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Building Wings

Finding a Voice and Using It: Integrating AAC and Comprehensive Literacy Instruction

Live Webinar:

Finding a Voice and Using It: Integrating AAC and Comprehensive Literacy Instruction

Presented by:

Beth Waite-Lefever, CCC-SLP, Maureen Donnelly, M.Ed

Live Session to be Held On: April 28th | 12:00-1:00pm CST
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Promo Image for Finding a Voice and Using It Integrating AAC and Comprehensive Literacy Instruction with Beth Waite-Lafever, CCC-SLP Maureen Donnelly, M.Ed

When providing literacy instruction to learners who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, educators face a unique challenge: navigating the intricate balance between making gains in language, reading and writing skills, and the demands of the daily classroom.

It can feel like a juggling act, especially as some schools approach literacy and language as separate instructional goals. However, research shows that time spent nurturing growth in one of these domains will produce gains in others, enabling educators to have a double impact: fostering AAC use during comprehensive literacy instruction.

Nurturing Growth in AAC and Literacy Learning

This presentation, co-led by literacy instruction specialists from Building Wings and PRC-Saltillo, explores how to intentionally bridge language development and literacy instruction. Participants will explore how tools such as smart charts, aided language input, and predictable routines can be embedded into high-quality reading and writing instruction. The session emphasizes inclusive, age-respectful practices that support communication growth, reading development, and meaningful participation for emergent communicators.

Learning Objectives for This Webinar

By the conclusion of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

  • Describe how language and literacy development are interconnected and how they reinforce each other.

  • Identify literacy instructional routines that support emergent communicators as readers and writers.

  • Name three or more strategies for building interdisciplinary teams that support the literacy and language growth of AAC users.
register for the live webinar

This webinar is intended for teachers, SLPs, OTs, and paras involved in literacy instruction with learners receiving special education services.  You will leave with knowledge of how to elevate instruction for your learners, and you will be provided with a form to complete for a certificate of completion.

Registered attendees will receive a link to the recording within a few days of the scheduled live webinar.

Visit the Building Wings for additional free webinars for special educators, including upcoming live webinars and access to on-demand recordings of previously held live webinars. You can also sign up to receive an email notification when live webinars are posted.

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About the Presenter

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Beth Waite-Lefever, CCC-SLP

Beth Waite-Lafever, M.A., CCC-SLP, ATP, has a Bachelors and Masters in speech-language pathology and is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals using AAC. Beth is certified as an assistive technology professional by RESNA. She has worked in outpatient rehabilitation, public schools, private practice, taught university courses, and has presented on AAC at the national and international level. During her 19 years in public school, she provided speech-language services to students with complex communication needs using AAC strategies and served as the Assistive Technology Coordinator and AAC Specialist for several school districts. Beth has collaborated with teams to promote implementation of communication strategies at school, home, and in the community. Areas of interest include autism, literacy and working with individuals who are at the very early learning stage of communication. In her current position as Literacy Initiative Developer for PRC-Saltillo, Beth develops and supports literacy-based materials and products for AAC users, their families, educators, and support teams.

Maureen Donnelly, M.Ed

Maureen Donnelly, M.Ed, is a Curriculum Development Manager at Building Wings. Maureen is an early childhood educator who has worked with students of diverse ages and abilities, from preschool through college. Throughout her 25-year career, Maureen has developed numerous products and written hundreds of books that support the learning needs of beginners. She lives and works in Kittery, Maine, in an office stuffed with children’s books.

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Karen A. Erickson, Ph.D.​

Karen A. Erickson, Ph.D. is Director of the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill. Her focus is on understanding the best ways to assess and teach reading and writing to children with the most severe disabilities. As a special education teacher, Dr. Erickson has worked to support students with a range of disabilities in a variety of classroom settings, particularly students who do not use speech as their primary means of communication.

Website: https://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/clds

Author Profile: https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=110&Name=Karen+Erickson,Ph.D.​

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