Name: Aligning AAC Settings with CVI Evaluation Data
Start: 2026-09-15T13:00:00-0400
End: 2026-09-15T14:00:00-0400

Aligning AAC Settings with CVI Evaluation Data

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Session Description:
This session explores how a vision evaluation by a teacher of the visually impaired informs AAC access for students with Cortical Visual Impairment. Presenters will examine common AAC applications through a CVI-informed lens, highlighting visual modifications that support communication, emphasizing individualized approaches, implementation, and ongoing assessment to honor each learner's visual and communicative needs.

Session Abstract:
This presentation examines Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and its impact on students’ access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. CVI is the leading cause of pediatric visual impairment in the United States and results from damage to visual pathways or processing centers in the brain. Students often have healthy ocular structures; however, the brain has difficulty interpreting visual input. CVI affects visual attention, recognition, complexity tolerance, and visual-motor integration—skills foundational to efficient AAC use.

We will analyze how CVI characteristics interfere with AAC access, including reduced visual field use, difficulty with cluttered displays, impaired symbol recognition, and inconsistent visual engagement. Without intentional design adjustments, these barriers can limit communication growth and system consistency.

Participants will explore widely used AAC applications, including TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, TD Snap, GoVisual, GoTalk NOW, Avaz, Proloquo2Go, and Grid for iPad. For each, we will identify adjustable features that support learners across CVI phases, including simplified layouts, increased symbol size and spacing, high-contrast color options, reduced visual complexity, and layered auditory feedback.

Effective CVI-informed AAC implementation requires assessment of each student’s visual profile followed by systematic modification and ongoing data review. When AAC systems are aligned with neurological visual needs, communication access expands, independence increases, and expressive language becomes more consistent. Attendees will leave with practical evaluation tools and immediately applicable strategies to ensure AAC functions as a bridge to connection—not a barrier.

Session Goals:

Attendees will be able to analyze three defining characteristics of CVI that interfere with visual access to high-tech AAC systems.
Attendees will be able to compare visual accessibility features across three or more AAC applications, identifying supports aligned to CVI-specific needs.
Attendees will be able to develop two or more interdisciplinary strategies to integrate CVI-informed adaptations into AAC selection and implementation.

Speakers

Mary Giunta, MA, CCC-SLP

AAC Consultant, AAC Tech Solutions, LLC

Mary Giunta brings over three decades of experience in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), during which she served diverse populations across multiple settings, including hospitals, schools, adult day programs, outpatient clinics, and early intervention programs. Since... Read More →

Emily Cantillon, PhD, TVI

Perkins School for the Blind

Emily Cantillon, Ph.D., TVI, is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, providing direct instruction, consultation, and program leadership to support students with complex visual needs in both public and specialized settings while serving as the School-Age Lead CVI Teacher at Perkins... Read More →

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

Blind/Low Vision

INSAIL 2026

Mary Giunta, MA, CCC-SLP

Emily Cantillon, PhD, TVI

Get help with the event

INSAIL 2026

Mary Giunta, MA, CCC-SLP

Emily Cantillon, PhD, TVI

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