Focus on AT for Communication - Autism Society, Inland Empire

Special Events - Fall 2012

Focus on Assistive Technology and Communication

Last year we put on our first Technology Workshop, and heard from many educators, professionals and families about the need for more information and resources.  This year, we decided to focus on communication and assistive technology - specifically for those individuals who have little or no language.  Thanks to a grant that we have received from the California Communication Access Foundation, the Autism Society Inland Empire is partnering with local organizations to: (1) determine a baseline of knowledge and access to different types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication here in the Inland Empire; (2) provide three educational opportunities on communication and technology; and (3) give away 10 iPads complete with Proloquo to give access to communication to individuals with special needs of lower socioeconomic status.   If you have any questions about any of these projects, please let us know.  In the meantime, we would appreciate you distributing this information to your colleagues.  Thank you for your assistance in helping our families in the Inland Empire! Beth Burt Autism Society Inland Empire

Please Take 5 Min for a Survey on AAC

As technology continues to improve, we thought it would be important to gather a baseline data of knowledge and access to different types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and techniques related specifically to communication and the special needs community here in the Inland Empire. We hope you could take 5 minutes and fill out our survey.  AAC Survey for Professionals  AAC Survey for Parents & Individuals with Special Needs AAC Survey Parents - Spanish

Free Workshop  -  Movie Wretches and Jabberers.    Mon, Oct 15th 6-8pm in Murrieta   Tues, Nov 6th 6-8 pm in San Bernardino

Official Wretches & Jabberers Trailer (Captioned) Murrieta - We are partnering again with Murrieta Valley USD and MVUSD SEPAC to bring you a free screening of the incredible movie - Wretches and Jabberers.  Two men with autism embark on a global quest to change prevailing attitudes about disability and intelligence. With limited speech, Tracy Thresher, 42, and Larry Bissonnette, 52, both faced lives of mute isolation in mental institutions or adult disability centers. When they learned as adults to communicate by typing, their lives changed dramatically. This movie will make you laugh, cry and examine your attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.  Special guest - Sydney Edmond.  A local young woman who uses AAC to communicate.  Come ask your questions about AAC!  Click here to RSVP  San Bernadino - This movie will be screened in conjunction with Inland Regional Center Mom's Supporting Moms Group. Click here to RSVP.

iPad Giveaway

We will be giving away 10 iPads fully loaded with Proloquo, insurance and a case to 10 people in the Inland Empire with limited verbal ability. A committee will determine winners based on family income, ability to attend trainings, and answers to short essay questions. Applications will be distributed starting Mon, Oct 15th at the Wretches and Jabberers showing and online starting Tues, Oct 16th.  Applications will be accepted until Fri, Nov 16th at midnight.  Winners will be announced at the Dec 1st Conference.  Click here to access online application.

Conference - Improving Communication Using AAC for Individuals with Special Needs Sat, Dec 1st, University of Redlands

Click for full size version of flyer Nationally known speakers - experts in this field in the Inland Empire! Come be inspired by the stars of the movie "Wretches and Jabberers" - Tracy Thresher, Larry Bissonnette, Harvey Lavoy and Pascal Chang.    Erna Blanche, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA. Associate Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy USC Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and an expert in pediatric occupational therapy and interventions based on occupational science will discuss how sensory and motor planning issues can effect communication. Darlene Hanson, MA, CCC. National speaker and Director of Communication Services at WAPADH, a non-profit, Non-Public Agency in California. Darlene has been a Speech and Language Pathologist for over 25 years, working with individuals with severe communication impairments. Her expertise is in working with individuals who are "non verbal" and use of alternate modes of communication, as well as in the area of speech development for persons with severe motor apraxia as it relates to autism.   Mark Woodsmall, Esquire. Mark is the founder of Woodsmall Law Group, PC a law firm based in the San Gabriel Valley area. He is a national speaker, and an Adjunct Professors at the USC Gould School of Law, teaching in the of special education law. Space is limited - registrations will not be accepted at the door.  You must RSVP and pay by Nov 15th!  Cost is $40 which includes lunch.  A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial hardships a reduced rate of $20. We are using the honor system for scholarships for this event -  when registering you may register with the discounted rate.  Purchase orders are accepted.  Click here to register