Each year, the TASH Conference brings together our constituents to share resources and success stories, learn about field-driven best practices, and network within a community engaged in shared values. The Conference is attended by passionate leaders, experts, and advocates from every corner of the disability community. Conference attendees are influential in their fields and communities, and play an important role in the provision of services and supports for the millions of individuals and organizations around the world; and include professors and researchers from leading institutions; those involved in local, state, and federal governments and public policy; special and general educators, and school administrators; self-advocates, adult service providers; students, family members, and many others. This year’s conference theme, Building Diverse and Inclusive Communities, reminds us that equity, opportunity, and inclusion relies on the input of broad perspectives and experiences.
An inclusive classroom is one that is thoughtful about all abilities. For a student that uses AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication), the truly inclusive classroom can be a place to thrive, participate and engage with peers. in the elementary setting, communication and literacy are woven together, and provide ample opportunities for expression and connection. Adult-led and peer supports need to be specific and strategic in order to facilitate meaningful participation, and allow for spontaneous interaction. There is balance of support, challenge, encouragement and incentive that is critical for AAC users to be successful in the inclusive classroom. This presentation will expand on the possibilities for how AAC users can be fully included, how family members and school staff can partner to support learning and growth, and how school communities can both provide and benefit from the inclusion of students with disabilities who use AAC.
