[Podcourse] Built to Win: INTRODUCING AAC WITH EVIDENCE-BASED COACHING STRATEGIES
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In this episode of the Speechie Side Up podcast, host Vanita Litvak welcomes back Dej Mitchell, an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist and AAC consultant, to explore evidence-based coaching strategies for caregivers in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) implementation. The conversation centers on applying adult learning theory—particularly Malcolm Knowles' andragogy—to AAC coaching, emphasizing principles like autonomy, relevance, experience leveraging, and problem-solving orientation. Dej introduces a visual 'staircase' model to map caregivers' journey through stages of unawareness, curiosity, overwhelm, motivation, and advocacy, helping SLPs tailor their support. The episode highlights key coaching strategies such as joint planning, video modeling, reflection, and feedback, with practical guidance for adapting these across home, school, and clinical settings. Dej and Vanita also discuss the importance of setting shared end goals, using frameworks like SET, and creating accessible resources to support caregivers at each stage. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for SLPs to assess caregiver readiness, build buy-in, and sustain long-term implementation through collaborative, learner-centered practices.
Use adult learning principles (autonomy, relevance, experience leveraging, problem-solving) to guide caregiver coaching in AAC.
Implement a visual 'staircase' model to assess where caregivers are in their AAC journey and tailor support accordingly.
Prioritize joint planning, video modeling, reflection, and feedback to build caregiver buy-in and competence.
Adapt coaching strategies across settings (home, school, clinical) by leveraging stakeholder experience and creative communication methods.
Use tools like the SET framework and free resources (e.g., Joy Zabala’s materials) to standardize and support AAC implementation.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Episode Overview
Vanita introduces the podcast, welcomes listeners, and outlines the episode's purpose: to explore evidence-based AAC coaching strategies with Dej Mitchell. She highlights the ASHA CEU opportunity and sets the stage for a deep dive into caregiver coaching.
Adult Learning Theory in AAC Coaching
“Adults crave autonomy, enter with experience, need to know the 'why,' are internally motivated, and frame AAC as a problem to solve.”
Mapping the Caregiver AAC Journey
“Buy-in is acceptance, willingness to actively support, and participation—three distinct but interconnected steps.”
Evidence-Based Coaching Strategies
“When caregivers see the end goal and understand the 'why,' they’re more likely to stick with it—even when it’s hard.”
Implementing Coaching Across Settings
Dej shares practical adaptations for school, home, private practice, and medical settings. She emphasizes creative solutions like video modeling, consult time in IEPs, and leveraging stakeholder experience.
“Adults crave autonomy, enter with experience, need to know the 'why,' are internally motivated, and frame AAC as a problem to solve.”
“When caregivers see the end goal and understand the 'why,' they’re more likely to stick with it—even when it’s hard.”
“The most powerful thing you can do is show them the end goal—what success looks like.”
Host
Guest
Dej Mitchell
person
Vanita Litvak
person
ASHA
organization
Private Practice
other
Tassel Continuing Education
organization
SET Framework
other
Co-Tree Corner
organization
Middle School
other
Joy Zabala
person
Malcolm Knowles
person
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “[Podcourse] Built to Win: INTRODUCING AAC WITH EVIDENCE-BASED COACHING STRATEGIES” inside PodZeus.
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