What is SMoRRES?® Training Program
The SMoRRES® Training Program is an evidence-based communication partner instruction program based on decades of research on best practices in adult education. However, unlike other programs, it is specifically designed for communication partners of children who use AAC and is primarily conducted within naturally occurring family routines in the home and/or existing classroom schedules in schools. In this 8-step instructional program, families and staff learn to use partner-augmented input (PAI) on a child’s existing speech generating device (SGD) throughout a child’s day, in his or her natural environments.
Research Evidence
SMoRRES® Training Program at Home
Summary:
- All parents demonstrated the ability to perform all of the components of successful PAI (slow rate, model, respect and reflect, repeat, expand, stop) as determined by review of an observation checklist completed during coaching sessions.
- Parents significantly increased percentage of utterances modeled on their children’s SGDs between pretest and post-test measures.
- The percentage of unique words modeled (i.e., type-token ratios) by each parent suggests variety in models at post-test.
- Three of four child participants demonstrated increases in unique words used following parent instruction
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SMoRRES® Training Program in the Classroom
Senner, J. E. & Baud, M. R. (2017). The use of an 8-Step instructional model to train school staff in partner-augmented input. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 38(2), 89-95. DOI:10.1177/1525740116651251
Summary:
- All staff increased modeling on a student’s speech-generating devices between pre- and post-test measures across activities.
- The student increased frequency of communication and independence.
Educating School Staff to Model AAC in the Classroom, AAC in the Cloud 2022
More Articles About SMoRRES® Training Program
Senner, J. E. & Baud, M. R. (2016). Pre-Service Training in AAC: Lessons From School Staff Instruction. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, doi:10.1044/persp1.SIG12.24.
Senner, J. E. & Baud, M. R. (April/May 2016). Partner-augmented input in the classroom: Bringing modeling to your school. Closing the Gap Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.closingthegap.com/solutions/articles/2159
PrAACtical AAC SMoRRES® posts:
- Tele-AAC for All: Parent Coaching and Tele-AAC (May 7, 2020)
- Effects of Parent Instruction on SGD Use (October 24, 2019)
- Put Me in, Coach: Coaching AAC Use in the Natural Environment (May 2, 2019)
- Controlled Practice in Partner Augmented Input (April 14, 2016)
- S’MoRRES and Partner Augmented Input (April 9, 2015)
SMoRRES® Workshops & Webinars
SMoRRES® Group Parent Education Webinar
Group parent education webinars are appropriate for all family who have children using AAC living in their homes. Learn to model AAC at home. This family education opportunity introduces parents and other family members to parts of our SMoRRES® Training Program. During this class, parents will set goals for the training, learn why modeling is so important, verbally rehearse the steps to successful modeling, see videos of other families modeling AAC at home, and practice modeling their child’s communication board, book, or device. NOTE: A communication board, book, emulation software or device is required for participation exercises. Our next session is February 27th, 2026. Parents – make sure to scroll down to “parent of child with AAC” options to receive family discounted rate.
Bring the SMoRRES® Training Program to your school district, clinic or home! Half-day, full-day and two-day options available.
Level 1 Trainings are appropriate for all communication partners including speech-language pathologists, teachers, instructional assistants, and other professionals who work with children using AAC, as well as for parents and caregivers of children using AAC. In these interactive workshops, participants set goals for the training, learn why modeling is so important, verbally rehearse the steps to successful modeling, see videos of modeling in the classroom and home, and practice modeling on communication books, apps and devices.
Level 2 Trainings help teams bridge the gap between research and practice in their facilities. A manual, DVD, and slide show are provided to all participants to provide staff with the materials they need to implement the SMoRRES® Training Program in their clinics or school districts. These trainings are appropriate for speech-language pathologists, AAC/AT specialists, and team leaders who have completed a Level 1 training and want to learn how to
Our next public Level 2 training is Friday & Saturday, February 27-28, 2026 – register today!
Level 3 Training is an intensive, individualized program appropriate for speech-language pathologists, AAC/AT specialists, and team leaders who have completed a Level 2 training and want to become a SMoRRES® presenter.
Contact us for course descriptions, timed agendas and estimates.
The best conference I have ever attended!!!! The organization of the material presented was beyond helpful and will change my practice in the classroom! Thank you!
See the Free Resources page for free SMoRRES® resources!