As professionals dedicated to supporting students with a wide array of interests and learning targets, we often find that planning learning activities can be challenging and time consuming. When we add the complexity of teaching language to individuals with complex communication needs who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), planning and preparation can become downright daunting. In this session, you will learn about items and objects you can stash in your SLP "bag of tricks" that can be customized for each learner "on the fly." We will discuss how to use and adapt these items to tailor our services to each AAC learner’s interests, ideas and experiences. Video examples will be provided to illustrate materials and techniques. When we empower AAC learners to communicate about topics that are meaningful to them and show them that their thoughts and messages are not only heard, but matter, we can foster development of a strong language foundation. Quality of life for nearly all of us is directly related to feelings of connection and belonging with "our people". Join me as we explore key elements of AAC therapy that motivate our students and clients to expend the effort and energy required for competent AAC use! Note: In the words of my mentor Gail Van Tatenhove, "AAC Therapy is just language therapy!" You CAN do this! The concepts and ideas shared in this session can be applied to language learners with a wide variety of speech and language needs and interests (not just those of AAC users).