Home Training Conferences AAC Talks 2025 AAC Talks 2025—AAC Without Limits: Voices, Stories, and Possibilities Session 5A - Shifting Our Practices to Nurture Authentic AAC Voices
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Session 5A - Shifting Our Practices to Nurture Authentic AAC Voices

Speaker: Lauren Enders Gonzales

Session Description:
This session focuses on the importance of reflecting the true identities, interests, and cultural backgrounds of AAC users in their communication tools. Often, these aspects are not given enough attention. Learn about strategies for collaborating with AAC users and their support networks to select vocabulary and personalize AAC systems that support authentic self-expression, limitless opportunities for language development, and participation in all environments and contexts. It's time to make communication meaningful and inclusive!

Objectives:
  • Discuss three key aspects of an AAC user's identity (e.g., passions, cultural background, preferred language) that should be represented in their communication system.
  • Describe two strategies for incorporating an AAC user's experiences and preferences into the vocabulary and language outputs of their AAC device.
  • Identify one tool for regularly updating and adapting an AAC user's system to reflect changes in their identity, interests, or communication needs over time.
Speaker Bio:
Presenter Lauren Enders Gonzales smilingLauren Enders Gonzales, MA, CCC-SLP (she/her/hers) is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) and special educator with nearly 30 years of experience in Eastern Pennsylvania schools. As an SLP and Assistive Technology Consultant in K-12 public school programs, she developed expertise in Assistive Technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with a focus on creating rich, meaningful, and engaging learning experiences. Via her new venture, Engaging AAC Solutions, LLC., Lauren is committed to collaborating, consulting, and coaching other professionals, family members and caregivers, and key AAC industry players to support the development of more inclusive AAC systems and evidence-based clinical and educational practices.