The Southern California Augmentative and Alternative Communication Network...

...is a support group for professional development, problem solving, leadership, mentoring, and training in the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to develop communication in non-speaking and minimally verbal individuals in the Southern California Region.

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Monday, November 28, 2011

Signs of the Week - Social Words

Join us in visually/gesturally supporting clients' comprehension by adding manual signs to your spoken messages...a few signs at a time


Graphics used without permission (but for an educational purpose!) from:

Sunday, November 27, 2011

30% off at Mayer-Johnson, thru 11/30/11

Use the GIVE30 promotional code at Mayer-Johnson through 11/30/11 and receive 30% off your entire order...plus the added lure of FREE shipping for orders over $25.  
 I used it today and bought the picture-supported cooking program Look 'n Cook!  (originally $169; cookbook, lesson plans, and two DVDs)
Cooking Club can't wait to try it out...

Save the Date: 27th Annual Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference

Coming February 2012...(register by January 12)

Where:  Manchester Grand Hyatt, One Market Place, San Diego, California 92101, United States, 619-232-1234
When: February 28-March 3, 2012 (extra day - Feb. 29 - its leap year!) 

 

Keynote

This year's Keynote Address at the Conference which will be held February 28, Tuesday evening, at 5:30 PM. Our Keynote Speaker will be Ms. Geri Jewell. Geri Jewell is best known as Cousin Geri from the NBC sitcom, “The Facts of Life” and was the first person with a disability to have a regular role on a prime time series. [Geri also played the maid "Jewel" on the excellent HBO hit series "Deadwood." - G.M.] Geri is sure to enlighten and entertain attendees with her personal life experiences and perspectives in her presentation. Michael Paciello, this year's Conference Chair will host the Tuesday evening event. A Reception will follow the Keynote Address.

 

Conference Schedule

A listing of Pre-Conference Workshops will be available soon 

(CLICK HERE for official site)

Monday, February 27, 2012

  • Conference Registration 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Full-Day Pre-Conference Workshops 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Pre-Conference Workshops Half-Day 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Lunch Break 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
  • Half-Day Pre-Conference Workshops 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

  • Conference Registration 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Full-Day Pre-Conference Workshops 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Half-Day Pre-Conference Workshops 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Lunch Break 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
  • Half-Day Pre-Conference Workshops 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Keynote Address and Welcome Reception 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  • Conference Registration 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
  • General Sessions 8:00 AM - 4:10 PM
  • Lunch Break 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
  • Opening of Exhibit Halls 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Thursday, March 1, 2012

  • Conference Registration 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • General Sessions 8:00 AM - 5:20 PM
  • Exhibit Halls 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Lunch Break 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Friday, March 2, 2012

  • Conference Registration 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • General Sessions 8:00 AM - 5:20 PM
  • Exhibit Halls 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Lunch Break 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Saturday, March 3, 2012

  • Conference Registration 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Conference Adjourns

Exhibits

The exhibit halls will be open Wednesday, February 29, 2012 through Friday, March 2, 2012. The Exhibit Halls are FREE, but you must register to attend. Please register and select "Exhibit Hall Only" if you are only visiting the exhibitors.and the hours are as follows:
  • Wednesday, February 29, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 1, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday, March 2, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Conference Fees

  • Early Bird: $455 (by January 12, 2012)
  • Regular: $510 (after January 12, 2012)
  • Late: $550 (after January 31, 2012 & On-Site)
Cancellation Request must be made in writing and received by Tuesday, January 31, 2012. A $60 processing fee will be assessed. There will be no refunds after Monday, January 30, 2012. All no-shows will be charged the full amount.

One-Day Conference Registration

Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday

  • Early Bird: $280 (by January 12, 2012)
  • Regular: $330 (after January 12, 2012)
  • Late: $350 (after January 31, 2012 & On-Site)


Discounts & Scholarships

Student Discounts

Full-time students are offered a 50% discount code when your class schedule or letter form registrar (showing 12 units or more) and a copy of your school ID are faxed to us at (818) 677-4929 or submitted via email to conference@csun.edu.

CSU Discounts

CSU Faculty and Staff are offered a 50% discount code when staff ID and work email address are faxed to us at (818) 677-4929 or submitted via email to conference@csun.edu.

Veterans and Active Military Personnel

Veterans and active military personnel are offered a 50% discount code when military identification or Certificate of Release (DD-214 Copy #4) are faxed to us at (818) 677-4929 or submitted via email to conference@csun.edu.

Scholarships (for first-time attendees only)

For information on and how to apply for a scholarship, please download and complete the Scholarship Application.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Apps! Apps! Apps! & more from RJ Cooper...

Full-text posted from an email sent by RJ Cooper...

"Hello fans of AT/AAC!

I am happy to *finally* announce the availability of my latest 2 apps that have been 'ported' over to iPad! I had promised these by end of summer, but programming for the iPad is just not that easy. And I try to make my apps very 'rich' in features.

Spell-A-Word - LARGE print, spelling app, where you can make your own WordLists, or use those that we've made for you (complete with pictures and recorded words). When searching for this app, make sure you use the dashes.  To view in iTunes click below:

LINK HERE - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spell-a-word/id480176452?ls=1&mt=8

Point To Pictures - The only AAC *training* app in the world. I believe this app is a *necessary* prerequisite for successful AAC on the iPad for anyone that doesn't immediately 'get' an actual AAC app!  To view in iTunes click below.


LINK HERE - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/point-to-pictures/id479371604?ls=1&mt=8

PLEASE don't assume you can hand an iPad with an AAC app, like Proloquo2Go (which is a fine app), to someone with significant challenges, and expect them to be able to use it, just because it's *on* the iPad (and don't scoff at this! I am seeing this *countless* times. The iPad is *advertised* as being "magical" but it is not ;-) .

And remember, if the user cannot reach UP and out to use a finger on the iPad, please consider my Auggie for its many alternative input methods (running Windows 7, but same basic size as iPad).


LINK HERE - http://rjcooper.com/auggie/auggie

My apps are free for the first 2 weeks of release so go get 'em! After that they will be $29.95 each (each cost me over $10K to create!)

Soon to follow are switch versions, Scan-A-Word, and Scan to Pictures.

Enjoy!

P.S. As always, if you want off this list, just Unsubscribe below.

P.P.S And if you want something by Xmas, do NOT wait until 1 week before and then blame it on *us*! Order by Dec. 1 to *ensure* you'll get it in time. Remember my Mac/PC software is almost all on sale for 1/2 price, and some titles are even free (with purchase or anything of mine)!

RJ Cooper & Associates, Inc. | 27601 Forbes Rd. #39 | Laguna Niguel | CA | 92677 | US"

Monday, November 21, 2011

Overcoming Holiday Meltdowns - giving information


Useful tips from Linda Hodgdon (check out her website and newsletter, CLICK HERE)

Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, football and lots of people are just the right recipe for a
major meltdown for lots of [individuals with special needs].  Why?  The schedule changes, people are busy and there are lots of unexpected surprises. 

Remember that GIVING INFORMATION in a visual way helps those [folks] navigate through
potentially difficult days.  Write it down, draw pictures, use your calendar.  Prepare them by
giving information about what is going to be happening.  Remind them what activities they
can choose to do if the environment gets too over-stimulating.  Give them lots of choices. 

Putting information in a visual form helps students achieve success during those high activity days.

Have a great Thanksgiving!
Linda

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Book: APPS for AUTISM (Authored by an SLP, $29)





As Discussed on CBS’s 60 Minutes
New Book for You


 If you
cannot see this picture click on the X



Apps for Autism An Essential Guide to Over 200 Effective Apps for Improving Communication, Behavior, Social Skills, and More!

Autism? There’s an app for that!

Actually, there are more than 200 apps for autism, and this book will guide you through them so you can confidently utilize today’s technology to maximize your child or student’s success!

Speech Language Pathologist Lois Jean Brady wrote this book in order to educate parents, teachers, and other professionals about the breakthrough method she calls “iTherapy”—which is the use of Apple products (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and various apps (computer applications) in meeting students’ individual educational goals.

Lois believes that all persons on the spectrum can learn how to use technology in a way that is relevant to them. She shares important tips on how to use apps responsibly and effectively by maintaining a child-centered, team approach to teaching and learning, taking into account the individual’s interests, strengths/challenges, vision, motor planning, attention, sensory processing, memory, cognitive ability, environment, and access to tools. Lois also coaches adults on how they can use prompting and reinforcement techniques to help establish and generalize skills learned, until students are able to consistently demonstrate the skills in various environments (home, school, etc.).

For those who are new to the wonderful world of apps, worry not! Lois provides helpful sections on how to get started, including: Choosing an iDevice, Basic iDevice Operations, Opening an Account, How to Download an App from iTunes, and more!

You will be astonished and excited by the number of apps available, and the vast variety of issues they can address:
  • Voice Output
  • Sign Language
  • One-Touch Switch
  • Text-to-Speech
  • Articulation
  • Encouragement
  • Listening and Auditory Processing
  • Language Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Concept Development
  • Video Modeling
  • Social Skills Group Activities
  • Eye Contact and Body Language
  • Hygiene & Pre-Vocational
  • Graphic Organizers & Visual Supports
  • Visual Timers
  • Sound Masking
  • Handwriting
  • Bilateral Coordination
  • Motor Planning
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Reading
  • Spelling
  • Math
  • Preschool
  • Dysphagia
  • Aphasia, Apraxia & Dysarthria
  • Stuttering
  • Music, Songs & Creativity
  • Information about Autism
  • Eating Gluten Free
  • And more!

Meet the Author:
Lois Brady, M.A., CCC-SLP, is passionate about working with the special needs community. She found her calling while in high school, when she spent her summer breaks volunteering in camp programs for children with special needs. Lois has over two decades of experience working as a Speech Language Pathologist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has earned a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Certificate in Assistive Technology, Certificate in Computer Based Intervention, and has completed an Animal Assisted Therapy Program. Lois coauthored the book Speech in Action, featuring approaches that combine occupational therapy, adaptive physical education, and speech-language pathology, and is currently conducting research in communication disorders and developing products (apps) to enhance communication and language.

Testimonial:
"Lois has taken an important leap in writing this book, providing a much-needed primer for considering the newest, mobile, educational technologies … For parents, teachers, and therapists, it is important to understand what the individual apps can and cannot do, and to be able to carefully consider features relevant to individual needs. From communication to literacy, recreation, and accessories, Apps for Autism provides a wealth of useful information to read and reference." —Samuel Sennott, a Ph.D. Student in Special Education and Augmentative and Alternative Communication at the Pennsylvania State University



396 Pages of Life-Changing Value
Get this Incredible New Book Today
$29.00


click here to get yours now

An investment in the future whether you are a Parent, Educator, Paraprofessional, Pediatrician, Therapist, or anyone else envolved in the life of a child with autism.
Autism Today Education Corp.1425 Broadway
Seattle WA


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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Signs of the Week - Location Words

Intervention Planning Archives - from Minspeak

A wealth of picture-supported materials for teaching vocabulary; development of pragmatics, syntax, morphology; classroom ideas; and Evidence Based Practice (EBP) from Gail VanTatenhove and Minspeak (CLICK HERE to view the site).

Minspeak E-Newsletter - 11/14/11


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November 15, 2011
  • Award Winning Program: The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Science was impressed with a WQED TV segment on Minspeak entitled “Beyond Boundaries: Minspeak.” The segment, which aired on May 11, won an Emmy in the Health Program Feature or Segment category at the 2011 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards ceremony in Philadelphia. Watch it today.
  • Pixon Update: Rosemary (Rosie) Portera, from Martin County School District (FL) offers this idea for using Pixons. “I wanted to share a great resource that I am using that fits well with the implementation of the Pixon Project, especially as part of a home program for the students. Reading A-Z offers download-able leveled reading books. These books can be printed out or projected and teachers love them. Most exciting are the books that focus on high frequency, core vocabulary words. Every two weeks I send home a new book that relates to the classroom theme or the core words that have been the focus of my lessons. It allows parents a format to practice Pixons, become comfortable with their child’s new Pixon manual communication board and, most importantly, increase their confidence as they integrate Pixons into their routine.” Thanks for sharing that Rosie!
  • Teaching Materials Exchange: Rosie also contributed this: “I found a book called “A Dog for Each Day” and adapted it as a PowerPoint book with animation, sound, and Pixons! My hope is that if a different dog is associated with each day, it may make the name of each day more concrete for students learning the days of the week (along with pictures of the dogs added to the classroom calendars). The Pixons are added so that students can say something about each page using their Pixon boards. Two teachers that I work with are ‘launching’ the book this week.” Again, thanks Rosie for your contribution.
  • Intervention Planning: Don't forget to go to the Minspeak website to download intervention plans! Use them in therapy or share them with teachers and families.
  • Announcements: The Pittsburgh Language Seminar Series has been a big hit. Registration for the November series is full, but you can still register for December's series, featuring Dr. Tracy Kovach as the guest presenter. Contact Debbie Witkowski for registration information for this and the upcoming 2012 series.

Benefits of Minspeak
Using multi-meaning icons.
The power of motor automaticity.


Use of Minspeak
Minspeak systems with different disabilities.
Minspeak and cultural-linguistic diversity.


The Power of Minspeak
Minspeak, language and literacy development.
Using Minspeak in the classroom.


Support of Minspeak
Strategies to support use of Minspeak.
Minspeak teaching materials.



Visit us online www.minspeak.com
© Semantic Compaction Systems 2009
1000 Killarney Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15234, USA.
Tel. 412.885.8541 Fax 412.885.8548
This message was intended for: gmeier@villaesperanzaservices.org
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Home Contact Us Minspeak What is Minspeak Who Uses Minspeak Why Use Minspeak Demo Minspeak Lives Transformed Through Minspeak
Home Contact Us Minspeak What is Minspeak Who Uses Minspeak Why Use Minspeak Demo Minspeak Lives Transformed Through Minspeak

Monday, November 14, 2011

New Fav Apps!

Marshall Fenig, CCC-SLP shared some exceptionally fun iPad apps at the November Foothill Autism Alliance meeting. Use these in interaction and in speech and language therapy.  Not AAC, per se, but so motivating that communication, in whatever mode, is bound to ensue!

Toca Hair Salon - by Toca Boca
Worth all 199 pennies! ($1.99)
Cut, brush, grow, blow, buzz, and color the hair of 6 clients and enjoy their reactions as well as the amazing results!








Talking Tom Cat - by Outfit7
($FREE$)
Repeats everything you say with a funny voice. Incredibly useful for prompting intentional vocalization in nonverbal persons. Encourages vocal play and practice.




Make a Martian - by 3DAL LLC
($0.99)
Stimulate language working together to select the style of your body, eyes, ears, arms, color, etc.






Play on!

FREE! Core Vocabulary Comm Books - Boardmaker Share

Many thanks to Mary Ann Abbott, SLP-D from LA Unified School District, for three levels of core vocabulary communication books available for FREE at Boardmakershare.com (CLICK HERE).
Just a sample...
Stage 3, Bubbles page

Thanks, Mary Ann!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

FAA - Foothill Autism Alliance HANDOUT

Thank you to all who attended the November 9, 2011 presentation "Adaptive Technology & the iPad as a Game Changer for Autism" at the Foothill Autism Alliance meeting. 

Boards! Activity - Watching Videos

This is an activity-based communication board (created in Boardmaker by Mayer-Johnson) that I have used with clients when viewing YouTube videos of nursery rhymes, music videos, animal bloopers, and funny home video posts.  I like to select the wrong video from the list in order to prompt/model touching and saying "I want" + "different one." When viewing on a portable device, I can also hog the screen to prompt/model touching and saying "stop" and "I want" + "see." Use your imagination, modeling, and the power of YouTube to prompt communication!



Monday, November 7, 2011

ISAAC 15th Biennial- Save the Dates


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November 7, 2011
 
  SAVE THE DATE
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
 
15th Biennial Conference of the
International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC)
 
Pre-conference & AAC Camp: July 28-29, 2012
Main Conference: July 30-August 2, 2012
Research Symposium: August 3-4, 2012

 
 
To get more information about ISAAC 2012, join the mailing list: www.isaac2012.org
Your ISAAC 2012 hosts include: USSAAC AAC Institute SHOUT University of Pittsburgh Carnegie Mellon University

 
 
To become an EXHIBITOR or SPONSOR of ISAAC 2012 e-mail Carolyn Higdon @ cwhigdon@gmail.com
 
 



 
Benefits of Minspeak
Using multi-meaning icons.
The power of motor automaticity.


Use of Minspeak
Minspeak systems with different disabilities.
Minspeak and cultural-linguistic diversity.


The Power of Minspeak
Minspeak, language and literacy development.
Using Minspeak in the classroom.


Support of Minspeak
Strategies to support use of Minspeak.
Minspeak teaching materials.



Visit us online www.minspeak.com
© Semantic Compaction Systems 2009
1000 Killarney Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15234, USA.
Tel. 412.885.8541 Fax 412.885.8548
This message was intended for: gmeier@villaesperanzaservices.org
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
Unsubscribe
Home Contact Us Minspeak What is Minspeak Who Uses Minspeak Why Use Minspeak Demo Minspeak Lives Transformed Through Minspeak
Home Contact Us Minspeak What is Minspeak Who Uses Minspeak Why Use Minspeak Demo Minspeak Lives Transformed Through Minspeak

Sunday, November 6, 2011

AAC at ASHA - Planning Ahead!

American Speech-Language Hearing Association's annal, national convention (November 17-19) will host over 100 sessions dedicated to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).  Here are some highlights with presenters that are part of our SCAAC-Network or topics that are reltated to discussions at one or more quarterly meetings (next SCAAC-N quarterly meeting in Pasadena will be held, Tuesday, February 21).

Title: Using AAC iPad Applications With Children With Multiple Disabilities
Time: Friday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Session Code: 1075 PDH: 2 Hours Session Format: Seminar - 2 Hours Location: SDCC Room: 7A   Instructional Level: Intermediate
Abstract:
This presentation will discuss how the iPad has been used to develop a functional augmentative communication system for 5 children with multiple disabilities. The presentation will compare the use of various communication applications that were attempted with the children and discuss which applications were ultimately successful.
  Learner Outcomes: Participants will be able to:
  • · describe two iPad applications for communication purposes.
  • · explain one method of mounting an iPad to a wheelchair.
  • · name one iPad application that allow for switch access.

Cynthia Cottier, Augmentative Communication Therapies, Pasadena, CA
Ms. Cottier is a speech-language pathologist in private practice and who specializes in the assessment and treatment of individuals who use augmentative communication and assistive technology systems. She has been specializing in augmentative communication since 1985 and in private practice since 1993.


Title: AAC Device Decision-Making: Mobile Technology or Manufactured AAC Devices?
Time: Friday, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Session Code: 1067 PDH: 1 Hour Session Format: Seminar - 1 Hour Location: SDCC Room: 15B   Instructional Level: Introductory
Abstract:
The AAC field finds itself in a whirlwind of new mobile technology options (iPads, apps, etc.). This session provides resources and ideas to assist clinicians in sorting through AAC options, no matter what type of technology is being considered. Resources for a 'person-centered' and 'feature-matching' decision-making process will be discussed.
  Learner Outcomes: Participants will be able to:
  • · identify three benefits of using downloadable apps on newer technology (iPads, tablets, phones, etc.) and three benefits of using manufactured devices.
  • · name at least three steps in a device decision-making process.
  • · discuss three reasons that an AAC device may be abandoned.

Mary Ann Abbott, Los Angeles Unified School District, Laverne, CA

Dr. Abbott is an AAC consultant with Los Angeles Unified School District and a Lecturer at California State University, Los Angeles. She is the Western Regional Representative for USSAAC, and a member of the SID 12 Steering Committee. She has presented at state, national, and international conferences on AAC topics.
Debby McBride, Boulder Community Hosp/AAC TechConnect, Evergreen, CO

Debby McBride is an SLP with 26 years of experience working exclusively in the AAC field in a wide variety of situations. Blends 2 facets of experience into her presentations; currently, as a clinical AAC specialist and previously as an AAC device distributor/manufacturer’s representative. Clinical experience includes educational, medical, residential, and community-based settings.
Title: Implementing the PECS Protocol to Teach Functional SGD Use
Time: Thursday, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Session Code: 0916 PDH: 2 Hours Session Format: Seminar - 2 Hours Location: SDCC Room: 1B   Instructional Level: Intermediate
Abstract:
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) systematically teaches picture-based functional communication via an evidence-based protocol. This presentation will describe procedures for using the PECS protocol to teach functional use of a speech-generating device to ensure spontaneous, interactive, generative communication skills.
  Learner Outcomes: Participants will be able to:
  • · describe the unique communication challenges of individuals with complex communication needs.
  • · identify the skills taught at each phase of PECS.
  • · describe how to apply the PECS protocol to an SGD.
Lori Frost and others, Pyramid Edu Consultants, Cherry Hill, NJ
Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP co-founder of Pyramid Educational Consultants, has over 30 years experience working with children with autism and related disabilities. Lori is co-developer of the Picture Exchange Communication System and author of A Picture's Worth and Autism 24/7 and The Picture Exchange Communication System Training Manual.

Title: Language Intervention for Toddlers and Preschoolers With Significant Speech Impairments
Time: Thursday, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Session Code: 0912 PDH: 1 Hour Session Format: Seminar - 1 Hour Location: SDCC Room: 7B   Instructional Level: Intermediate
Abstract:
Young children with significant speech impairments often use multimodal augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) as a means to produce vocabulary. This presentation will present explicit, validated, language intervention strategies to facilitate vocabulary production with this population, including appropriate contexts, caregiver training, vocabulary selection considerations, representation issues, and intervention approaches.
  Learner Outcomes: Participants will be able to:
  • · describe the importance of using appropriate contexts with young multimodal communicators.
  • · describe five features of caregiver training to include during language intervention with young multimodal communicators.
  • · describe three considerations for vocabulary selection with young multimodal communicators.
Patti Solomon-Rice, San Francisco St U, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Solomon-Rice is an Instructor in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders at San Francisco State University where she teaches courses in AAC, language development, and introduction to communicative disorders. Research interests include early language intervention in AAC and atypical language development.
Gloria Soto, San Francisco St U, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Gloria Soto is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at San Francisco State University where she teaches augmentative communication and curriculum-based language and communication intervention. Her area of professional expertise and research are in AAC, particularly related to the impact of graphic symbol use on language development.
Title: Preparing SLPs to Build Language and Literacy Through AAC
Time: Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Session Code: 1257 PDH: 1 Hour Session Format: Seminar - 1 Hour Location: SDCC Room: 15B   Instructional Level: Intermediate
Abstract:
The expanding roles of SLPs in schools include focus on children with complex communication needs. This presentation and discussion will focus on preparing SLPs to support students who use AAC to communicate and learn within the general curriculum. Strategies to support links between language and literacy development will be demonstrated.
  Learner Outcomes: Participants will be able to:
  • · identify knowledge and skills for SLPs to support language and literacy development through AAC.
  • · identify collaborative roles for SLPs in classroom settings with the AAC team.
  • · describe at least three strategies to implement language and literacy intervention in classrooms.
Nancy Robinson, San Francisco St U, San Francisco, CA
Nancy B. Robinson, an Associate Professor in the Communicative Disorders Program at San Francisco State University. She specialized in early childhood education in her doctoral studies at the University of Washington. Her current teaching and research activities include AAC, early childhood language intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, and family support.

Gloria Soto, San Francisco St U, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Gloria Soto is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at San Francisco State University where she teaches augmentative communication and curriculum-based language and communication intervention. Her area of professional expertise and research are in AAC, particularly related to the impact of graphic symbol use on language development.

Title: Robust Vocabulary Instruction for Children With AAC Needs
Time: Thursday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Session Code: 0909 PDH: 1 Hour Session Format: Seminar - 1 Hour Location: SDCC Room: 15B   Instructional Level: Intermediate Moderator: Carole Zangari  
Abstract:
Children with AAC needs require extensive support to develop effective language and vocabulary skills. This presentation focuses on theoretical aspects of vocabulary intervention, current research on semantic development, and strategies for group and individual instruction. An AAC classroom case study is used to present practical implementation strategies.
  Learner Outcomes: Participants will be able to:
  • · describe current research in semantic development in children who use AAC.
  • · discuss key elements of a robust vocabulary intervention program for children who use AAC.
  • · describe appropriate intervention activities to build new word learning in children with AAC needs.
Gloria Soto, San Francisco St U, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Gloria Soto is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at San Francisco State University where she teaches augmentative communication and curriculum-based language and communication intervention. Her area of professional expertise and research are in AAC, particularly related to the impact of graphic symbol use on language development.
Carole Zangari, Nova Southeastern University, Coral Springs, FL
Dr. Carole Zangari is a professor of SLP at Nova Southeastern University. She co-edited Practically Speaking Language, Literacy, and Academic Development for Students with AAC Needs with Gloria Soto. Dr. Zangari teaches AAC courses, supervises in the AAC clinic, and coordinates the Post–Master’s AAC Specialization program and an AAC preschool.

Title: SPECIALTY RECOGNITION: WHERE HAVE WE BEEN? WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Time: Friday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Session Code: 1074 PDH: 2 Hours Session Format: Seminar - 2 Hours Location: SDCC Time: Friday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Room: 33A   Instructional Level: Introductory Special Notes: Invited; SIG12  
Abstract: This session is developed by SIG 12: Augmentative and Alternative Communication. We will explore the history of 'specialty recognition' and AAC and invite the reconsideration of the topic. Members from the Special Interest Division on Supervision are invited to join the discussion. Perspectives on the process and impact of specialty recognition will be offered by board–recognized child language and stuttering specialists.   Learner Outcomes: Participants will be able to:
  • · identify the process required to establish and retain specialty recognition through ASHA.
  • · describe three challenges associated with the establishment of specialty recognition.
  • · list one advantage of specialty recognition for SLPs and one advantage for consumers.
Gail VanTatenhove, Private Practice, Orlando, FL
Gail VanTatenhove has worked as an SLP specializing in AAC since 1977. She has worked in self-contained special education centers and on a state-wide AAC evaluation team. Currently, Ms. Van Tatenhove is in private practice providing AAC services, as well as director of education and training for Semantic Compaction Systems.
Ellen Kravitz, Easter Seal Massachusetts, Arlington, MA
Ms. Kravitz has been providing augmentative and alternative communication services to children and adults for many years. She served on the Steering Committee for Special Interest Group 12 (AAC) from 2004 - 2010, and was engaged in work related to specialty recognition.
Carrie Kane, Good Shepherd Rehab Hosp, Allentown, PA
Carrie Kane specializes in AAC for adults with severe communication disabilities. She developed and is coordinator of the adult outpatient AAC program within the Assistive Technology Center at Good Shepherd. She received her Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) in 2004 and is the sole SLP member of RESNA’s Professional Standards Board.

Title: iPads, Apps, Research, and SLPs: What Are We Doing?
Time: Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Session Code: 1071 PDH: 1 Hour Session Format: Seminar - 1 Hour Location: SDCC Room: 15B   Instructional Level: Introductory
Abstract:
With the continued interest and use of iPads and apps as tools for clients and clinicians, we extended our pilot research from 2010 to find out how SLPs are actually using this technology. Implementation of these tools, target populations, evaluations, research, and best practice will all be discussed.
  Learner Outcomes: Participants will be able to:
  • · name three reasons to evaluate clients before implementing iPad apps.
  • · name three ways iPad apps might be beneficial for their clients.
  • · name three challenges to implementing iPad apps with clients.

Lindsay Dutton, Heartspring, Wichita, KS
Lindsay Dutton, M.A. CCC-SLP is the Director of School Therapy and Applied Technology at Heartspring. She has worked with children on the autism spectrum for over 10 years. Her primary interests include autism and augmentative and alternative communication. She has presented at a variety of conferences nationally and internationally.

Julie Scherz, Wichita St U, Wichita, KS
Julie Scherz has over 30 years of experience working and teaching with a specialization in AAC. She has been using smartphone applications with a range of clients for the past two years and has attempted to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of some of these apps for persons with communication disorders.