or adolescents with significant disabilities. No prerequisite learning or materials required
Register, Make a Payment and Begin Course

PLEASE NOTE: NO ASHA CE's UNTIL May 1st, 2026

Course Completion Requirements
  • Watch all videos and read all text material. Partial credit will not be available. 
  • Complete feedback form
  • Complete and pass a 10 question multiple choice test with 80% accuracy. Multiple attempts allowed.
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Learning Objectives: 
Participants will: 
  • Apply a structured clinical framework with an AAC client to analyze communication through the lenses of access, identity, and language, and implement at least two actionable supports that promote authentic authorship and participation.
  • Identify and document all required components of a structured AAC therapy planning sheet, including commonality, activity selection, AAC supports, targeted communication competency, and at least one key indicator of successful communication.
  • Analyze a therapy scenario and select appropriate components of a connection-based AAC intervention by aligning one activity, one communication competency, and one interaction goal using a structured planning framework.
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Instructors

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Brenda
​Del Monte MA
​CCC-SLP

Brenda Del Monte is a speech language pathologist and an assistive technology evaluator and facilitator. She worked as an SLP in Washington State public schools and is currently a private practitioner in Arizona, where she does AAC evaluations and trainings. Brenda Del Monte is a co-founder of Believe Beyond Ability, a non-profit organization that evaluates, determines, provides and trains those with multiple disabilities on assistive technology to increase independence. She is currently a co-host of the Awe and Wonder Podcast hosted by the Special Ed Tech Center.
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Instructor Disclosure: Brenda Del Monte receives payment from the Special Education Technology Center as speaker and consultant. She owns a company called Technically Speaking AAC and co-hosts and develops content for “Awe and Wonder AAC & AT Podcast”. She receives royalties from Amazon for the sale of her book “I See You In There”.
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Katelyn Oeser
MS
​CCC-SLP

Katelyn Oeser is a Speech-Language Pathologist and AAC device trainer, who has been working with people with disabilities for over 10 years. Kate has worked in the public schools, outpatient clinics, and home health. She is currently a private practitioner doing home based speech therapy. Kate has presented at AZTAP on AAC implementation for emergent and intermediate AAC users. ​

Instructor Disclosure: Katelyn Oeser has no relevant relationships or financial disclosures to report. 

Time Ordered Agenda

​Comprehensive breakdown of course sections, activities, and completion metrics

Course Section

Activity

Time

​Module One: Redefining Successful Communication
Introduction
Key Indicator of Successful Communication #1
Technically Speaking: Editing New Vocabulary
Technically Speaking: Page Navigation & Customization
Key Indicator of Successful Communication #2
Key Indicator of Successful Communication #2b
Technically Speaking: Step by Step Would You Rather 
Technically Speaking: Would You Rather High Tech
Key Indicator of Successful Communication #3
Technically Speaking: Total Communication for Expression
Key Indicator of Successful Communication #4
Technically Speaking: SmackTalk
Technically Speaking: Scanning Set Up with Auditory Preview
Key Indicator of Successful Communication #5
Goal Writing for Human Connection
Conclusion to Module One
Five Key Indicators PDF
Communication Competencies PDF
 
Module Two: Four Questions to Guide Your Implementation Of AAC
Introduction
Video Observation  
Clinical Question #1 
Technically Speaking: How, Why and When to use Hide/Show
Clinical Question #2
Chris Bugaj, The Least Dangerous Assumption 
Clinical Question #3
Clinical Question #4  
Four Clinical Questions PDF
 
Module Three: Reflection and Practice
Four Clinical Questions: The Worksheet
Therapy Planning: Finding Common Ground
Therapy Activity Planner: Connection and Competency
From Need to Connection Article
 
Module Four: Putting it All Together
Clinical Questions in Action
Observations and Recap
 
Quiz
Feedback form and Final Quiz

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  • Home
  • Services
  • Getting Started
  • AAC
    • Direct Access AAC
    • AAC Apps
    • Indirect Access AAC
    • Training Videos
    • AAC FAQs
  • Literacy
  • I See You In There
  • Online Courses
  • Professional Development
  • Continuing Education Policies
  • ASHA Info Page