IFSP Team’s Role in Preparing for an AAC Assessment in Early Intervention

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This course will provide information on the AAC assessment process in Early Intervention and go over basic strategies that can be used in ongoing therapy sessions to help prepare children for their upcoming AAC assessments. Areas that will be discussed with an emphasis on pertinence to successful AAC implementation will include: total communication strategies, pre-language skills, mobility and positioning needs, and vision and fine motor abilities needed to support access. Options to incorporate device trials prior to the AAC assessment will be discussed.

Target Audience:

Early Intervention Service Coordinators, Speech/Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Developmental Therapists (including DTH and DTV), and Physical Therapists who work with children with complex communication needs.

Location:

Course will take place at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley (830 S. Addison Ave. Villa Park, IL, 60181).

About the Instructors:

Emily Muzzy, OTR/L

Emily is the Assistant Director of the Occupational Therapy Department at Easterseals DuPage and Fox Valley and maintains a private practice in Chicago working in the Early Intervention system. She has over 20 years of pediatric experience in the field of Occupational Therapy. Emily has been a credentialed EI provider and evaluator throughout her career and has participated in the Assistive Technology Evaluation Clinic during her time at this clinic. Emily has extensive experience treating children with a variety of developmental challenges, specializing in children with cerebral palsy and brachial plexus injury. Her extensive continuing education background includes the 8-week training in the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approach for Children and the NDT Advanced Baby Course as well as training in kinesiotaping, NMES, aquatics, respiratory function, splinting/casting, AAC, and sensory integration. She provides ongoing mentoring to graduate students and new therapists. Her teaching experience includes lectures on treatment of the young child with cerebral palsy.

Savannah Shields (Sunvold), M.S. CCC-SLP, CLC

Savannah is the Director of Speech and Language Services at Easterseals DuPage and Fox Valley and is an evaluator on the Easterseals DFVR Early Intervention Assistive Technology Evaluation Clinic team. She earned a BSEd degree from the University of Virginia and an MS degree from Rush University. She has received significant continuing education and experience in the areas of pediatric feeding, AAC, and engagement/early language skills. Savannah is passionate about working with families and providing individualized support through therapy and evaluation. She holds a credential as a State of Illinois Early Intervention Provider and Initial Evaluator and is a Certified Lactation Counselor through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. She has completed Profectum Level 1 Certificate in the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR) Model and is in the process of receiving her certification in Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT).

Financial Disclosures:

Emily Muzzy and Savannah Shields has the following financial relationship to disclose: she recieves a fee for speaking from Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley.

Non-Financial Disclosures:

Emily Muzzy and Savannah Shields has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. State the areas assessed during an AAC assessment

2. List 3 strategies that they can incorporate into ongoing therapy sessions to prepare for an upcoming AAC assessment

3. Understand the process for trialing an AAC device with a client

4. Know how to find specific resources for the devices that their clients use

Course Schedule:

Monday, November 17, 2025

11:45-12:00 – Check-in

12-12:05 – Introduction

12:05-12:20 – AAC assessment process at Easterseals DFVR

12:20- 12:30 - Breakdown of Access Methods: low tech and high tech

12:30-12:45 - Fine motor, vision, and positioning considerations for a successful AAC assessment

12:45-1:00 - Language and cognitive considerations for a successful AAC assessment

1:00-1:10 - Process for getting trial devices

1:10-1:20 - What happens after the assessment

1:20-1:30 - Questions

Continuing Education Credits:

Continuing education credits have been applied for through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for 1.0 hours IL Early Intervention Credits.

Lodging: A special rate at The Hyatt Place Lombard is available if you mention that you are taking a course at Easterseals.

2340 South Fountain Square Drive in Lombard, IL P:630.932.6501

Special Accommodations: Please notify us of any special accommodations you may have by contacting us at 630.261.6191.

To sign up and receive all course information and future courses from Easterseals, please click here to sign-up.