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This webinar builds on the earlier AAC training series by responding to participant questions about how to choose, introduce, and support augmentative and alternative communication systems in real-world employment contexts. Melanie Derry discusses the importance of robust AAC systems that allow individuals to communicate beyond basic requests and move toward spontaneous, novel, and self-directed communication across workplace settings.
The session reviews considerations for selecting or adapting AAC supports, including feature matching, access methods, voice selection, core and fringe vocabulary, and system customization. The webinar also introduces practical evidence-based strategies for supporting AAC users, including aided language stimulation, modeling without expectation, honoring all attempts at communication, allowing wait time, and supporting communication across multiple partners and communicative functions. The final portion of the webinar highlights ways to be stronger communication partners for individuals who stutter or experience disfluency at work.
Because this session builds directly on the first two AAC webinars, we recommend viewing Parts 1 and 2 first when possible. CEUs for parts 1 and 2 may be purchased from the UNT WISE ProLearning Catalog at https://prolearning.unt.edu/unt/course/course.aspx?catId=229 or viewed for free at https://disabilityinnovation.unt.edu/webinars_and_trainings.html *Please note, free viewings are not eligible for CEUs.
Learning Objectives
After completing this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand the purpose of AAC in supporting spontaneous and novel language for meaningful workplace communication.
- Distinguish between core and fringe vocabulary and describe why robust AAC systems need both to support flexible, job-specific, and personally relevant communication.
- Describe supportive communication partner practices for individuals with differing and compounding experiences like stuttering and disfluency.
About the presenter:
Melanie Derry, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist and training specialist with expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and workplace communication supports. She is affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University and contributes to training and technical assistance efforts that support individuals with complex communication needs across employment settings.
Melanie’s work focuses on helping professionals move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches by developing practical, individualized communication strategies that promote independence, connection, and inclusion. She brings a strong emphasis on real-world application, supporting job coaches, service providers, and teams in building environments where communication is accessible, respected, and embedded into everyday interactions.
With a background in both clinical practice and workforce development, Melanie is passionate about bridging the gap between communication supports and meaningful employment outcomes. Her trainings highlight the importance of communication as a fundamental right and equip participants with actionable tools to support individuals in expressing themselves, at work and beyond.
