Press Releases

Hospital for Special Care to host AAC Unlocked: Basics, Best Tools & the Vendors Who Make It Possible

AAC Unlocked: Basics, Best Tools and the Vendors Who Make it Possible

SLPs within Connecticut have identified a basic knowledge gap within the scope of AAC. In this session, speech-language pathologists will learn about the basic considerations when conducting an AAC evaluation and the resources available to support continued operational competency and access within the state of Connecticut.

This course will be offered in person. Information will be delivered via lecture, demonstration of procedures, video(s), meet and greet with vendors and hands-on practice with AAC devices.

Date: March 28, 20206
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. EST
Location: Hospital for Special Care Research & Education Center
370 Osgood Avenue
New Britain, CT
Cost: $75 with Lunch included
ASHA CEUs: .55 ASHA CEUS (Introductory Level)

Registration:
Please contact Anita Baltayan, M.S., CCC-SLP at (860) 827-1958 x6354 or [email protected] for registration and payment information. Limited space available.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the four considerations when completing an AAC evaluation (i.e., Hardware, Software, Access Methods, Funding Source).
2. Describe 3 basic features within an AAC device to improve access of the AAC user and communication partner (e.g., searching a word, programming new words, grading language/vocabulary files).
3. Identify a minimum of 3 different AAC access methods that can be considered for individuals with a variety of complex communication needs.
4. Identify 3 resources that can be utilized to aid use of AAC with a user.
5. Identify 3 resources that can be referenced for SLP to expand AAC knowledge.

Time-Ordered Agenda:
8:30-9:00: Registration
9:00-11:00 Session 1: Evaluation Process, Technology, Funding Options, Referrals, Q&A
11:00-12:00 Communication Device Overview
12:00-1:00 Vendor Exploration/Lunch
1:00-3:30 Session 2: All About Resources: Common Apps & How to Use Them, Free Learning Resources & Tools, Q&A

Speakers:

Kim Winter, M.S., CCC-SLP

• Kim Winter is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, CT. She has 30 years of clinical experience, working exclusively with adults in the medical setting. Kim provides services in the Outpatient Department, as well as the Neuromuscular Clinics, providing interventions to individuals with motor neuron diseases, muscular dystrophies and Parkinsonian disorders. Much of her career has been spent providing AAC services to adults with a wide variety of both acquired and developmental disabilities. She has served as a guest lecturer for the graduate level AAC classes at the University of Connecticut and Southern CT State University, in addition to teaching the AAC graduate level courses at Sacred Heart University and the University of New Haven. Kim has helped support the AAC learning needs of professionals by presenting numerous webinars on SpeechPathology.com over the past 10 years. In 2025, Kim was selected as a presenter on ALS and Communication Management at the ASHA National Convention. She also manages an AAC lending program within the state of CT, providing AAC devices free of charge to those in need. Kim is a member of ASHA’s Augmentative/Alternative Communication Special Interest Group (SIG 12) and previously served on its Professional Development Committee.
  Disclosures:
  Financial disclosures: Kim Winter is a full-time employee at the Hospital for Special Care and receives a salary.
  Non-financial disclosures: Kim Winter is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and ASHA’s Special Interest Group for AAC (SIG12). Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service. Any mention of AAC products or services should not be constituted as an endorsement.

Adriana Najar, M.S., CCC-SLP

• Adriana Najar is a speech-language pathologist at Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, CT. Her clinical expertise includes AAC, Autism, and pediatrics in the medical setting. Adriana provides services in the Autism Center throughout 3 programs including Outpatient Autism, the Partial Hospitalization Program, and the Autism Inpatient Unit. Adriana has published research surrounding the topics of AAC, tele practice, and caregiver education through the University of New Mexico as well as her Master’s thesis at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). She is in current research collaboration with SCSU surrounding AAC Caregiver Training.
  Disclosures:
  Financial disclosures: Adriana Najar is a full-time employee at the Hospital for Special Care and receives a salary.
  Non-financial disclosures: Adriana Najar is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
  Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service. Any mention of AAC products or services should not be constituted as an endorsement.

Course Completion Requirements
To obtain ASHA CEUs, or a certificate of completion, participants must adhere to the following requirements:

• Participants are required to attend the entirety of the program to be eligible to earn ASHA CEUs or obtain a certificate of completion.
• Partial credit will not be awarded.
• Attendance will be tracked during registration.
• Completion of paper survey at conclusion of course.
• Accommodations:
  • You will have the opportunity to request accommodations during the course registration process. Registrants can also request accommodation up to 7 days prior to the event. Please contact Anita Baltayan at [email protected]

Cancellation:

• Program: Should this program need to be cancelled, registered participants will be notified via email at least three days prior to the date of the course, when possible.
• Participant: Registered participants who need to cancel should notify Anita Baltayan at [email protected] at least three days prior to the date of the course, when possible.

Additional Information:
If you have any refunds, concerns, or complaints, please contact Anita Baltayan, M.S., CCC-SLP at (860) 827-1958 x6354 or [email protected]