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.