Access to effective augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is essential for supporting meaningful participation, autonomy, and quality of life for individuals with complex communication needs. This session provides an overview of the clinical value of implementing multiple AAC system trials, device options, and access methods to ensure communication remains functional across environments, partners, and changing physical abilities. Emphasis will be placed on multimodal systems, dynamic assessment, and the importance of layered support to maximize communicative competence and reduce communication breakdowns.

Individuals with complex communication needs benefit from AAC systems that are flexible, individualized, and designed to support communication across changing contexts and abilities. No single AAC tool can meet all communicative needs, and reliance on only one system can limit participation, increase frustration, and reduce long-term effectiveness. This presentation will highlight how a multimodal approach—integrating high-tech speech-generating devices, low-tech and no-tech supports, alternative access pathways, and partner strategies—provides a more robust and sustainable communication framework.

The session will review best practices and current evidence demonstrating that layered AAC systems promote user independence, improve communicative efficiency, and support overall quality of life. Clinical examples will illustrate how shifts in motor, cognitive, sensory, or visual abilities may require timely reassessment and adjustments to device configuration, vocabulary organization, or access method. Participants will learn to evaluate a range of access options—including direct selection, eye gaze, switch access, and scanning—along with indicators for when alternative methods may be needed.

Discussion will also address how comprehensive AAC planning supports evolving communication needs over time, reduces communication breakdowns, and enhances daily participation across home, school, medical, and community environments. This session is intended for practitioners with foundational AAC experience who want to strengthen their skills in multimodal system selection, customization, and long-term implementation.

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• Identify the clinical rationale for providing multiple AAC systems
to support functional communication.
• Describe at least three access methods and their indications for AAC users.
• Explain how multimodal AAC planning supports quality of life and long-term participation.

Target audience and experience level: Beginner - Assistive Technology Professionals and Speech Language Pathologists (SLP)

*Sessions are open to all registrants regardless of experience level or roles.

Primary Life Cycle: All ages