Name: Putting AAC Into Action in Inclusive Classrooms
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

Putting AAC Into Action in Inclusive Classrooms

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

Red Cedar

Limited Capacity seats available

Currently, in Michigan, receiving a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is an area focus and considered a key principle of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As more and more students with extensive support and complex communication needs are receiving services and attending programs in general education buildings, educators in these buildings (i.e., Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and School Social Workers) are tasked with finding ways to support the emerging communicators in their classrooms and on their caseloads, often without additional time or training to support the needs of these learners. According to ASHA, 2018, more than 60% of school-based SLPs report regularly serving students who need Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). While the “why” of the shift to the least restrictive environment is important, educators are in need of evidenced-based strategies to support their students and embed AAC in the general education classroom and environment as a whole.

This session aims to provide a fresh perspective on working with AAC users in inclusive classrooms. It will explore best practices for fostering communication success and integrating AAC into the general education classroom including quick, easily implemented strategies for the teachers, ancillary providers, or support staff. This includes ways to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support students with high support needs, providing training for adults and peers. Participants will gain practical insights into building understanding, creating inclusive communication environments, and ensuring that all students can actively engage, learn, and thrive, developing true communication and friendship skills with their general education peers.

Presenters

Elaina Swartzlander, M.A., CCC-SLP

AAC Coach, Kent ISD

Elaina Swartzlander is a Speech-Language Pathologist with 18 years of experience working in a variety of educational settings including Early On, K-12 general education and self-contained settings; including 4.5 years as an Autism Consultant. As an AAC Coach, Elaina supports center-based... Read More →

DeDe Olthoff

K-2 Resource Room Teacher at Endeavor Elementary, Kentwood Public Schools

DeDe Olthoff is an equity-focused educator with over 15 years of experience. After teaching in general education, she transitioned to an early elementary resource classroom and works in the most diverse district in the state of Michigan. A passionate and innovative educator, she boosts... Read More →

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

General Session

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#TalkingAAC 2026

Elaina Swartzlander, M.A., CCC-SLP

DeDe Olthoff

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Success you have shared X tickets.

#TalkingAAC 2026

Elaina Swartzlander, M.A., CCC-SLP

DeDe Olthoff

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