WEBINARS
Beyond the Boards - Conducting a High-Tech AAC Trial and Evaluation in KEIS
Presented by: Brianna L. Hairston, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Thursday, October 22, 2026
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm ETRegistration
Members: $15
Non-Members: $25
Students: FreeMembers Click Here To Register
Non-Members Click Here to Register
Abstract:
High-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can provide children with meaningful access to communication, but the evaluation and approval process within the Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS) can feel complex or even unknown for providers who are unfamiliar with the required steps necessary for approval and payment. This webinar will provide a practical overview of the process for obtaining approval and completing a high-tech AAC evaluation within KEIS. Participants will review required consents and forms, device and vendor considerations, AAC applications and feature matching, strategies for collecting functional communication data, and key components of a comprehensive evaluation report. Emphasis will be placed on conducting developmentally appropriate, family-centered evaluations that reflect the child’s communication needs across everyday routines and environments. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the procedural, clinical, and documentation requirements involved in making appropriate high-tech AAC recommendations for young children receiving early intervention services.
Time-Ordered Agenda
5 minutes: Introduction and learner outcomes
15 minutes: KEIS approval process, required consents, and forms
15 minutes: AAC devices, vendors, applications, and feature matching
15 minutes: Conducting the evaluation, data collection, and report writing
10 minutes: Question/AnswerLearner Outcomes
At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the KEIS process for obtaining approval for a high-tech AAC evaluation, including required consents, documentation, forms, and procedural steps.
- Conduct a comprehensive high-tech AAC evaluation for a KEIS client, including device and vendor selection, AAC app consideration, feature matching, caregiver participation, and collection of functional communication data.
- Develop an AAC evaluation report that supports clinical decision-making and funding/authorization requirements, using evaluation findings to justify the device, vocabulary system, and other recommended features.
Presenter Information
Brianna Hairston, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is a Hanen-certified speech-language pathologist and autism specialist who has provided services through the Kentucky Early Intervention System for 10 years. She specializes in supporting infants and toddlers through relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care and caregiver coaching. Dr. Hairston partners with families to develop practical strategies that support communication through everyday routines, play, and meaningful interactions. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Hairston serves in a leadership role with the Kentucky Early Intervention Providers Association and as Vice President of Early Intervention for the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Through these roles, she advocates for young children and their families while supporting the professionals who serve them. She is passionate about helping caregivers recognize their children’s unique strengths and communication styles while creating opportunities for connection, confidence, and joy.Policies
Cancellation/Refund Policy
A full refund will be granted if the cancellation request is received on or before October 21..Professional Conduct and Discrimination Policy
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in professional manor. Please review the Association’s Professional Conduct and Discrimination Policy.Complaint Policy
Questions and concerns should be emailed to the Association Office, kshaoffice@ksha.info. Complaints arising during or after an event can be filed by contacting the Association office.Accessibility Policy
The Association is committed to providing an outstanding experience for all participants at its events. We strive for full access to the activities of these events and accommodations relating to mobility, hearing, vision or other areas may be provided. We ask that requests for reasonable accommodations at the event be made as early as possible, and well in advance of the event, so we may explore options to best meet the individual’s need or provide a resource/suggestion to help meet the individuals’ requirement.Potential Barriers: Although we strive to make this event as accessible as possible to all members, some barriers may remain due to financial, logistical, facility, vendor or volunteer/staffing limitations.
If the association is unable to provide an accommodation due to one or more of the reasons stated above and the individual feels attendance is no longer an option, the Association will provide a full refund of the event registration fee.
Continuing Education
Satisfactory Completion Requirements:
Certificates of completion will be awarded after active attendance at the entire presentation, submission of a completed evaluation and submission of a completed assessment of learning. A link to the online assessment and evaluation will be provided.
Disclosures:
Relevant Financial Relationships: Dr. Hairston has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationships: Dr. Hairston serves in volunteer leadership roles with the Kentucky Early Intervention Providers Association and as Vice President of Early Intervention for the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Surgical and Therapeutic Options for Glottal Incompetence
Presented by: Elizabeth Burckardt, MD, and Lisanne Craven, MS, CCC-SLP
Thursday, November 12, 2026
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm ETRegistration
Members: $15
Non-Members: $25
Students: FreeMembers Click Here To Register
Non-Members Click Here to Register
Abstract:
This webinar will provide options for therapists to consider, when dealing with patients with glottal incompetence, including vocal fold bowing, paralysis or paresis. In office and OR procedures will be discussed and both pre and post therapy considerations for dysphonia, dysphagia and dyspnea will be reviewed.
Time-Ordered Agenda
7:00-7:05: Introduction
7:05-715: Background and Importance of Treatment in Glottic Insufficiency
7:15-7:35: Procedural and Surgical Management of Glottic Insufficiency
7:35-7:55: SLP Role in Vocal Cord Paralysis
7:55-8:30: Discussion and QuestionsLearner Outcomes
At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:
- Identify markers when considering candidates for surgical intervention for dysphonia, dyspnea or dysphagia.
- Identify and describe the surgical options of in office and OR procedures for glottal incompetence.
- Demonstrate awareness of the role of SLP before and after surgical intervention for glottal incompetence.
Presenter Information
Elizabeth Burckardt, MD, is a Louisville native who completed medical school and residency at University of Louisville. She then completed her fellowship in laryngology at Harvard Medical School in 2020. She joined the Louisville Center for Voice Care in May 2025. Elizabeth has a love of musical theater and voice which led her to the field of laryngology. She is married with two young girls.
Lisanne Craven, MS, CCC-SLP, has been practicing in the Louisville area for many years after obtaining her master’s degree from University of Louisville (UL). She developed a private practice and worked with a multitude of disorders in local hospitals. She developed a love of voice disorders and pursued additional training to become skilled in administering and interpreting videostroboscopy in 2000. She partnered with UL in opening the Louisville Center for Voice Care in 2016 and joined ULP as clinical director of the Voice Center in November 2022.Policies
Cancellation/Refund Policy
A full refund will be granted if the cancellation request is received on or before November 11.Professional Conduct and Discrimination Policy
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in professional manor. Please review the Association’s Professional Conduct and Discrimination Policy.Complaint Policy
Questions and concerns should be emailed to the Association Office, kshaoffice@ksha.info. Complaints arising during or after an event can be filed by contacting the Association office.Accessibility Policy
The Association is committed to providing an outstanding experience for all participants at its events. We strive for full access to the activities of these events and accommodations relating to mobility, hearing, vision or other areas may be provided. We ask that requests for reasonable accommodations at the event be made as early as possible, and well in advance of the event, so we may explore options to best meet the individual’s need or provide a resource/suggestion to help meet the individuals’ requirement.Potential Barriers: Although we strive to make this event as accessible as possible to all members, some barriers may remain due to financial, logistical, facility, vendor or volunteer/staffing limitations.
If the association is unable to provide an accommodation due to one or more of the reasons stated above and the individual feels attendance is no longer an option, the Association will provide a full refund of the event registration fee.
Continuing Education
Satisfactory Completion Requirements:
Certificates of completion will be awarded after active attendance at the entire presentation, submission of a completed evaluation and submission of a completed assessment of learning. A link to the online assessment and evaluation will be provided.
Disclosures:
Relevant Financial Relationships: Neither of the presenters have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Neither of the presenters have any relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.