leadership, policy & implementation
Mentoring: Supporting Professional and Personal Growth and Development
Training typically focuses on the technical aspects of AAC, such as how to edit buttons or back up a system. While this foundational knowledge is essential, it addresses only the operational side of AAC usage. Training equips providers with the skills to set up and maintain AAC devices, but it does not directly contribute to the goal of fostering meaningful communication. The same is true in other fields of practice. You will find that in many workshops the focus of the training is to demonstrate and acquire the knowledge of the basic use of tools and processes. The next level of support, coaching , is where the focus shifts to improving implementation strategies that promote language development and communication independence. Coaching goes beyond just teaching users how to operate their device; it involves modeling language use, increasing wait time, and encouraging communication through open- ended questions. By giving users more time to process
Research has shown that proper mentoring supports educator retention and classroom performance, as well as keeping staff motivated and on a continuous path of supported growth, allowing them to develop new skills while also benefiting students. Training, coaching and mentoring are vital components for professional development and personal growth for adults, however the goals and objectives for each are very different. Support provided by these three key interconnected means through training, coaching and mentoring is similar in any field of practice. In the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), support for users and their communication partners progresses through these distinct stages of training, coaching, and mentoring, and each stage serves a unique purpose in helping individuals become more independent and effective communicators.
DAN HERLIHY, AT Specialist, B.S., M.A., Dan is an Assistive Technology Specialist currently designing learning modules and training on utilizing AI in K-12 education. dherlihy@juno.com BRENDA ROBERTSON DEL MONTE AMA, CCC-SLP, is a speech language pathologist and an assistive technology evaluator and facilitator. She worked as an SLP in Washington State public schools and is currently a private practitioner in Arizona, where she does AAC evaluations and trainings. Brenda has presented her knowledge at Closing the Gap and her collaborative research on accessing AAC at ATIA. Brenda Del Monte is a co-founder of Believe Beyond Ability, a non-profit organization that evaluates, deter - mines, provides and trains those with multiple disabilities on assistive technology to increase independence. Brenda is also an author of the newly published book, “I See You In There,” a collection of stories from her 20+ years of experience working with children and adults with disabilities. She is currently a co-host of the Awe and Wonder Podcast hosted by the Special Ed Tech Center. brenda.delmonte@gmail.com
February / March, 2025 | https://www.closingthegap.com/benefits-of-membership/ 11 Closing The Gap © 2025 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
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