Creating an AAC Immersion Classroom

AAC modeling works best when it's woven into every part of the school day — not just during speech sessions. This training shows you how to make that happen.

Led by Morgan van Diepen, M.Ed., BCBA, and Janna Bedoyan, M.Ed., NBCT and AAC Specialist, this 1.25 CEU training combines an evidence-based BCBA lens with over 15 years of real classroom experience. You'll leave with concrete strategies, ready-to-use resources, and the confidence to build AAC into circle time, routines, SEL, and everyday instruction.

What You'll Learn

• The ACE strategy for embedding AAC modeling into whole-group instruction
• How to use a Word of the Week (WOW Wall) to build a cumulative core vocabulary wall
• Circle time song routines with printable visual props and facilitation guides
• How to mirror an AAC device to a classroom board for whole-group modeling
• SEL and emotions activities that integrate AAC for all learners
• The difference between teaching and supporting — and why it matters for AAC users
• How to model AAC during daily routines (arrival, snack, transitions, and more)

Who Is This For

BCBAs, special and general education teachers, SLPs, and classroom staff who support students who use AAC in inclusive classroom settings.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Differentiate core vocabulary, fringe vocabulary, and communication functions and describe their roles in AAC-based communication systems.
• Identify and apply evidence-based AAC modeling strategies, including All Communication Expansion (ACE) and Word of the Week (WOW), across classroom routines and instructional activities.
• Evaluate classroom practices and environmental supports that contribute to an AAC immersion environment and increase opportunities for functional communication throughout the school day.

About the Instructors

Morgan van Diepen, M.Ed., BCBA is the co-author of AAC Visualized: A Visual Guide to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (2023). In developing this resource, she completed extensive professional development in AAC and collaborated closely with SLPs, AAC specialists, and AAC users.

This course was co-created and co-presented with Janna Bedoyan, AAC Specialist and National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). Janna has over 10 years of classroom experience as an Autism Early Childhood Education Teacher and holds a specialization in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, which she applies daily in supporting children and families across communication contexts.

ACE Provider Information

ABA Visualized | ACE Provider #IP-22-0233 | 1.25 CEUs | Online Asynchronous | Published: May 13, 2026

Disclosures

This course may reference content from ABA Visualized published books and/or the BIP Visualized platform, both of which are owned by the instructor. The AAC Visualized book referenced in this course was co-authored by the instructors.

Complaints and Concerns

Questions or concerns about this course can be submitted in writing to support@bipvisualized.com. If a complaint cannot be resolved directly, participants may file a Notice of Alleged Violation with the BACB at bacb.com/ethics.

Access this course as part of your BIP Visualized subscription.