Name: From Myths to Meaningful Practice: Foundations for Effective AAC Intervention for Young Children With Developmental Disabilities
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

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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

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Questions?

www.talkingaac.org

[email protected]

517-299-5200

From Myths to Meaningful Practice: Foundations for Effective AAC Intervention for Young Children With Developmental Disabilities

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

Big Ten C

Limited Capacity seats available

Early intervention with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is critical for supporting language, communication, and social development for young children with developmental disabilities who have limited speech. For young children, AAC intervention is most effective when it is embedded within active, playful learning in meaningful, natural settings and with the people who matter most— such as parents and other family members, educators, and peers. Yet, myths and misconceptions about AAC often delay or limit access to effective communication support.

This breakout session will provide a foundation for AAC intervention for young children with developmental disabilities. Through real-world examples and video models, attendees will learn how to use AAC to support social communication and language development for young children, not as a “last resort” but as a foundation for learning and connection. The session will include: (1) identifying and challenging common myths and misconceptions about AAC that inadvertently limit access to effective support, (2) describing key principles of evidence-based AAC intervention for young children, particularly a focus on teaching communication skills within natural, meaningful contexts that matter to children, and (3) teaching evidence-based intervention strategies for play-based AAC intervention.

Evidence for this presentation comes from decades of AAC research with young children with developmental disabilities and their educators and families, including extensive work conducted by the presenter and her research team. We will take a deep dive into learning how active, playful learning experiences are powerful drivers of communication and language development, particularly for young children with disabilities. Whether new to AAC or more experienced, attendees will leave with tools to challenge common myths, implement AAC effectively with young children, and collaborate with other educators and family members.

Presenters

Elizabeth Biggs, PhD

Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University

Dr. Elizabeth Biggs is a nationally recognized educator, researcher, and speaker with over 15 years of experience working with children and youth with disabilities who use or would benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). An Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt... Read More →

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

General Session

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#TalkingAAC 2026

Elizabeth Biggs, PhD

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