Finding age-respectful books for older, emergent AAC users can be tough. It is important to provide engaging content with topics readers enjoy while giving them as much independent access to books as possible. Join us to see how your emergent AAC reader can interact and communicate with free, digital books on Monarch Reader™ by Building Wings™. Not only will you learn how to search for titles among thousands of free options on the Monarch Reader website, but you’ll also discover how to customize the reading experience for everyone by using the features built into the platform. Ways to transform your AAC literacy intervention even further will be shared as you see how easy it is for individuals using PRC-Saltillo® speech-generating devices or apps to open a book from the Monarch Reader website directly on their device. Using the speech-generating device, the AAC user can independently interact with the book using the same access method used to communicate. Did you know that there are over 70 books on Monarch Reader that have been written specifically to connect to the content of the AAC Literacy Planners over the years? Combine all of this with the research-based interventions strategies we’ll share to transform your literacy instruction. Reading books from Monarch Reader on their PRC-Saltillo speech-generating device will immerse your AAC readers into a magical word of independence and wonder.

Devices are not required for this training.

Learner Outcomes: 

• Describe at least two benefits of reading online books on the Monarch Reader website for emergent learners using AAC.
• Explain how the settings in Monarch Reader can be modified to meet the individual needs of learners.
• Discuss options for reading Monarch Reader books on three different PRC-Saltillo speech-generating devices.
• Plan at least one reading intervention for the AAC reader using research-based strategies.

Agenda:

5 minutes - Introductions

20 minutes - Explore Monarch Reader

15 minutes - Read books written for the AAC Literacy Planners on PRC-Saltillo devices and apps

15 minutes - Provide AAC literacy interventions using various research-based strategies

5 minutes - Summary and Questions

Please note the following details regarding this course:

• You must register for and attend this course using your own AAC Learning Journey account.
• ASHA CEU and certificate eligibility require complete live attendance. Partial credit is not given.
• For those wanting ASHA CEUs or certificate for hours:

-Participate in polls/quizzes throughout the presentation, if applicable.

-Complete our PRC-Saltillo ASHA Certificate Form

-The PRC-Saltillo ASHA/Certificate Form will not be accepted after the course ends.

• Certificates will be available to all participants with verified attendance within a 2-week processing period.
• We get better with your feedback, please be sure to complete our post-course survey.
• If you need accommodations for special needs, please contact seminars@prc-saltillo.com at least 10 days prior to the start of your course. We will review your request and respond as soon as possible.

If this is an online training:

• Please check that your Zoom software is up to date prior to the course start time.
• Pop-up blockers can prevent the join button from working properly. Disable any pop-up blockers or allow an exception for AAC Learning Journey.
• Chrome, Firefox, or Edge are the recommended browsers.

 Instructor bio and disclosures

Session Dates:

• Online with Beth Waite-Lafever
  August 27, 2025 : 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT