Assistive Technology Professionals often focus on finding, implementing, and trouble-shooting AT tools. For those who cannot rely on speech alone for communication, this means identifying the most appropriate AAC solution and supporting its implementation. However, there can be significant opportunity barriers to initial access to AAC such as restrictive policies and practices, deficits in adult/professional knowledge and skills, and negative attitudes and beliefs (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013). This session will focus on identifying and overcoming these barriers, with a special focus on the preschool through young adult population.  

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe potential opportunity barriers to initial access to AAC.
2. Discuss and debunk pervasive myths about AAC.
3. Identify resources to utilize when advocating against opportunity barriers.