AAC ALLY
A self-paced step-by-step course to conduct a dynamic and collaborative AAC assessment and effectively coach communication partners.
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AAC ALLY will show you the step-by-step process I use to find the optimal AAC system and vocab targets for learners. You'll help them start making progress with communication today.
Do you have students on your caseload who have been sitting on a waitlist for months to get an AAC assessment?
Maybe you're not sure how to approach AAC assessment, let alone get everyone on board with your recommendations.
Or maybe you work in Early Intervention and you're worried that your kiddo may need AAC, but you're not sure where to start.
SPOILER ALERT: You don't have to wait to help kids start using technology for communication.
Whether you're in-person, hybrid model, or fully distance-learning, in a school or private practice, your students, parents, and colleagues need your communication expertise.
Not sure where to start?
You're not alone. My inbox is full of messages from SLPs telling me this.
You may feel stuck and overwhelmed at the thought of AAC assessment because you're not an "AAC expert."
You may have scoured the ASHA Practice Portal, read articles on AAC blogs, and joined AAC Facebook groups, or even paid memberships.
You found answers for some specific questions, but struggle to piece together a cohesive plan to find the right technology for your students.
I looked too, and honestly couldn't find anything to fill this gap...
So I streamlined a process that SLPs of all skill levels could implement immediately.
1) You don't need to be an AAC specialist to start trialing lite-tech or high-tech AAC with a student.
2) It's never too early to intervene (actually the earlier the better!)
3) ALL CHILDREN can benefit from remote/asynchronous collaboration tools (even in-person)... for both treatment and assessment!
In fact, most of my clients make more progress when I incorporate asynchronous tools. Why? Because I can effectively coach team members on how to use the AAC system. Work smarter, not harder!
You were forced to learn remote tools. Some things are always better in person, but I'll show you how you how to use my favorite technology to collaborate and plan activities in less time, so you can maximize your time and energy.
Stop wasting time with inefficient email threads and long meetings.
Empower parents and team members to get involved from day one, no matter where they are (location-wise, and emotionally).
Be the 21st century clinician your students, colleagues, and parents love to work with!
I know it can all be overwhelming...
That’s why I created AAC ALLY!
I originally presented this course live for UNC-Chapel Hill with a focus on tele-AAC. That was at the height of virtual learning. Since then, I realized asynchronous collaboration tools save time and stress in any setting.
In this course, I give you the exact tools, resources, forms, and step-by-step processes you need to provide an evidence-based assessment (virtual or in-person) and treatment planning for your clients with complex communication needs.
AND get the whole team working together to make the biggest impact in less time.
14 Self-Paced Learning Modules that allow you to go at your own pace.
3 Downloadable Digital Forms I use to get a child's entire team on board.
8 Parent Coaching Videos that show you exactly how I do it.
14 Downloadable Bonus Resources that you can use for assessment and therapy.
This is the LAST cohort with Lifetime Access to revisit material at anytime.
3.0 CMH hours + over 3.0 hours of bonus content (including AAC report writing, gestalt language processing and parent coaching) + a personalized certificate!
2 Bonus Modules Diving into Gestalt Language Processing and Alternative Access
Here's what they're saying:
As an SLP who is new to AAC, it can be very overwhelming. This course laid out the foundation in a way that was clear and easy to digest. I am left with coun...
Read MoreAs an SLP who is new to AAC, it can be very overwhelming. This course laid out the foundation in a way that was clear and easy to digest. I am left with countless resources to implement every step of the way. The course increased my confidence in how to begin AAC with a client as well as how to approach introducing a parent AAC.
Read LessAs a mom of an AAC user and an SLPA, I am always looking to learn more about AAC devices and implantation. Even though I don't give AAC evaluations as an SLP...
Read MoreAs a mom of an AAC user and an SLPA, I am always looking to learn more about AAC devices and implantation. Even though I don't give AAC evaluations as an SLPA, I do help collect data of clients/students, and knowing more about the process helps me be a better SLPA. I work in a home health setting so learning more about the AAC evaluation process allows me to help families. I give AAC ALLY a five-star review. Rachel knows her stuff and shares her knowledge in a down-to-earth way inside this course. She is an advocate for SLPs and families. Inside AAC ALLY, she helps providers see parents' concerns and worries and approach these with kindness and understanding.
Read LessThis was so comprehensive and informative! Can all courses be this functional?
This was so comprehensive and informative! Can all courses be this functional?
Read LessValuable, practical information you can apply today in your practice.
Valuable, practical information you can apply today in your practice.
Read LessThis was a great course. I love Rachel's advice for talking to parents and other team members. She offered great resources!
This was a great course. I love Rachel's advice for talking to parents and other team members. She offered great resources!
Read LessExcellent
Excellent
Read LessThis course is well laid out, and easy to follow. It is full of so much helpful and relevant information. This course is a must for everyone working with stu...
Read MoreThis course is well laid out, and easy to follow. It is full of so much helpful and relevant information. This course is a must for everyone working with students who use AAC!
Read LessThank you for putting together such a thoughtful and detailed resource. I will continue to go back to the videos and handouts for more information and rewat...
Read MoreThank you for putting together such a thoughtful and detailed resource. I will continue to go back to the videos and handouts for more information and rewatch as needed! I'm excited to share with new SLPs and others in our field. Again, thank you!
Read LessThere are so many things I LOVE about this course! To start, the module set up is great because it allows you to revisit a specific area that you want watch...
Read MoreThere are so many things I LOVE about this course! To start, the module set up is great because it allows you to revisit a specific area that you want watch again. Next, Rachel is always generous with the resources she has created and researched sharing them in this course. Finally, we have access FOREVER....even to the new content she adds!!! Thank you Rachel for sharing your knowledge to help us all become better and do better!!
Read LessShe has SO much information, I will be looking at these PPTs forever! I really enjoyed her knowledge and the case study child was very helpful in demonstrati...
Read MoreShe has SO much information, I will be looking at these PPTs forever! I really enjoyed her knowledge and the case study child was very helpful in demonstrating what she's talking about.
Read LessRachel does an excellent job of creating a course that is packed full of practical ideas and resources for best practice in AAC assessment. The case study vi...
Read MoreRachel does an excellent job of creating a course that is packed full of practical ideas and resources for best practice in AAC assessment. The case study videos were also helpful, to see the AAC coaching and assessment in action. The tips can be applied to both telepractice and in-person assessments. I loved learning that it is not about finding the perfect AAC system, but providing the caregiver with coaching strategies and supports needed to help the child communicate successfully. I am so thankful that I took this course and I'm excited to apply what I've learned to the private practice setting.
Read LessThank you so so much for your course. I loved it. Lots of really useful tips, ideas and encouragement to use AAC online. No more shying away from online work...
Read MoreThank you so so much for your course. I loved it. Lots of really useful tips, ideas and encouragement to use AAC online. No more shying away from online work, it can be done! So from all the way across the pond a massive thank you for all your time and effort to put together a fantastic 'I can do it too' AAC online course. Thank you Rachel
Read LessThe energy and knowledge that Rachel brings to this course is inspiring for me. I love how she encourages me as an SLP to take charge in incorporating all d...
Read MoreThe energy and knowledge that Rachel brings to this course is inspiring for me. I love how she encourages me as an SLP to take charge in incorporating all different team members in the evaluation process to determine what AAC device is the most appropriate one for my students and their families. This is information you won't learn in graduate school! Thank you, Rachel!
Read LessAs an AT Specialist who conducts AAC assessment and supports implementation in a large school district, I am ALWAYS looking to improve my practice and give m...
Read MoreAs an AT Specialist who conducts AAC assessment and supports implementation in a large school district, I am ALWAYS looking to improve my practice and give my students the best opportunity for functional, independent communication. Rachel's resources and podcast are one of my favorite sources of tools and strategies and the AAC Ally course was no exception. I actually changed some of my assessment practices and report writing after watching these modules. I especially loved the videos of Rachel coaching a parent to start small and pick something that she could easily and consistently MODEL for her child as they worked on implementing AAC at home. I have incorporated this message into my coaching with parents and have started getting them to buy in a little bit more where before they seemed overwhelmed and not sure about HOW to get started. I highly recommend this course to any school-based service provider who works with a child that uses AAC as part of their communication system!
Read LessThis was a helpful course with some great videos to demonstrate techniques and concepts discussed during the course. There were wonderful resources shared a...
Read MoreThis was a helpful course with some great videos to demonstrate techniques and concepts discussed during the course. There were wonderful resources shared as well. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with the AAC community!
Read LessThis course really helped me to deep dive into AAC assessment. The content was relevant to telepractice but I honestly think that Rachel's approach to assess...
Read MoreThis course really helped me to deep dive into AAC assessment. The content was relevant to telepractice but I honestly think that Rachel's approach to assessment can be carried over to in-person. Plus all the additional resources at the end are just so generous and incredibly useful. I am looking forward to more courses from her!
Read LessI will definitely be using this material to help with assessment.
I will definitely be using this material to help with assessment.
Read Lessloved the videos on how to coach parents! appreciate the free forms for data collection, collaborator input and coaching!
loved the videos on how to coach parents! appreciate the free forms for data collection, collaborator input and coaching!
Read LessAs I work with older students, I was unsure if this course would be a good fit for me. It was great! I think that anyone working with students who have comp...
Read MoreAs I work with older students, I was unsure if this course would be a good fit for me. It was great! I think that anyone working with students who have complex communication needs will gain from this course. It was full of great tips, resources, and ideas. Thanks, Rachel!
Read LessHere's what's included with AAC ALLY
AAC may seem intimidating—you may be worried about what tech to use and how to set your student up for AAC success.
Or maybe you're afraid that your early intervention kids need AAC, but you don't know how to start the process and get parent buy-in...
That's exactly what I'll teach you in this course.
This course is not about using formal assessments to find the perfect device.
Instead, you'll learn how to trial paper-based AND high-tech solutions and coach communication partners simultaneously to make an impact with ANY AAC system.
Is this course for me?
This course was built for all SLPs and educators looking to support their students with complex communication needs.
You don’t have to be an AAC specialist to benefit from the information I’ll be sharing.
I've had clinicians fresh out of grad school take this course as well as AAC experts! The results they've been getting have been really incredible.
This course will be even more beneficial if you're interested in becoming an AAC specialist. AAC-ALLY was built with the aspiring AAC-SLP in mind.
If you have a student who you think would benefit from AAC but are not sure where to start--- I’ll give you a framework on how to start thinking like an AAC specialist.
This course gives you the roadmap to get parent & team buy-in, optimize your time, conduct dynamic assessments, select optimal AAC systems, and expand vocabulary with ready-made resources and activities.
Save time and overwhelm by using the same tools I use everyday to streamline a successful AAC practice.
Feel confident knowing how to coach communication partners (parents, teachers, everyone!)
Walk away with TONS of ideas, resources, and practical forms and tools. You can download forms and activities to your computer and use anytime!
Get the whole team on the same page (and take the pressure off yourself)
See ACTUAL videos of me conducting an AAC assessment and coaching multiple parents—in person and remotely!
How to assess, treatment plan, and coach for communication success
In this self-paced course, I guide you through real-life video examples and show you my exact process for finding an optimal AAC system for a student.
Plus, I included over an hour of Early Intervention content - so you'll learn the 9-step framework I use to implement AAC without overwhelming parents (hint: I don't say "AAC").
AND I share the tools and forms that will help you automate the process to save time so that you can focus on what you do best: working with students.
Whether you're in person, hybrid, or virtual, you'll have timeless tools that make assessment and treatment a breeze.
We’ll review technical details relating to telepractice, such as screen mirroring, annotation features, and establishing a 2-participant view of a student. These tools are just as useful if you work in-person when you're trying to get the whole team on board and provide actionable home practice.
You’ll learn how to create automated shared resources within multidisciplinary teams to collect assessment data efficiently.
Rather than lots of theory, this course is taught primarily through case studies; highlighting video footage of both virtual and in-person AAC assessments I've conducted.
Heavy emphasis is placed on a team approach to assessment utilizing the SETT Framework and communication partner training to achieve optimal results trialing various AAC options remotely.
I've also added a new bonus module all about gestalt language processing and AAC. How can we take what we know about gestalt language processing and combine it with what we know about AAC best practices?
WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE: 3.0 CMH hours of content packaged into 14 short modules (2+ hours of bonus content), taking you from an initial meeting with parents to making lasting progress with AAC. You get lifetime access, so you can take the course all at once, or take your time. This is the LAST cohort to receive lifetime access so don't miss out!
CLEAR ACTION ITEMS: A step-by-step process that teaches how to set up the necessary tech (for telepractice or in-person), assess a student's communication skills, and successfully teach and coach communication partners.
BONUSES TO KEEP YOUR THERAPY ON POINT: Videos of me actually working with clients! Free tools I use every day to simplify everything from scheduling to data tracking. Pre-made assessment forms to streamline and automate. Bonus resources you can use with your entire caseload.
(Click to to see what's inside!)
What You will Learn in This Course
Getting Started: How to Navigate Around the Course
Download the Course Handout
Module 1: Introduction to AAC
Module 2: Getting Started with Telepractice
Module 3: Virtual Assessment Considerations
Module 4: Gathering Information From Parents
Module 5: Coaching the Team
Module 6: Remote Device Trialing
Module 7: Tools to Optimize Virtual Assessments
Module 8: Course Handout
Module 9: Indicators & Strategies for Early AAC
Module 10: Early AAC Research & Clinical Considerations
Module 11: Getting Parent Buy-In & the Importance of Modeling
Module 12: What AAC Tools To Trial With Young Children
Module 13: Early Intervention & AAC Treatment Ideas
Module 14: Early Intervention Case Study
Closing
CMH Course Breakdown
Downloadable Certificate of Completion
Download the Alternative Access Handout
Alternative Access
Download the AAC & GLP Handout
AAC & Gestalt Language Processing
Q+A Recording from my presentation at UNC-Chapel Hill February 26, 2020
Early Intervention Q+A October 14, 2020
LIVE Q+A February 3, 2021
LIVE Q+A May 12, 2021
LIVE Q+A January 12, 2022
LIVE Q+A May 2022
Kaleo Assessment
Parent Coaching: Using AAC to Support Literacy
Parent Coaching: Adding New Words as a Teaching Moment
Parent Coaching: Moving Beyond the "I Want" Phrase
Parent Coaching: Avoiding Double Demands
Parent Coaching: Specifying Requests through Sabotage
Parent Coaching: Attributing Meaning to a Child's Words
Parent Coaching: How a Verbal Child Can Benefit from AAC
AAC Assessment Report Writing
Alternative Access One Sheet
PECS: Myths and Evidence Handout
Resource: Printable AAC Video Handout Made by Lauren Enders
Resource: AAC Vocabulary Bundle
Resource: Early Communication Checklist
Resource: Communication Board Bundle
Resource: Formulating Sentences with GIFs Powerpoint
Resource: iPad Apps Feature Matching Wheel (CALL Scotland)
Resource: AAC Additional Resources
Resource: AAC Formalized Assessment Measures
Resource: AAC Assessment Report Checklist
Resource: AAC Relevant Research
AAC Team Input Forms
Core Word Choices Bundle
Any clinician or educator who’s interested in providing a road-tested assessment, parent-coaching, and treatment process for clients with complex communication needs. CFYs all the way to AAC experts will gain valuable insights to streamline their AAC process, with a focus on team coaching/collaboration and device trialing and problem-solving.
People who only want dense theory with no practical application. This is a practical framework to quickly get your student set up trialing different AAC options. This course was not initially intended for parents, however, it could give valuable ideas on how to create a more connected multidisciplinary team for your child.
Yes! Even if you're completely back in-person, I'll show you how to streamline your workload using the remote collaboration tools I use every day. We’ll also cover low and high-tech systems and considerations for each. If your student doesn’t have an AAC system yet, no problem! We’ll cover how to trial devices, select the best type, and how to set up at home-practice to make sure the device is being supported in all environments.
You will receive a certificate certifying 3 continuing maintenance (CMH) hours when you complete this course! ASHA requires 30 Certification Maintenance Hours (CMH). CEUs are a type of CMHs. ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will fulfill that because they have already been registered with ASHA. The benefit of going through a CEU provider is that they can submit your participation directly to your CE registry for you. However, you don’t have to use CEUs for your hours. Any other continuing education activity you do will be considered a CMH but ASHA will allow you to get all 30 of your hours as CMH if you prefer. You simply have to check a box that says you did them at the end of your maintenance interval. You also need to hold onto your certificates in case you get audited. Summary: The only difference is that we will not be submitting hours to the CE registry. However, you can manually submit them. LEARN MORE at this link: https://www.slpsolution.com/what-are-asha-cmhs-and-do-i-have-to-get-ceus/
It's true you can find a lot of great AAC content online for free. With AAC Ally though, I truly saw a gap when it comes to a one-stop resource for team collaboration, early intervention, and device selection - for teletherapy and in-person. And all this information is only valuable if it's well organized, you invest in it, and apply it to your situation! This course takes everything I know from interviewing literally hundreds of AAC experts, speaking at national conferences, and working in AAC private practice for a decade—and distills it into an easy-to-navigate AAC roadmap. So you save hours of time and headache by having everything at your fingertips. PLUS, the bonus resources alone are sold for $50 on my website. PLUS, this is the last cohort to get lifetime continual free updates every time I add content to this course! Put them together, and you get the exact step-by-step process to start making progress with AAC tomorrow. Basically, you’re downloading about 10 years of AAC knowledge (+ everyone I’ve interviewed for Talking with Tech) into your brain. Because we all support each other as AAC Allies! I used to hate paying for courses, until I realized that the good ones are an investment in my peace of mind. How much that's worth is up to you :)
Yes! In this course, you'll learn an effective framework that can be applied to any setting (schools/private practice) and can be utilized in-person or remotely. The principles of this course will streamline any AAC assessment and teach you how to get the entire team behind the AAC decision-making and implementation process.
Yes, for groups of 10 or more! If you'd like to give this course to everyone in your organization or private practice, I offer a significantly discounted group rate. Please email [email protected] if you're interested.
This is the last cohort to get lifetime access! The next time the course opens it will be for a year license. The course is 3 CMH hours broken up into 14 bite-sized modules. You also get 30+ minutes of bonus content and materials you can download, and use for the rest of your career! Once you complete/click-through 100% of the course materials (including bonus materials), you will see the option to download a personalized certificate for your accomplishment. Some people prefer to take the course all at once, and others over the course of a week or two. As a busy SLP, you can revisit the material anytime you need a refresher if you get in now!
If you try this course for 30 days and show that you completed the course, but are not satisfied, I will give your money back, no questions asked. Just email my team at [email protected]
You don't need to be an AAC specialist to create better outcomes tomorrow. All you have to do is click that button below to get started - see you inside!
Get notified when it reopens
Rachel Madel presents information on AAC in a clear manner. My confidence has improved with implementing AAC because of Rachel Madel! Thank you, Rachel for...
Read MoreRachel Madel presents information on AAC in a clear manner. My confidence has improved with implementing AAC because of Rachel Madel! Thank you, Rachel for your compassion in the field of speech-language pathology!
Read LessAAC Ally was an awesome course! Usually when it comes to resources and courses, free is my favorite price, so at first I was hesitant to sign up. This was ab...
Read MoreAAC Ally was an awesome course! Usually when it comes to resources and courses, free is my favorite price, so at first I was hesitant to sign up. This was absolutely worth every cent (and probably more😊)! I have some AAC experience, but still learned so much from your practical approach through the videos of you doing parent coaching and how you broke down the steps of how you structure assessments! Thank you for so generously sharing so many wonderful resources on top of the presentation and for all the time and effort that went into this incredible presentation!
Read LessThis course provided a lot of real life examples and addressed many scenarios that have been seen during therapy sessions. I loved the portion regarding AAC ...
Read MoreThis course provided a lot of real life examples and addressed many scenarios that have been seen during therapy sessions. I loved the portion regarding AAC and Early Intervention. I appreciated the suggestion that any AAC is better than no AAC. Rachel also provided a great deal of information regarding parent coaching and gaining caregiver buy-in. The resources are great and presented in a way that they are easy to access.
Read LessThere has been many resources and supports shared during stay-at-home and physical distancing orders, but this presentation proved to be the most helpful! Fo...
Read MoreThere has been many resources and supports shared during stay-at-home and physical distancing orders, but this presentation proved to be the most helpful! Following along with Rachel's assessment afforded the listener practical tips and valuable insight into the important relationship between the evaluator and the family. I am empowered by what I've learned and cannot wait to use these ideas!
Read LessSchool closures has brought an array of challenges as an SLP working with AAC students. We do not have easy access to our students and devices as we would d...
Read MoreSchool closures has brought an array of challenges as an SLP working with AAC students. We do not have easy access to our students and devices as we would during regular school operations. However school closures has provided us as clinicians a unique opportunity to have a greater impact on the student and IEP team as a whole. This course is broken down into bite sized modules you can complete at your own pace. Modules cover multiple themes from data collection, parent coaching, device and program determinations to team implementation and considerations for tele practice. Rachel provides course participants with a plethora of resources covering the wide range of topics she touches on. She even considers Mac and PC when suggesting telepractice components! I found the case study to be one of the best parts of the course as you are able to see parent coaching and considerations in real life situations. The way in which Rachel works with her parents and students is all about empowering the user and team buy-in. As a SLP working with AAC users I know the importance of team buy-in and once communication partners learn how to empower their AAC user, that's where the magic happens. AND we are lucky enough to witness it in Rachel's case study! Highly recommend this course for both seasoned and new SLPs. I would even recommend this for other IEP team members!
Read LessRachel's AAC ALLY course was extremely informative. Being a primarily AAC SLP, I did find some of it to be review, however, it was still very helpful and wou...
Read MoreRachel's AAC ALLY course was extremely informative. Being a primarily AAC SLP, I did find some of it to be review, however, it was still very helpful and would be great for someone who may not have as much AAC experience. Beyond that, after module 1, ideas were immediately applicable for me and based on real-life activities and not just contrived, screen-based materials. I learned a lot and the supplemental materials that come with the course are amazing. I highly recommend this course!
Read LessTerrific for beginner and seasoned SLPs alike who need a roadmap for AAC teletherapy assessments. Rachel includes so much valuable information including vid...
Read MoreTerrific for beginner and seasoned SLPs alike who need a roadmap for AAC teletherapy assessments. Rachel includes so much valuable information including videos of actual assessment and coaching sessions. If you're confused about where to start with AAC teletherapy assessment, you have found your solution!
Read LessThis course was absolutely amazing! It's usually extremely difficult for me to sit, listen, and watch a course; but this was SO well-organized and MOTIVATING...
Read MoreThis course was absolutely amazing! It's usually extremely difficult for me to sit, listen, and watch a course; but this was SO well-organized and MOTIVATING to see! Not only did I learn how to assess, conduct, and write AAC trials remotely, I loved learning about effective language to coach communication partners. This course has shaped the way I will do AAC assessments virtually and in-person! The BEST part is all the amazing apps/tools for tele-assessment. I'm so so impressed with the literacy, cause + effect, and alternative access tools (the good stuff! I have treatment ideas for days now as well.) As an SLP that specializes in working with individuals with complex communication needs, this course gave me a ton of new insight. Rachel, this course is a gem; THANK YOU!
Read LessThis course was wonderful!! Telepractice for AAC seemed so daunting to me but Rachel helped guide me through by showing both what to do and how to do it. Th...
Read MoreThis course was wonderful!! Telepractice for AAC seemed so daunting to me but Rachel helped guide me through by showing both what to do and how to do it. The course is broken down into modules which helped me absorb the information and prevented me from feeling overwhelmed. It really helped ensure that my AAC clients would not only retain skills but continue to make progress despite going virtual during school closures.
Read LessSo much great information and LOVED the modules. It made it easier to process, and made it easier to take breaks
So much great information and LOVED the modules. It made it easier to process, and made it easier to take breaks
Read Lessexcellent power point slides and videos and resource materials; I can use your material to begin AAC assessment and therapy immediately
excellent power point slides and videos and resource materials; I can use your material to begin AAC assessment and therapy immediately
Read LessRachel's course is amazing!! She is quick and to the point, which is awesome. Embedded in the course is one case study which really helped me grasp the conte...
Read MoreRachel's course is amazing!! She is quick and to the point, which is awesome. Embedded in the course is one case study which really helped me grasp the content I was learning. She provided so many handouts and resources to use right away. I may not be the one completing AAC assessments in my district, but I know have the knowledge to begin the conversation with parents, trial devices before recommending an AAC evaluation, and implement functional therapy using an AAC device. This course is needed by every SLP, whether you are in early intervention, schools, private practice, or with adults!
Read Less