This presentation has been complied to share current information with the WA community of educators, therapists and families about best practice in the area of Augmentative and Alternative Communication. A range of evidence based research as well as tried and tested strategies have been summarized into ten essential and practical guidelines for schools and therapists to implement. In Western Australia, it is vital that we conduct best practice in this often challenging area to ensure that our students with complex communication needs are able to meet their communication and educational potential. This presentation is appropriate for teachers, education assistants, administrators, visiting teachers, therapists and parents who are working with children who are non verbal or have limited communication skills. This presentation will also link participants with a range of websites and other resources to provide further information about each “tip”.

Kelly Moore is a Speech Pathologist with a special interest for working in AAC with clients of all ages and abilities. Kelly first worked in remote Western Australia as a sole clinician servicing towns in the East Kimberley. She then worked for a school age therapy service before joining her current employer, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) WA. Kelly is the Senior Speech Pathologist and coordinator of the ILC Tech team. In this role, Kelly works closely with her colleagues, to support the provision up to date information and advice about communication and other assistive technologies to the WA community.