Level: Intermediate

Course Overview: This workshop contains two sections. The morning is focusd on AAC implementation while the afternoon is spent on learning strategies and techniques for communication partner training.

Implementing AAC Effectively

Your students have the AAC tools, but you may be uncertain of how to provide supportive interventions. During the presentation, guidelines for developing growth in communication using AAC tools and strategies will be provided. Meaningful and engaging potential goals with students; areas of need (based on assessment data from the results of literacy considerations). A framework for successful interactive groups will be reviewed. Participants will gain ideas to engage AAC learners with a wide range of abilities, from preschool to young adult. Video recordings of children in the educational setting, along with examples of highly engaging topics and activities, will be shared. Participants will come away with tools to foster multimodal communication strategies that are evidence-based and FUN, while maintaining depth and rigor in the process.

Communication Partner Training & Techniques:

 (OR YOU CAN'T DO IT ALONE!)

When AAC is effectively matched to an eager-to-communicate student, the resulting authentic language is a joy to behold. But the sad fact is that 80% of AAC devices and methods are abandoned within the first year. How can we prevent this from happening? We just can't do it alone. We've all witnessed communication partners interacting with our AAC students in less-than-ideal ways: i.e., too much help, too little help, etc. AAC is often a new communication system for communication partners. We need to provide communication partners relevant, and carefully selected techniques to support and develop AAC communication.

This presentation will provide a systematic approach to teaching these critical skills to communication partners, such as:

1. Why AAC is often abandoned and how to prevent this from happening to our students
2. What communication partner skills are critical for supporting AAC development
3. Who the crucial communication partners are and how to include them into training
4. When to teach AAC communication skills and how to do so in the sequential order
5. How to effectively engage reluctant users

Presenter: Kathy Beatty, M.A., CCC-SLP

Kathy received a Master of Arts degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Kent State University in Ohio. During her 35+ years as an SLP, she has worked as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)/Assistive Technology (AT) specialist, an SLP/CF supervisor, and a director of therapy services (OT/PT/SLP/APE). Kathy's focus has been in the area of AAC/AT and developing language for the severely impaired, autistic and deaf/hard of hearing populations. Kathy has presented in the areas of AAC, AT, mobile tablets, evidence-based apps, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and social skills. She presented at the ASHA Schools Conference in 2010 on "Promoting Social Interactions Among AAC Users" and has been recognized by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence as a member of a Model Autism Team for communication skills development. Kathy has been the lead SLP for "Conversation Club" in the Oakland Unified School District, a weekly group of 20+ young adults who use AAC or need continued communication practice. Her passion is helping every student find a voice.