Speech Time Fun Presents:
Looking Beyond Output: Enhancing Team-Based AAC Supports
Presented by Sara Ware M.A., CCC-SLP
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM ET
Virtual via Zoom
Exclusively for SLP Elevate Members
0.1 ASHA CEU* or 1 PDH
(*must OPT IN for ASHA CEU reporting using Zoom registration link)
About the Course
Looking Beyond Output: Enhancing Team-Based AAC Supports
In this 60-minute webinar, Sara Ware, M.A., CCC-SLP, ATP, explores how AAC teams can look beyond communication output to better understand and strengthen the systems of support that contribute to successful AAC learning.
Professionals working with AAC users often focus primarily on what the AAC user produces without fully considering the environmental, interpersonal, and implementation supports that make meaningful communication possible. This session will help participants examine the bigger picture and identify the critical factors that contribute to successful AAC implementation.
Participants will explore concepts including inclusion, participation, self-determination, autonomy, and authentic engagement. They will also learn practical strategies for evaluating current supports and developing implementation plans tailored to the unique needs of AAC users, creating greater opportunities for meaningful communication, participation, and long-term success.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
-
Identify key factors that support successful AAC implementation
-
Define the importance of authentic engagement related to AAC
-
Develop implementation plans that support the unique needs of AAC users
Meet our Speaker
Sara is a speech-language pathologist who has extensive experience supporting AAC users of all ages. Sara graduated with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and holds an additional certificate in augmentative and alternative communication from Stockton University. Sara is also a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional.
Sara currently works at a specialized school for children with disabilities. Sara is passionate about AAC outreach and has presented on AAC at both the state and national levels. She has also developed several courses on various AAC topics.
Sara has been a featured guest on the following podcasts: SLP Happy Hour Podcast, Take AACtion Podcast, and AAC: Real-Life Edition Podcast. She has written guest posts for the popular blog PrAACtical AAC and is a co-developer of the Pediatric Prelinguistic and Linguistic Skill Assessment for AAC Users.
Sara and her colleagues are proud recipients of a 2024 ASHFoundation Researcher-Practitioner Collaboration Grant for their work focused on AAC mentorship.
You can follow Sara on Instagram at @aacandslp, where she strives to empower others in their AAC learning journey.
Time Ordered Agenda
Better Bilingual Evaluations Through Converging Evidence with Emily Sweet
6:30–6:40 PM: Introduction to AAC
6:40 PM–6:55 PM: Inclusion, Participation, Self-Determination, and Autonomy
6:55 PM–7:15 PM: Key Factors That Contribute to AAC User Success
7:15 PM–7:25 PM: Implementation Planning
7:25 PM–7:30 PM: Closing & Questions
Disclosures
-
Sara is receiving an honorarium for this presentation
-
Sara receives payment from courses available on Medbridge
-
Sara is a paid contractor for the Autism Little Learners Membership
-
Sara is an ASHA certified SLP and an SIG 12 affiliate
-
Sara is a member of RESNA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aacandslp/
Requirements for Submission of CEU Credit to ASHA
-
Opt-in for ASHA CEU reporting
-
Attend the ENTIRE LIVE session
-
Compete the Self Assessment Survey within 7 days of the LIVE event