Establishing Mentoring Opportunities to Support Speech-Language Pathologists' Ability to Provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication Services

Speech-language pathologists frequently report a lack of instruction, knowledge, and comfort with providing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services. Although AAC courses are now required in graduate education, clinicians may still require additional on-the-job training to confidently provide AAC services. This article will discuss the topic of mentoring in the field of AAC and provide information about an AAC Competency Program at a large pediatric hospital that relies on mentoring as the primary means to support staff education in AAC practices for children. Components of the mentoring program will be discussed along with future directions for clinical practice and research.