Indiana AAC Summit 2026

AAC + OBSERVATION + AI = MAGIC: AMPLIFYING COMMUNICATION THROUGH WHAT REALLY MATTERS with Lauren Enders Gonzales, MA, CCC-SLP

Here's what this session IS about: the magic of truly observing AAC users, leaning in close, and discovering what REALLY matters to each person. Then, creating a “plan” for REAL immersive AAC language experiences that are entirely student/communicator led. AI is simply the tool that gives us speedy or “souped up” ideas once we have those observations. The real work—the relationship-building, the curiosity, the presuming of potential—that's all us!

This workshop teaches you to become an expert observer first. Then we show you how AI can accelerate the creation of materials that honor what you've discovered. We're not replacing connection with technology—we're using technology to free up more time FOR connection.

In this hands-on, interactive workshop, you'll learn to:

• Observe and identify what truly lights up each AAC user you serve

• Lean into their interests, joys, and autonomy as the foundation of everything

• Use AI to quickly generate personalized activities based on YOUR observations

• Create engaging materials that honor authentic self-expression without spending

hours searching clip art

• Speed up administrative tasks so you have more time for the relationship-centered

work that matters

• Design playful, joyful experiences that AAC users actually want to participate in

The day begins with stories from local practitioners who've already begun this work, followed by deep-dive training sessions. During lunch, we'll center AAC user voices through pre-recorded demonstrations showing how they use AI in their daily lives.

We'll explore AI tools through the lens of presuming potential—always asking:

1. How does this expand freedom?

2. How does this “plan” honor what we've observed about this person?

3. How is this “plan” expected to bring joy to both the communicator and YOU?

This professional development session is built to be practical, relationship-centered, and deeply grounded in what matters most:

1. Seeing, hearing, and understanding each communicator

2. Honoring the autonomy of the communicator above ALL ELSE

3. Empowering authentic communication. AI just helps us do it faster and can help

us add some pizazz “on the fly”.

Walk away with:

• observation strategies
• ready-to-use AI prompt starters and examples
• confidence to use AI in NEW ways (ways that amplify your connection with AAC users, instead of preventing or replacing it)