Free Lunch and Learn Webinars in May

The Institute's TechOWL program presented a free lunch and learn webinar series throughout May 2025 to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.

One-Hour Sessions on AAC Topics

AAC is Augmentative and Alternative Communication. One-hour webinars on AAC topics were held each Wednesday in May. 

Schedule

• May 7: Communication, Connection, & Consent: AAC Vocabulary Access for Sexual Health
• May 14: AAC Funding Through Life
• May 21: Communication Partner Instruction: Considerations for Supporting Adults Who Use AAC
• May 28: Exploring AAC Apps: Deep Dive & Demo

May 7: Communication, Connection & Consent: AAC Vocabulary Access for Sexual Health

Learn about and discuss how to improve AAC user outcomes for sexual health, intimacy, and relationships. Disclaimer: This presentation will discuss and feature AAC symbol representations that include explicit language, sexual health terminology, and abuse. 

Examples of target vocabulary for each life-stage, along with AAC programming considerations and implementation strategies will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop at least two rationales to support access to sexual health, intimacy, and/or relationship vocabulary for AAC users
• Describe three or more examples of sexual health, intimacy, and/or relationship vocabulary to include in AAC systems/devices for each life-stage
• Describe at least two implementation strategies for AAC inclusive sex education

May 14: AAC Funding Through Life

How do you fund an AAC device at different life stages? This session will focus on transition and funding options available in Pennsylvania.

Learn about the options and funding streams available for early intervention, school-age, and adulthood.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the language needed for a speech-generating device insurance request
• Recall at least 2 potential funding sources for AAC in Pennsylvania

May 21: Communication Partner Instruction: Considerations for Supporting Adults who use AAC

Adults who use AAC interact with various staff members across residential, day, and community settings. How do we support and empower the multifaceted team of individuals who work with this population in implementing AAC?

This presentation will discuss coaching strategies, tips, and tools for helping teams understand and support individuals who use AAC.

Learning Objectives:  

• Discuss one or more barriers that exist for communication partners when supporting AAC users
• Identify two strategies to empower teams in supporting AAC users in home and community settings
• List three resources available to support communication partners in learning about AAC 

May 28: Exploring AAC Apps: Deep Dive & Demo  

This session will explore the features of AAC apps available to borrow from the TechOWL Lending Library.

Learning Objectives:  

• Recall at least three AAC apps available from the Lending Library
• Make basic edits to at least one AAC app
• Describe at least one difference between two of the demonstrated AAC apps