NWACS AAC Learning Network

Formerly Evening Seminars

A message from Marci (NWACS AAC Learning Network Coordinator):

NWACS has a really cool history going back to the 1970s. It all started with David Beukelman and others in the Pacific Northwest who wanted to help AAC users. I found out about NWACS when I moved to Seattle in the early 2000s. At that time, NWACS met in person for monthly Evening Seminars. The purpose was to share information and help each other. Most were Speech-Language Pathologists, but also some Teachers, Occupational Therapists, and Assistive Technology specialists.

Since then, we have grown and we're doing great! Our group is diverse, including

• AAC Users,

• Friends and Advocates of AAC Users,

• Parents,

• Grandparents,

• OTs,

• PTs,

• SLPs,

• Teachers,

• and more.

We support each other and our community by sharing resources and doing both in-person and online programs. One of our online programs, Evening Seminars, used to be mainly for professionals. In line with our mission, vision, and values, we're changing the name of Evening Seminars to AAC Learning Network.

As we say on our website, "We know that representation matters." We want different perspectives from AAC users, caregivers, and providers to make our work the best it can be. AAC Learning Network will still give out certificates of attendance. We will have monthly topics where we can learn from each other. Listening and sharing with others leads to better understanding and perspective to support our AAC community. Stay tuned for our Spring Series announcement...coming soon!

It is going to be an amazing year!

Marci Revelli

Coordinator of AAC Learning Networks

Marci is leading the NWACS AAC Learning Network committee.

Email your questions and/or suggestions to her attention at: info@nwacs.info

Upcoming AAC Learning Network Events:

Different tools will be described in the context of case studies that represent a range of student literacy levels.

Speakers: Amy Connolly and Sara Ayars

WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 7pm Pacific / 10pm Eastern

WHERE: on Zoom (the link will be added here closer to the event; no registration required)

Speaker Bios:

Sara Ayars is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist associated with the Bellevue School District. She extends her services statewide through the Special Education Technology Center (SETC). Sara has over 16 years of experience in public schools. She specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). And addressing the communication needs of students aged 3 to 21 in diverse educational settings. Sara collaborates closely with educators. She provides coaching to ensure comprehensive support for students with high support needs. She is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, promoting accessibility, and facilitating meaningful educational experiences. Outside of work, Sara enjoys quality time with her family, volunteering, and exploring the delights of Bellingham, her new hometown.

Amy Connolly is an Assistive Technology Specialist and Occupational Therapist in the Bellingham Public Schools. She provides contracted OT/AT services through Washington State with the Special Education Technology Center (SETC). She is also a volunteer with Empower Spinal Cord Injury, Inc. This is a program that provides a second chance at rehab for adults with spinal cord injury. Amy has a special interest in the design and fabrication of high- and lite-tech assistive technology (AT). And in innovative AT services and interdisciplinary collaboration. Competencies include

• knowledge of the human body and behavior,

• medical conditions and how they effect function, especially disabilities that interfere with learning and participation in the educational setting, 

• as well as qualitative research and program development pertaining to the use of AT.

2024 Winter/Spring Schedule (tentative)

• Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 7 pm Pacific Time

  AAC and Early Childhood with Cass Griffin Bennett

SLPs: AAC Learning Network events count toward the Certification Maintenance Hours required to maintain ASHA certification. During the Zoom meeting (live) you will have the opportunity to request a Certificate of Attendance. Read more about how to count NWACS AAC Learning Network hours toward your ASHA professional development requirements HERE.

AAC Learning Network Fund

We are excited to invite AAC users to speak at our AAC Learning Network events. It is important to us that we compensate them for their time and energy. You can help our AAC Learning Network Fund with a small $5 - 10 donation. Thank you!

You may donate through PayPal by clicking the Donate to NWACS button at the bottom of the page, or by mailing a check to 3632 Arapahoe PL W, Seattle, WA 98199