AAC Coaching for Parents and Caregivers

We Have a Device, Now What?

One of the most important parts of AAC implementation is ensuring that family and caregivers are comfortable and confident with the device. Unfortunately, we know that caregiver training is often the missing piece in intervention due to our healthcare model. This class will hopefully help fill in that piece of the framework for our frontline team members, parents and caregivers. This is not a substitute for skilled intervention by an ASHA certified SLP. It's intention is to help support parents in their roles. Please consult an SLP before selecting an AAC device or communication app for your child as there are several factors that are considered when assessing for the best fit.

By completing this course parents and caregivers will have an understanding of simple but effective AAC strategies, activities for engagement, and you will feel confident in your ability to advocate for your child's use and access to their device in their educational setting.

Some of the topics that will be covered include:

  1. AAC 101: Who? What? and Why?
  2. Accessibility: Make sure the system and available is out at all times.
  3. Modeling: We will have everyone in your family ready to be a communication coach!
  4. What is Core?: A focus on general core vocabulary, and how to include personal core vocabulary to ensure that engagement is kept high.
  5. Communication Opportunities: How to plan opportunities for communication throughout the day and some sample activities.



Your Instructor


Amanda Merlin M.A. CCC-SLP
Amanda Merlin M.A. CCC-SLP

Hi! I am Amanda Merlin. Welcome! We are so glad that you are here. I am one of the Co-Founders of Artful Expressions Speech Therapy and Voice Training in Olympia, Washington. We are offering this class to parents and caregivers because we know that you are the front lines of AAC intervention and most often feel lost in the process. I am a Speech and Language Pathologist that specializes in AAC. I Graduated with my B.A. and M.A. in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Central Florida. I maintain my Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA. I am certified in Hanen More Than Words, Lee Silverman Resonant Voice Training, and Level 1 P.A.C.T. trained. I am currently enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh's Assistive Technology Certification Program and will be completed in May of 2019. This has prepared me to sit for the RESNA exam in June of 2019 to qualify me for my Assistive Technology Professional. Certification Credential. We believe in Neurodiversity and Presuming Competence. We hope that the material covered will help you to advocate and understand how AAC works to facilitate communication. We hope it helps you and your family to find your child's voice and you start to hear opinions, refusals, and humor.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!