FREE 3-day, Minspeak Conference (...in Pittsburgh)

Supporting Language Development with Children and Adults Using Unity®                    Dates and Times    October 19, 2011:  8:30am - 4:30pm    October 20, 2011:  8:30am - 4:30pm    October 21, 2011:  8:30am - 11:30pm                          Location                    1000 Killarney Dr.                    Pittsburgh, PA, 15234 This program is part of the Pittsburgh AAC Language Seminar Series and is provided "FREE OF CHARGE." Lodging and meals are provided. This seminar provides clinically proven ideas for using Unity® with children and adults who are both nonspeaking and possibly language impaired. Participants will learn how to configure manual-language boards to enhance language growth and lead to successful transitions into electronic communication aids, including the SpringBoard™ Lite, Vantage™ Lite, and ECO™.  Using the iPad as a transitional tool to more powerful communication aids will be discussed. The value of core vocabulary, what it is, its role in reading, communication, and language acquisition will be the introduction to Gail Van Tatenhove’s presentation.  How to handle the representation of the many abstract words in core vocabulary will be focuses of Dr. Baker and Mr. Cross' sessions.  Gail Van Tatenhove will demonstrate with videos the practicality of introducing core vocabulary to young children in interesting ways. Gail Van Tatenhove is a speech-language therapist and AAC specialist with more than 30 years of experience working with children and adults with complex communication needs.  She has presented innumerable workshops nationally and internationally and authored a range of therapy and vocabulary programs. Katya Hill, Ph.D., CCC-SLP will explain techniques of evaluation and documentation that are instrumental when seeking funding approval.  AAC for individuals who have experienced strokes will be highlighted. She will discuss, as well, gathering clinical data on all populations and how a teacher or therapist can explain the role of AAC to family members, teachers, and caregivers. AAC devices are not required for participation in the seminar; however, participants are encouraged to bring personal computers, so they can actively use the Unity® through a free-emulation program that will be downloaded at the seminar. Registration is limited to 20 participants.  To register, contact Robert Conti at (412) 885-8541 or via email at minspeak@minspeak.com. Faculty  Gail VanTatenhove, M.S., CCC-SLP Bruce R. Baker, A.M., L.H.D. Katya Hill, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Associate Professor University of Pittsburgh Russell T. Cross,Member, Royal College of Speech-Language Therapists