MontCOMM ’23: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – Foundation, Framework, and Future

MontCOMM 2023 is a one-day immersion into the world of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), designed to support communicators of all ages. This year, national speakers and AAC/inclusion experts Ashley Larisey and Sarah Gregory focus on learning to apply AAC strategies across communication partners and environments.

The primary mission of MontCOMM has always been to build Montana’s capacity to serve Montanans of all ages who have complex communication needs. Ashley and Sarah will help us move forward on that path by also examining how we can build a self-sustaining #CommunAT.

Course Description:

AAC implementation is most successful when we have a community of knowledge. Let’s examine how we can shift from an expert model to a capacity model that is self-sustaining so that AAC best practices are utilized across communication partners and environments. This full day of learning will provide opportunities to share your own expertise, reflect on the barriers that exist in your organization/practice, and problem-solve among your #CommunAT.

Learning Outcomes:

• Model evidence-based strategies to support AAC learning
• Describe two methods to use AAC as an instructional tool to improve access to the general education curriculum
• List three tools to support literacy and language learning
• Explain strategies for collaboration with families, caregivers, and colleagues to support AAC users across environments.

MontCOMM ’23 will also include a midday interview featuring Jordyn Zimmerman and Isaac Baldry. Jordyn and Isaac will discuss their experiences as AAC users, with particular emphasis on AAC communication and wait time.

All are welcome! In-person attendees will gather at the University Center Theater on the University of Montana Campus in Missoula.

MOTA, ASHA, and OPI credits available. 

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.  

Presenter Biographies:

Ashley Larisey is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and clinical educator. She works with high school students and has a private practice where she provides direct therapy, coaching, and professional development. Ashley is also an adjunct faculty member at St. Xavier University. Ashley has extensive experience working with children and adults who use AAC systems and has presented at local and national conferences on the topics of AAC and literacy.

Sarah Gregory is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who works as an assistive technology and inclusive programming consultant in Upstate New York. She specializes in AAC in a public school setting with a focus on inclusion. Sarah has presented on these topics at national and statewide conferences. She shares ideas and strategies for AAC and teletherapy on her YouTube channel, as well as on Twitter and Instagram @SarahGregorySLP.

Jordyn Zimmerman is a nonspeaking autistic person who did not have access to AAC until she was 18 years old. She is an AAC advocate and is featured in the 2021 documentary, This Is Not About Me. She presents at conferences and events around the world and is Board Chair of Communication First, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the civil rights of children and adults who “cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.”

Isaac Baldry is a Montana advocate and AAC user. He is self-employed at Isaac Baldry Consulting and speaks nationally on topics ranging from assistive technology to youth advocacy. He is a member of the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities’ Consumer Advisory Council and MonTECH’s Advisory Council.

Discounts for groups of four or more. Contact shawna.hanson@mso.umt.edu for a PROMO Code prior to registering your group.

If you have questions about MontCOMM 2023, please contact shawna.hanson@mso.umt.edu.

The Shape of the Day:

8:30 – Welcome, CEU Info

8:40 – Session 1: Coaching, Collaboration, & Community (with Ashley and Sarah)

10:10 – Break

10:20

Session 2A: AAC Implementation for School-Aged Individuals (with Sarah, Introductory)
Session 2B: Literacy and AAC: Why Both are Key! (with Ashley, Intermediate)

12:00 – Lunch

1:00 – Session 3: Two AAC Users Talk AAC and Wait Time [with AAC Advocate (and Subject of the Documentary “This Is Not About Me”) Jordyn Zimmerman and Montana Advocate Isaac Baldry]

1:20

Session 4A: AAC: Re-Defining Life Skills (with Ashley, Introductory)
Session 4B: AAC Assessment: A Practical Approach to Decision Making (with Sarah, Intermediate)

2:20 – Break

2:30 – Session 5: Crowd-driven Q&A (with Ashley and Sarah)

3:15 – Wrap-up, CEU Housekeeping

Financial Disclosures:

Ashley Larisey receives a salary from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Ashley also has ownership interest in her private practice, Ashley Larisey Speech Services. She receives a salary in her private practice and she receives honoraria and consulting fees. She received a speaking fee for presenting at MontCOMM. For nonfinancial disclosures, Ashley is a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Sarah Gregory receives a salary from the Ithaca City School District as a speech language pathologist. She also has ownership interest in her company, Sarah Gregory, SLP. She receives a salary, honoraria, and consulting fees through her company. She received a speaking fee presenting at MontCOMM. For nonfinancial disclosures, Sarah is a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Jordyn Zimmerman has ownership interest in her consulting company, AccessibleEDU Consulting. She receives consulting fees through this company. Jordyn receives a salary from The Nora Project. She received a speaking fee for presenting at MontCOMM. For nonfinancial disclosures, Jordyn is Board Chair of CommunicationFIRST, a board member of Hillel International, and serves on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Isaac Baldry has ownership interest in his company, Isaac Baldry Consulting. He receives consulting fees through his company. He received a speaking fee for presenting at MontCOMM. For nonfinancial disclosures, Isaac is a member of MonTECH’s Advisory Council and the Consumer Advisory Council of the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities.