Presenters: Megan Brazas, MA, CCC-SLP, QOM & Beth Speaker-Christensen, MA, CCC-SLP/L, ATP
"This is a comprehensive course on AAC!! If you wish to learn more about AAC, take this course. The presenters were excellent with such useful and insightful information. WOW, I learned so much."
– G.J., prior course participant
This comprehensive online training provides a step-by-step process to conduct dynamic and collaborative AAC assessment, select optimal AAC systems for your learners, effectively coach communication partners, observe video examples of AAC learners during evaluation and therapy, understand and use AAC prompt hierarchies, and expand vocabulary using AAC treatment principles. Downloadable bonus resources (PDFs) allow you to get started with assessment and therapy with your current caseload.
The treatment methods, strategies, and techniques presented in this course follow the most current research in Alternative and Augmentative Communication. Participants will explore a collection of tools available to use during the evaluation and funding process as well as throughout treatment. Participants will learn to formulate appropriate goals based on Light and McNaughton’s four communicative competencies (Light, J. C., & McNaughton, D. 2014).
Case studies will be presented to facilitate the AAC evaluation and assessment process and to aid in treatment planning and caregiver coaching. Also included are AAC data collection tools for use during your evaluation and intervention planning. Participants will learn about resources and support that are available no matter which stage they are currently within during their AAC evaluation and treatment journey. Content is appropriate for both pediatric and adult clients.
Course is offered for 1.5 ASHA CEUs – 15 Contact Hours. Stop and re-start the course at any point. Learners retain access to course content after completion for ongoing reference and review.
Module run time: 1:18:30
Module run time: 1:09:50
Module run time: 3:13:58
Module run time: 2:47:12
Module run time: 2:45:35
Module run time: 3:50:12
Course Overview – Run Time: 15:05:17
1. Competencies in Using AAC for Language Development Part 1.
2. Competencies in Using AAC for Language Development Part 2.
3. What is AAC? A Spectrum of Device Choices, Options, and Features.
4. Evaluation, Assessment, and Feature Matching for AAC.
5. Access and Alternative Access Options for AAC.
6. Customization, Treatment Planning, and Interventions in AAC.
Stop and re-start the course at any point. Learners retain access to course content after completion for ongoing reference and review.
The content of this online CE course does not focus exclusively on any specific proprietary product or service. Presenter financial and non-financial disclosures may be found in the Presenter & Disclosures area.
Video PowerPoint presentation with author narration & downloadable handout. Stop and re-start the course at any point. Learners retain access to course content after completion for ongoing reference and review. Also included are downloadable bonus resources for assessment and therapy with your current caseload.
"Discussing how to implement AAC into sessions was beneficial. The course was very well rounded and touched all areas of AAC, from what it is to how to get a device to how to use it, etc." E.N. (Aug. 2024)
"Discussing different types of AAC devices was helpful. I liked the layout." A.P. (Aug. 2024)
"Specific examples and modeling of intervention techniques were beneficial. Also, the handouts are excellent; I can refer back to them whenever necessary." K.T. (Aug. 2024)
"Evaluation process was beneficial. I enjoyed going over all of the different systems." M.P. (Aug. 2024)
"The assessment and treatment modules were helpful. Well paced, lots of great information and examples." J.L. (Aug. 2024)
"I liked the emphasis on teamwork and prompt strategies to help everyone to at least try. Very inclusive course." C.N. (Jul. 2024)
"I don't have much experience with AAC, so all of the content will be beneficial. The presenters were interesting, and the video examples were helpful." C.D. (Jul. 2024)
"Application opportunity was beneficial. I liked the detailed information." M.M. (Jul. 2024)
"AAC and CCN; practical application of what was discussed. I liked that I could stop and come back, go back to sections that I needed to review before moving on." D.D. (Jul. 2024)
"All of the information was beneficial! Especially the treatment portions. I liked how much detail was included. It was more advanced than other courses I have taken and just what I needed to "up" my AAC game!" K.F. (Jun. 2024)
"I really enjoyed the discussion about goal writing and how it's important to be looking for all of the initial skills (i.e., joint attention, attempting to touch device, etc.) when tracking progress! Lots of great video examples!" E.S. (Jun. 2024)
"I felt the assessment and interventions for using AAC were beneficial. I appreciated the different forms provided that will be helpful in planning how to teach AAC use across settings and how to target vocabulary." C.G. (Jun. 2024)
"Feature Matching ideas were beneficial. I liked the case studies." J.W. (Jun. 2024)
"The treatment module was helpful. The course was very thorough and in depth." C.S. (Jun. 2024)
"I enjoyed the in-depth information." T.M. (Jun. 2024)
"AAC evaluation and implementation was helpful. I feel better prepared now to support my students who need AAC." S.S. (Jun. 2024)
"The discussion on AAC was beneficial and I liked that the course was online." S.F. (Jun. 2024)
"This is a comprehensive course on AAC!! If you wish to learn more about AAC, take this course. The presenters were excellent with such useful and insightful information. WOW, I learned so much. Thank you for sharing your expertise. I will be able to use so much of this information with my students." G.J. (May 2024)
"This was one of the most comprehensive, well-done courses I have taken. The self-study format is fantastic. I love how it was broken down into different modules. The use of research was so well done. Clear examples were given in terms of assessment tools, case studies, etc. Well done!" J.F. (May 2024)
Module One
Module Two
Module Three
Module Four
Module Five
Module Six
Megan Brazas, MA, CCC-SLP, QOM, is a speech-language pathologist, credentialed early intervention provider, and holds a State of Illinois teaching license. She has extensive experience in working with children with complex communication needs, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, rare medical conditions, and complex orthopedic impairments. Additionally, Megan has experience evaluating and treating a variety of speech and language conditions including apraxia of speech and she is PROMPT Trained.
Megan speaks locally and nationally on topics such as core vocabulary, low-tech communication systems, functional communication, supporting communication in the special education setting, curriculum adaptations, behavior management for autism spectrum disorder, and typical language development. Megan’s contributions include presentations at the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), Infintec, Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, and local school districts. Megan is the creator of the Core Vocabulary Exchange System® (CVES™), a low-tech core vocabulary based communication system which aligns with typical language development, published by Northern Speech Services.
Presenter Disclosures:
Financial — Megan Brazas is presenter of online CE courses sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.
Financial — Megan Brazas is author and creator of the Core Vocabulary Exchange System® (CVES™) published by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.
Nonfinancial — Megan Brazas has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Beth Speaker-Christensen, MA, CCC-SLP/L, ATP, earned both her undergraduate (communicative disorders) and graduate degrees (speech/language pathology) at Northern Illinois University. She has worked in a variety of settings in her 29 years of practice, including skilled nursing facilities, special education cooperatives, Shriners' Hospitals for Children-Chicago, and non-profit clinics. She now owns her own private practice focused on AAC support and interventions. While working at Shriners Hospital, Beth began to explore her passion for assistive technology and Augmentative/Alternate Communication. Beth completed the Assistive Technology Certificate at the University of Illinois at Chicago and went on to obtain the ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) Certification through RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America). Currently, Beth sits on the Professional Standards Board of RESNA. She is a member of ASHA Sig 12, ISHA, a member of RESNA, and a member and Chair of the Membership Committee of USSAAC (United States Society of Augmentative/Alternate Communication- the US chapter of ISAAC- the International Society of Augmentative/Alternate Communication). Beth enjoys presenting at local, state, national and international conferences to help share an overall understanding of AAC and AT. Beth joins Megan in her passion for providing comprehensive services for those needing AAC to improve their communication, relationships, their independence and overall quality of life.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial — Beth Speaker-Christensen is presenter of online CE courses sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.
Nonfinancial — Beth Speaker-Christensen has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
This program is offered for 1.5 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Professional Area).
ASHA CEUs: NSS online courses are registered with ASHA and are offered for ASHA CEUs. The number of ASHA CEUs is noted above. Note that 0.1 ASHA CEU = 1 contact hour = equals 1 CEE.
ASHA CE Registry: During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.
ASHA CEUs: Attendees must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to be eligible to earn ASHA CEUs:
If an attendee is not an ASHA member or CCC holder but meets any of the above criteria, they may inform the ASHA CE Registry of their eligibility by visiting this site.
Licensing Boards: Most state licensing boards DO accept CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some state boards do, however, place a limit to the number of credits that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any credit limits related to home-study courses prior to registering for this course.
Additional accrediting agencies by which Northern Speech is an approved CE provider:
Course Completion Timeframe:
You have unlimited time to complete our online courses. You may log off and log on as often as you’d like to in order to complete all sections of a course.
However, completion dates are based on Eastern Standard Time. Therefore, if you need your CEUs by a certain date, be sure to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on that date. For example, if you need CEUs before January 1st, you will need to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on December 31st.
Content Access:
Access to course materials and content does not expire, even after completing the post test. You may continue to review course material by logging into your NSS account, clicking the My Online Courses tab, and then viewing your desired course.
Certificate of Completion:
On successful completion of the post test (80%), a certificate will be immediately available for download and/or printing. This certificate will include your name, date of completion (based on Eastern Time Zone, USA/Canada), and number of contact hours (CEUs / CEEs). Please note that CEUs are awarded on the date of successful test completion, not the date of course enrollment. Please ensure that you successfully complete the post test prior to any licensure renewal dates.
ASHA CE Registry Submission:
During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.
Purchase Orders:
Purchase orders are currently not accepted for online orders, if you wish to submit a purchase order please do so at info@northernspeech.com or fax to 888-696-9655.
What is an Online Course?
Our Online Courses consist of video, audio, and/or text content and are offered for ASHA CEUs. Unlike a webinar, which requires participants to be logged on and at a computer at specific times, our Online Courses are available to you at any time, from any device, via your NorthernSpeech.com online account. You may work at your own pace and start and stop your course as you wish. Your course will conclude with a short post test. On successful completion of the post test (>80%), a printable certificate of completion is presented to you.
Receiving CEUs:
Northern Speech is an ASHA CE Provider and our online courses are registered with ASHA and offered for ASHA CEUs. Please note that successful completion of the online post test is required prior to the awarding of CEUs. Please contact your state licensing board for acceptance policies related to CEUs earned online. Please note that courses offered for university students are not applicable for CEUs.
Registering for an online course:
You may browse all online courses by clicking the Continuing Education tab above, then Online Courses. Once you find a course, click Enroll Now, and you will be asked to either log into your existing Northern Speech account or create a new online account. Once you’ve entered your account information and provided your credit card payment, your course will be immediately available to you.
Accessing your purchased course or returning to a purchased course:
You will be able to access your online course by logging into your Northern Speech account and then clicking the My Online Courses tab on your profile screen. Click the course you would like to start or to resume. From there, proceed through the course sections until you are ready to complete the post test. You do not have to complete your course all at once. You may log on and off as you wish.
Testing requirements:
Each online course concludes with a post test consisting of multiple choice or true & false questions. Scores of 80% or greater are required for successful course completion and awarding of CEUs. You may revisit course materials and retest as needed to achieve a passing score.
Number of CEUs offered:
We offer courses from 1 to 21 contact hours. Each course will note the number of CEUs offered. Please note that 0.1 CEU = 1 contact hour = 1 CEE.
State licensing boards and online CEUs:
NSS is an ASHA CE Provider and most state licensing boards DO accept ASHA CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some boards do, however, place a limit to the number of CEUs that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any CEU limits related to home-study courses prior to enrolling in an online course.
Course formats:
Our course formats include: text, audio, video, and PowerPoint with author narration. Each course will note the format on the course description page. Most courses include closed captioning.
Course handouts:
Most of our online courses provide a link to download the accompanying handout as a PDF file.
Group discounts:
Groups of 3 or more are eligible for a 20% discount on each registration on most of our online courses. To receive this discount, registrations need to be processed together via the "Group Rates" tab on the Online Course of your choice.
Computer requirements:
For our online courses to function best, we recommend that you update your computer to include the newest version of your Internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, etc.) and newest version of your computer's operating system. Also a high-speed Internet connection is recommended (cable or DSL). Speakers or headphones will be required for many of our courses as many contain audio components.
Course Cancellation Policy:
A purchased online course can be exchanged, refunded, or transferred to another individual if contact is made with NSS (via phone or email) within 30 days of purchase and the course materials have not been viewed or downloaded.
Special Needs:
Please click here for any special needs requests, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
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