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Building Wings

AAC Literacy Instruction: Boosting Access, Engagement and Independent Learning

On-Demand Webinar:

AAC Literacy Instruction: Boosting Access,
Engagement and Independent Learning

Presented by:

Chris Gibbons, PhD, CCC-SLP and Maureen Donnelly, M.Ed.

Blue background, man and woman smiling. Text reads: "AAC Literacy Instruction: Boosting access, engagement, and independent learning"
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This webinar focuses on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) literacy instruction that pairs research-based reading instruction practices with modern access technology. The presenters will explain how comprehensive literacy instruction, combined with AAC, supports communication growth, reading development, and learner independence for students with complex communication needs.

Participants will explore the multiple accessibility interfaces within Monarch Reader to enable online access to tens of thousands of high-interest, accessible books while supporting independent navigation, exploration, and practice. Attendees will also will be introduced to Monarch Reader for Grid Users, an accessible digital reading platform designed specifically for AAC users.

Throughout the session, presenters will connect current literacy research to classroom and therapy-based student experiences. Examples will focus on emergent learners of all ages who use AAC and benefit from structured and explicit instruction paired with meaningful independent book exploration.

What You Will Learn About AAC Literacy Instruction

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

  1. Identify the research base supporting the integration of comprehensive literacy instruction with AAC for emergent learners.

  2. Describe the role of independent exploration and practice within effective AAC literacy instruction.

  3. Apply one to three new strategies or insights to better support literacy development for students who use AAC.
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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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Chris Gibbons, PhD, CCC-SLP

Chris Gibbons has worked in a variety of AAC clinical, research, and industry settings as a private practitioner, assistive technology specialist, instructor, and consultant. As a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in AAC for more than 25 years, he has focused on advocating for and contributing to SGD user success through increased access efficiencies and by working to improve funding for SGDs. Chris received his PhD in Developmental Psychology from the Ohio State University, has taught graduate level courses in AAC at several universities, and contributed as a clinical researcher investigating BCI and natural language modeling techniques. Most recently he has been active in the use of AI and LLMs with AAC. His role at Smartbox Assistive Technology is as Senior Vice President of Clinical Education.

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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