Leander ISD Launches AAC Storytime to Boost Literacy for

In a proactive move to address a critical literacy deficit, **Leander ISD** has partnered with the **Cedar Park Public Library** and **UT Austin** to host **AAC Storytime** sessions. These events, held during **Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device Awareness Month**, feature speech-language pathology graduate students modeling communication strategies for children and families. The initiative, spearheaded by **Cici Fritts**, Leander ISD’s assistive technology facilitator, seeks to empower families and foster literacy skills among students who use AAC devices, a group historically facing significant challenges in achieving full literacy by high school. The program also provides invaluable hands-on experience for university students in parent coaching for AAC.

• Leander ISD is actively working to improve literacy rates for students using AAC devices.
• The AAC Storytime initiative is a collaborative effort involving the school district, a public library, and a major university.
• The program aims to empower families and provide practical communication and literacy skills.
• A significant literacy gap exists for AAC users, with over 90% not achieving full literacy by high school.
• This program also serves as a training ground for future speech-language pathologists.

Leander ISD, in conjunction with the Cedar Park Public Library and UT Austin, has launched a series of AAC Storytime sessions. These events are designed to coincide with AAC Device Awareness Month and involve graduate students from UT Austin's speech-language pathology program. The program's stated goal is to improve literacy outcomes for students who use AAC devices, citing a statistic about post-high school literacy rates. Families can find future session information on the Cedar Park Public Library website.

This initiative represents a significant leap forward in ensuring equitable access to literacy for all students. By creating dedicated, supportive environments where AAC is not just accommodated but **celebrated**, Leander ISD is directly combating the alarming statistic that over **90%** of AAC users lack full literacy by graduation. The collaboration with **UT Austin** and the **Cedar Park Public Library** amplifies the impact, offering a replicable model for other districts and fostering a stronger home-school connection through shared, empowering learning experiences.

While the intention behind AAC Storytime is commendable, the long-term impact remains to be seen. The statistic that over **90%** of AAC users lack full literacy by high school points to systemic issues that a series of storytime events may not fully address. The reliance on graduate student volunteers, while beneficial for their training, raises questions about program sustainability and the depth of support provided to families. Furthermore, the success hinges on consistent engagement and the effective transfer of learned skills from the library sessions to daily home and school environments.

Originally reported by Leander ISD