This dissertation investigates ways of training adults to teach students with communication impairments to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems across a variety of environments. In addition to three stand-alone papers, it will start with an introduction and conclude with a discussion. Chapter 1 will provide the reader with information relating to the background and purpose for the dissertation. Chapter 2 functions as a systematic literature review on the pyramidal training approach used by practitioners who support individuals with disabilities. Chapter 3 is a research study that evaluated a pyramidal approach to training on the rate and fidelity of paraeducator implementation of a communication intervention for school-age children who use AAC. Chapter 4 is a paper written for practitioners that highlights strategies to support the generalization of manding behaviors among students who use AAC. Finally, Chapter 5 provides the reader with future directions and questions that remain after the culmination of this dissertation. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]