The South Dakota Speech-Language-Hearing Association in partnership with the
South Dakota Department of Education announce the

2026 DOE/SDSLHA Virtual Workshop.

* Registration is now closed. *

 Addressing Complex Communication Needs & Support for AAC Users

  

In order to receive continuing education credit for this course, participants will be required to complete a self-assessment which will include stating three things learned related to learner outcomes and how this information will be applied in the workplace.

Addressing Complex Communication Needs & Support for AAC Users

This 6 hour course will be in two parts discussing
Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Gestalt Language Processors (AM session)
and
Managing AAC in the Classroom (PM session).
  • 9:00 -12:00 pm CST:  Introduction to AAC for Gestalt Language Processors
  • 12:00 - 1:00 pm CST: Lunch 
  • 1:00 - 4:00 pm CST:   Managing AAC in the Classroom: Buy-In Tips & Tricks for Success
Presenter: 
  • Presented by Emily Diaz, M.S., CCC-SLP is a certified speech-language pathologist with a passion for empowering individuals to find their voice. With a focus on neurodiversity affirming care and augmentative & alternative communication (AAC), Emily offers valuable insight and support to clinicians, parents, and school districts. Emily’s expertise extends to topics like managing AAC in the classroom, the importance of staff-buy in and dynamic coaching methods, and the nuances of gestalt language processing and AAC implementation strategies. Having shared her knowledge at conferences and platforms, including Meaningful Speech, Bright Ideas Media, and SpeechPathologyPD.com, Emily stands as a beacon of expertise and innovation in the field of speech-language pathology. 

The SD Department of Education and SDSLHA partner each year to offer training for SLPs, SLPAs, and educators. Recent presentations include:

>January 23, 2026 Emily Diaz, M.S., CCC-SLP, Addressing Complex Communication Needs and Support for AAC Users 

> January 31, 2025 Rachel K. Powell, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, The 5 WHs of EBP: Applying Evidence-Based Assessment and Therapy Methods to Standards-based IEP Goals and Objectives

> January 26, 2024 Amy Graham, MA, CCC-SLP, A Deep Dive into Speech Sound Interventions

> January 20, 2023 Nickola Wolf Nelson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, Identifying Dyslexia and Developmental Language Disorders (DLD) and Using Structured and Curriculum-Based Language Interventions With Students Who Have Them

> February 25, 2022 Dr. Susan Hendler Lederer, Shared Book Reading 2.0

> February 26, 2021 Dr. Cathy Binger Better Together: Working with Families and Educators to Improve Communication Outcomes for Children who use AAC

> October 9, 2020 Dr. Tiffany P. Hogan Multiple Pathways to Literacy Difficulties