This article originally appeared in START Connecting in December 2025.

At START, we believe communication is the heart of connection, learning, and belonging. For autistic students and others who cannot rely on speech alone, having access to meaningful, personalized communication supports is essential. To support this goal, we are excited to introduce a new collection of resources for students, educators, school teams, and families. These resources include our Comprehensive Communication Supports and Strategies (CCSS) Webpage, CCSS Self-Paced Learning, and a training series developed with our partners from Alt+Shift. 

The CCSS Webpage offers resources and tools that encourage classroom practices centered on communication and inclusion. It is designed to meet the diverse strengths and needs of every learner. From self-paced learning opportunities to lending library resources, the webpage provides communication partners with the tools they need to support and strengthen communication for all students.

The CCSS Self-Paced Learning was inspired by the CCSS Community of Practice (CoP). Through conversations, data forms, and resource sharing, we discovered common concepts and themes from CoP members across the state. The CCSS Self-Paced Learning organizes these ideas into a clear and easy-to-use format. It is designed for all communication partners (e.g., school staff, administrators, families) interacting with autistic students and others who cannot rely on speech alone. The first topic in the CCSS Self-Paced Learning is “Communication is a Human Right.” More topics will be added over time.   

Here are key resources to begin exploring:

• Stepping into AAC
• Alt-Shift Building Blocks to Autonomous Communication
• Alt+Shift Quick Wins
• TobiiDynavox Course Catalog (Note: this is a company)
• AssistiveWare (Note: this is a company)

START presents these resources for informational purposes only; no endorsement or recommendation is expressed or implied. Any use of these materials must be premised on the user’s own professional judgment as to the appropriateness for their district, community and student(s), and be undertaken in accordance with all applicable district policy.

We encourage you to sign up for the new Comprehensive Communication Supports and Strategies Training Series taking place on January 27 and February 10, 2026. 

Written By: Lindsey Harr-Smith, M.A., CCC-SLP, Autism Education & Intervention Specialist and Stephanie Pulido, M.Ed., Program Evaluation and Resource Development Specialist

START Connecting Homepage