NWACS AAC Learning Network

Formerly Evening Seminars

NWACS has a really cool history going back to the 1970s. It all started with David Beukelman and others in the Pacific Northwest who wanted to help AAC users. I found out about NWACS when I moved to Seattle in the early 2000s. At that time, NWACS met in person for monthly Evening Seminars. The purpose was to share information and help each other. Most were Speech-Language Pathologists, but also some Teachers, Occupational Therapists, and Assistive Technology specialists.

Since then, we have grown and we're doing great! Our group is diverse, including

• AAC Users,

• Friends and Advocates of AAC Users,

• Parents,

• Grandparents,

• OTs,

• PTs,

• SLPs,

• Teachers,

• and more.

We support each other and our community by sharing resources and doing both in-person and online programs. One of our online programs, Evening Seminars, used to be mainly for professionals. In line with our mission, vision, and values, we have since changed the name of Evening Seminars to AAC Learning Network.

As we say on our website, "We know that representation matters." We want different perspectives from AAC users, caregivers, and providers to make our work the best it can be. AAC Learning Network will still give out certificates of attendance. We will have monthly topics where we can learn from each other. Listening and sharing with others leads to better understanding and perspective to support our AAC community.

Marci Revelli

Coordinator of AAC Learning Networks

Marci is leading the NWACS AAC Learning Network committee.

Email your questions and/or suggestions to her attention at: info@nwacs.info

Upcoming AAC Learning Network Events:

The views expressed during these events are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NWACS. No endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned.

Join us for our 2025 Spring Series!

This spring, the AAC Learning Network committee is presenting small ideas that make a big impact. Come learn AAC technology tips and tricks! We will cover such topics as:

• Creating custom voices

• Using AAC to control smart speakers

• Linking videos/video clips to AAC buttons

• Adding GIFs to AAC

• Using AAC to tell stories/share news

• Review of Visual Scene Displays and why you might try to use one

• Review of lesser known AAC apps and why you might try one

We will use case studies of both children and adult AAC users to share examples of why these tips and tricks worked. We will also go through the "how to program" in real time. Come prepared to learn something new and try it out the next day!!

WHEN: 

📍 April 24, 2025, 7 - 8 pm Pacific Time

Presenters: NWACS Board members Grace Clark, Molly Menzie, and Camille Stewart

📍 May 29, 2025, 7 - 8 pm Pacific Time

Presenters: NWACS Board members Jo Ristow, Alison Damboise, and Cass Griffin Bennett

📍 June 12, 2025, 7 - 8 pm Pacific Time

Presenters: to be determined

WHERE:

On Zoom (meeting link will be posted here closer to the next event; no registration needed)

SLPs: AAC Learning Network events count toward the Certification Maintenance Hours required to maintain ASHA certification. During the Zoom meeting (live) you will have the opportunity to request a Certificate of Attendance. Read more about how to count NWACS AAC Learning Network hours toward your ASHA professional development requirements HERE.

AAC Learning Network Fund

We are excited to invite AAC users to speak at our AAC Learning Network events. It is important to us that we compensate them for their time and energy. You can help our AAC Learning Network Fund with a small $5 - 10 donation. Thank you!

You may donate through PayPal by clicking the Donate to NWACS button at the bottom of the page, or by mailing a check to 19316 Sprague Drive, Bothell, WA 98012