LIVE WEBINAR DATE AND TIME
Thursday, December 3, 2026 4-6pm CT

Note: If you are unable to attend the live event, you will be automatically enrolled in the on-demand version.  The on-demand version will be available six weeks after the live broadcast.

INSTRUCTORS (click on the name below to read faculty bio)
Kaylee Dragna
Abby Jeppson
Jessie Ronayne

DESCRIPTION
This introductory webinar offers tailored communication partner training for healthcare professionals, including mental health providers, who work with patients with communication disabilities, including aphasia. This session will include didactic instruction with interactive roleplaying to enhance providers' knowledge, confidence and skills. Attendees will develop a foundational understanding of supported communication principles and strategies to facilitate accessible and inclusive communication practice within mental health care and rehabilitation settings.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:  

1. Describe barriers that patients with aphasia experience in accessing mental health services for post-stroke depression
2. Identify appropriate and accessible communication supports that mental health providers can utilize in clinical interactions
3. Interpret learned supported communication strategies through simulated mental health case examples
   

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will be present during the live webinar in its entirety and complete an attendance verification and feedback survey in the Academy Learning Portal within one month of the live air date. 

AUDIENCE
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Social Workers and Speech-Language Pathologists

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Occupational Therapists: Check back soon!

Physical Therapists: This online course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 2 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.5 Contact Hours on 7/23/2026.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Speech-Language Pathologists:

DISCLOSURES
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OTR/L Has nothing to disclose.
Selah Bustamante, MSN, RN, CRRN Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Legreid, MSN, RN, CRRN, NPD-BC Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists:
Kaylee Dragna, PsyD Has nothing to disclose.
Tertia "Abby" Jeppson MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS Has nothing to disclose.
Jessie Ronayne, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS Has nothing to disclose.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.