Name: From Babble to Buttons: Early AAC in Action
Start: 2026-11-05T09:45:00-0500
End: 2026-11-05T11:00:00-0500

Act now! We reach capacity and sell out every year. Registration closes Wednesday, October 28, 2026 — or sooner if capacity is reached.

Ticket Options

#TalkingAAC: Pre-Conference Workshop
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 12:00–4:00 PM
Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI
- Choose one 4-hour workshop
- Cost: $100
- Full details click here
#TalkingAAC: Two-Day Conference
Thursday & Friday, November 5-6, 2026
- Build your schedule for this two-day event
- Cost: $300
- Price includes breakfast, lunch, & parking
- Full details click here

NOTE: To attend all 3 days, you must purchase both a Pre-Conference Workshop ticket and a Two-Day Conference ticket.

Registration & Session Planning

All registration and session planning will be handled via Sched:

Click the green Log In or Sign Up button below to access Sched.
Then proceed to purchase your ticket(s).
After you’ve purchased your ticket(s), you can plan which sessions you’d like to attend.
New to using the Sched app? To take a tour click here
Need to update your app to this year’s conference? In the Sched app, go to My Account > Change Events> type in the name of the event #TalkingAAC 2026
A new Guest Buyer option lets you purchase tickets for others without creating a SCHED account. Once ticket(s) are selected, choose Continue as Guest.

Ticket Purchase - Error Message

If you receive an error message when purchasing your ticket, please contact TalkingAAC at [email protected] or 517-299-5200 for assistance.

⚠️ Please do not attempt to purchase again, as this may result in duplicate tickets.

Refunds & Ticket Transfers

Refunds available up to 10 days before the event. Sched & Stripe fees are non-refundable.
Ticket transfers (e.g., to a coworker) may be approved before October 28, 2026.

Stay Informed

Watch for updates from #TalkingAAC and Sched with session details and reminders as the event approaches.

Questions?

www.talkingaac.org

[email protected]

517-299-5200

From Babble to Buttons: Early AAC in Action

Thursday November 5, 2026 9:45am - 11:00am EST

Auditorium

Limited Capacity seats available

The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate how a systems-level approach to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) builds capacity across children, families, and professionals while creating sustainable pathways for long-term communication success.

Grounded in early intervention practice, this session will outline how AAC can be meaningfully introduced during the birth to three years, even for our youngest and most complex communicators. Presenters will share practical strategies for embedding AAC into daily routines, supporting communicative intent (e.g., requesting, commenting, and social interaction), and coaching caregivers to confidently model and respond using AAC systems. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the Primary Service Provider (PSP) model in building family competence and ensuring AAC is not a “special activity,” but a natural part of everyday life.

Participants will also learn how our team builds internal capacity through ongoing coaching, collaborative problem-solving, and access to an AAC lending library. The lending library process will be outlined as a key mechanism for trialing tools, reducing barriers to access, and informing data-driven decision making for funding. In addition, we will discuss how partnerships with AAC companies enhance team knowledge, provide hands-on learning opportunities, and support successful device implementation.

A critical component of this work is ensuring smooth transitions from early intervention to preschool. This session will provide actionable strategies for preparing teams, aligning communication systems, and advocating for continuity of AAC supports across settings.

This topic is highly relevant for SLPs, educators, early interventionists, administrators, AAC consultants, and families. Attendees will leave with replicable systems, practical tools, and a clear vision for how to move from early vocalizations to robust communication systems—ensuring that every child has access to a voice, from babble to buttons.

Presenters

Heather Giguere, MA, CCC-SLP

Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist, Lapeer County ISD

Heather Giguere, M.A., CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist with Lapeer ISD, where she has dedicated the past 25 years to supporting children with complex communication needs. During the first decade of her career, she worked in center-based programs serving students with the most significant needs, specializing in supporting complex communicators.For the past... Read More →

Sara Androyna, MS, OTRL

AAC/AT Implementation Coach and Occupational Therapist, Lapeer County ISD

Sara Androyna, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AT/AAC) implementation coach with Lapeer Intermediate School District, where she has supported students and educational teams since 2013. She brings over a decade... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 9:45am - 11:00am EST
Auditorium

General Session

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#TalkingAAC 2026

Heather Giguere, MA, CCC-SLP

Sara Androyna, MS, OTRL

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Success you have shared X tickets.

#TalkingAAC 2026

Heather Giguere, MA, CCC-SLP

Sara Androyna, MS, OTRL

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