Name: Enhancing SLP Impact: Integrating AAC Into the Classroom
Start: 2026-11-05T13:30:00-0500
End: 2026-11-05T14:45:00-0500

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

Enhancing SLP Impact: Integrating AAC Into the Classroom

Thursday November 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EST

Big Ten C

Limited Capacity seats available

Speech-language pathologists are supporting increasingly diverse caseloads with growing communication, academic, and participation needs. At the same time, students who use or benefit from AAC are spending more of their school day in general education classrooms. To support these learners effectively, SLPs must rethink traditional service delivery models and move beyond isolated pull-out therapy toward embedded, classroom-based support.

This session will explore how AAC can be integrated into the classroom as both an individualized communication system and a broader Tier 1 support for all learners. Participants will learn practical ways to use AAC to strengthen expressive and receptive language, deepen understanding of academic concepts, increase engagement, and support meaningful participation across the school day. Rather than treating AAC as a tool used only by a specific student or only during speech sessions, this presentation will demonstrate how AAC can become part of the classroom environment, routines, and instruction.

The session will include real-world examples of how SLPs can collaborate with general education and special education teams to build capacity across classrooms. Topics will include supporting classroom-based AAC modeling, selecting relevant core and academic vocabulary, embedding AAC into literacy and math instruction, and using visual language supports during whole-group, small-group, and individual activities. Participants will see examples of AAC supporting story sequencing, concept mapping, vocabulary development, sight word instruction, math concepts, problem-solving, and written language.

This presentation will also highlight the value of viewing AAC through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework. When AAC tools are available as universal supports, they can benefit not only students with complex communication needs, but also multilingual learners, students with language delays, students experiencing dysregulation, and others who benefit from visual access to language. By embedding AAC into everyday classroom instruction, SLPs can expand their impact, increase educator confidence, and create more inclusive learning environments.

Participants will leave with practical strategies for integrating AAC into classroom routines, collaborating with educators, and increasing communication access for a wider range of students.

Presenters

Carolyn McCoy, M.A., CCC/SLP, BCBA

SLP, Northshore School District

Carolyn McCoy is an Speech Language Pathologist in the Northshore School District in Suburban King County, WA. Working at Ruby Bridges Elementary School, a model site for inclusive practices within Washington State, has capped a career that includes experience in a co-teaching classroom... Read More →

Nicole (Nicki) Case, M.A., CCC/SLP

SLP, Northshore School District

Nicole (Nicki) Case is an elementary SLP in the Northshore School District. She has expertise in AAC, inclusive practices and supporting students with complex communication needs in the general education setting. Nicole has experience across school and clinical settings, creating... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EST
Big Ten C

General Session

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#TalkingAAC 2026

Carolyn McCoy, M.A., CCC/SLP, BCBA

Nicole (Nicki) Case, M.A., CCC/SLP

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Success you have shared X tickets.

#TalkingAAC 2026

Carolyn McCoy, M.A., CCC/SLP, BCBA

Nicole (Nicki) Case, M.A., CCC/SLP

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