Comprehensive Communication Supports and Strategies Series
- Dates: (2-Module Series) February 1, 2027 and February 9, 2027
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Format and Platform: Virtual via Zoom
- Registration Fee:
- Individual: $20
- Team viewing/Group: $300
- Registration Deadline:
- Individual: 2/1/27
- Team viewing/Group: 1/25/27
- Topic Focus: Classroom level
- Intended Audience: General and Special Education Teachers and Administrators, Ancillary/Support Staff, Paraeducators, School Counselors, Consultants, Families
Lead Presenter:
- Lindsey Harr-Smith, M.A., CCC-SLP, START Project, Autism Education & Intervention Specialist
Co-Presenter:
- Megan Hojnacki, M.A. CCC-SLP, AT/AAC Specialist with Alt+Shift
This two-part virtual training introduces the foundations of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and how to support students with communication needs across environments. Because communication is fundamentally about connection, the training explores practical strategies, tools, and collaborative approaches that help every student build relationships, participate meaningfully, and communicate effectively in all settings. Designed for all educators, families, paraeducators, and support staff, participants will learn foundational AAC concepts, the value of multimodal communication, and evidence-based practices that increase access, participation, and meaningful communication opportunities in the school setting. This training is a partnership between Alt+Shift and the START Project.
Individual viewing: For this training, individual viewing is recommended for a single individual attending the training, or for each member of a group of 10 people or less.
Team Viewing Option: For this training, team viewing is recommended for a group size of 11 or more participants, who will be facilitated by at least 1 team leader (preferably a coach within your local ISD).
Team Viewing Instructions:
- Identify and register 1 to 2 Team Leaders (preferably a coach within your district/ISD) who will be responsible for facilitating the virtual training experience.
- Team Leaders are responsible for the following:
- Organizing and coordinating the training in a physical viewing location.
- Communicating with START about the training and questions that arise.
- Collecting team attendance and reporting this attendance to START.
- Facilitating the team experience.
- Team Leaders are responsible for the following:
- After registering, START will send the Team Leaders a Facilitator Guide with information about facilitating a high-quality virtual training experience in a large group.
START is offering State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), Social Work Credits, pending approval, and Certificates of Attendance. Participants must complete the Attendance Form provided at the training within 2 days of the training date to receive CEUs and/or a Certificate of Attendance.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be emailed to [email protected] at least 24 hours before training begins for a refund. We are unable to accept phone cancellations.
START only accepts credit cards for payment.
By registering for this training, you agree to receive email updates from START (articles, updates, new tools and resources, and training and events information) and acknowledge and consent to the recording of the session(s). The recording may capture audio, video, and any shared content during the meeting.