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, January 23, 2012

FREE AAC training, Severe Disab - 2/10/12 (CHLA)

On Friday, February 10, 2012 DynaVox will be hosting a Free Implementation workshop with Free CEUs in Los Angeles, CA!
Location/Host:  Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Saban Research Center
Saban Auditorium
4661 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027

This building is located across the street from the main Anderson Pavilion.
Topic:   “High-Tech AAC for People with Severe Disabilities”
ASHA CEUs:     .5        
Presenter:        Holly Schneider, MS, CCC-SLP                                                                            
This is a excellent opportunity to further understand the role and purpose of High-Tech AAC for people with severe disabilities.   Our Clinical Applications Specialist, Holly Schneider, will present and demonstrate strategies and techniques for facilitating successful use of AAC with individuals with severe disabilities.  Anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend.   
Please CLICK HERE for a PDF with all the details.  For additional information or to register for this Free workshop, please visit http://www.dynavoxtech.com/training/on-location/AAC-implementation-workshops/
If you have any questions or if there is anything I can do to further support you and/or your clients in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kindest regards,
Amy Hlad
Sales Consultant for Children
Los Angeles County
DynaVox and Mayer-Johnson
65 Pine Ave. #185
Long Beach, CA 90802

Toll Free 800-344-1778 x 7922
Mobile 562-394-2071
Fax line  866-604-8113

Sunday, January 22, 2012

CSHA Convention 2012 (March) - AAC/AT Sessions/Courses/Posters

The California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Annual Convention will be held at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, CA, March 15-18, 2012. Registration is open, CLICK HERE to download the registration form.  

Join colleagues in Short Courses, Mini-Seminars, and Poster presentations related to AAC and AT.  SCAAC-N suggests the following schedule to allow you to hit all the AAC and Technology-related events at the convention. More complete course descriptions can be read HERE.


(Course Type Key: SC = Short Course, MS = Mini-Seminar, PS = Poster Session)

DAY/TIME
COURSE #
Speaker/Presenter
Title
Thu 1:00-4:00
SC2
Mary Ann Romski
Toddlers, Parent-Implemented Augmented Language Interventions and Communication Development
Fri 8:30-10:00
MS5
Patti Solomon-Rice
Providing Effective Language Intervention for Toddlers and Preschoolers with Severe Speech Impairments
Fri 12:00-1:30
PS1
Lisa Luna DeCurtis, et al.
Piaget’s iPad: From Theory to Practice
Fri 12:00-1:30
PS2
Elena Dukhovny
A Survey on the Role of an Assistive Technology Demonstration Center in Early Intervention
Fri 6:00-6:45
Awards
District 7 Officers
CSHA District 7 Awards for Outstanding Achievement, Program, Consumer *
Sat 10:30-12:00
MS15
Kyle Epps, et al.
The iPad: Achieving Students’ Goals with the Right App
Sat 1:00-2:30
MS19
Greta T. Tan
Visual Scene Display & Digital Photography-Based Communication Aides
Sat 3:00-4:30
MS21
Lisa Luna DeCurtis, et al.
New iPad Technology Meets Traditional Therapy Techniques
Sat 12:00-1:30
PS15
Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin, et al.
Snaps, Apps, and Raps: iPad Use with Speech/Language Impaired Students
Sun 8:30-11:30
SC20
Lois Brady, et al.
iPad Apps for Autism, Rehabilitation, iTherapy and Classroom across Disciplines

In total, the 2012 CSHA San Jose State Convention offers up to: 24 State license renewal CE hours; 2.4 ASHA CEUs (= 24 hours) 

*On Friday, March 16, 6-6:45 - CSHA District 7 will present an Achievement award to Ann Davis, SLP and Gwendolyn Meier, SLP, MT for their work with our very own SCAAC-N!

See you at the Convention!
 

Friday, January 20, 2012

ATI Pre-Conference (Feb 10): Space is Limited

When: Friday, February 10th, 2012
Instructional Level: Intermediate
 
Description: Whether you are new to the field of AAC or just need a refresher,  please join us for the latest information on assessment, implementation strategies, and  communication devices, including the ever popular iPad.  You will have an opportunity to learn about current technology and how it applies to your clientele to promote optimal language development and independence.
 
Learner Objectives:
• Understand current AAC assessment.
• Apply implementation strategies for teaching vocabulary to AAC users.
• Identify current technology and how this technology addresses various communication needs.
• Identify current communication and educational applications available for the iPad for SLPs, educators, and parents.
 
Fee Schedule:
• Pre-Conference (w/ CEUs): $50
Pre (CEUs) & Full Day Conference Bundle: $60
 
• Pre-Conference (no CEUs): $25
Pre (no CEUs) & Full Day Conference Bundle: $40
 
• Full Day Conference: $25 (Saturday)
The Pre-Conference is limited to 100 attendees. Pre-registration is required. 
To Register: http://2012aticonference.eventbrite.com/ 
For more information: http://ati.atec-oc.org or (714) 361.6200 Vendors will be available for hands-on demonstration during the lunch hour!

Great video on Augmented Input

Thanks, Terry Kappe, for the Facebook post of this great video!
(visit our page and friend us HERE on FB)


From Dynavox, this 20-minute instructional video is an excellent introduction to partner-augmented input that you can share with educators, professionals, paraprofessionals, parents, and caregivers.  Log-in required (registering is free!).

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

PRC Consultant's Corner: News and Trainings



 
Kara Bidstrup, M.S., CCC-SLP
Email:  keb.cons@prentrom.com
Phone:  (800) 262-1984 ext. 472
Proper Steps for Getting Your PRC Communication
Device Repaired
While PRC devices are designed to be durable, at some point, you may need to send it in for repair.  There are a few easy steps that you can follow to make the process simpler and ensure that PRC receives the device without further damage that may occur during the shipping process.

First, if you are experiencing any trouble with the software in your PRC Communication Device or something has occurred to the hardware, contact Technical Support.
  • PRC Technical Support can be reached at (800) 262-1990 or by email at service@prentrom.com
  • Hours of Operation are:  Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST; Saturday and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • If your device needs to be sent to PRC for repair, the Technical Support Staff will set up a repair number and give you instructions for returning the device to PRC
Second, locate the original packaging to prepare your device for shipment.  Always use the original packaging when possible for your PRC Communication Device.  Keeping and storing the original packaging will always ensure that you have a safe way to ship your device, even if you don’t use the original packaging frequently.

To ensure that you have properly packaged your device for shipment to PRC, please see the instructions below.

  • Place the first piece of cardboard/plastic sheeting in the box as shown below.

  • Set the device on the plastic sheeting so it is suspended in the box by the first cardboard/plastic insert.

  • Place the second piece of cardboard/plastic UPSIDE DOWN in the box to keep the device suspended.

  • Your device is secure and ready to ship.
  • Do NOT ship accessories, including the charger, keyguards unless directed to do so by Technical Support.

For more information, please visit:  prentrom.com/support/article/1518.

As always, if you have questions regarding this process, please feel free to contact Technical Support listed above or your Regional Consultant for assistance.  If you do not know who your Regional Consultant is, you can locate him/her at:  prentrom.com and enter your zip code on the left side of our website.

FREE product training seminars will help you get the most from your PRC communication device. 
Attend the Training that Meets Your Needs. 
It's Easy!
  • Create a personal PRC Account
  • Enter your information  once
  • At a glance, view your upcoming trainings and much more.
If you have already created your personal PRC account, simply click here to login.

ASHA CEUs Available

Please visit the "Training" section of PRC's website.  New trainings are always being added.

JOBS - Urgent/Jan 31 - Marketing and Development Consultant (Assistive Tech related)

January 17, 2011

Dear Interested Parties:
The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, Inc. (CFILC) seeks a qualified Marketing and Development Consultant to assist in identifying and acquiring revenue to support the California Assistive Technology Re-use Coalition (CATRC).
 ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:
The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, Inc. (CFILC) is a non-profit membership organization representing 25 of California’s community-based, peer-operated Independent Living Centers. CFILC and its members advocate and act to remove barriers to independence for Californians with disabilities.

CFILC operates the AT Network program under contract with the California Department of Rehabilitation. The AT Network exists to connect Californians with disabilities to the assistive technology (AT) they need. AT Network programs and services include:
  •  Statewide information and referral on assistive technology issues;
  •  AT training for AT Network members and for all Californians;
  •  AT Re-use Initiative; and
  • 13 AT device loan centers located throughout California.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AT RE-USE COALITION (CATRC):
 The CATRC represents several diverse organizations that collectively focus on promoting the re-use of assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME) within California. AT / DME are devices, technologies, and products which assist people with disabilities – either permanent or temporary – to lead more engaged, active, and healthy lives. The Coalition has a broad charter to educate and engage various constituents in the numerous benefits of AT / DME re-use. Some of the numerous benefits of AT/DME re-use include financial benefits for individuals, significant positive impact to healthcare costs, and the availability of much needed AT / DME to a broader range of consumers, and significant positive impact to the environment.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The Marketing and Development Consultant will work closely with the leadership of CATRC to research and identify funding sources supporting the agenda of CATRC. Sources of funding may include grants, sponsorships, fee for service, donations, contracts, in-kind gifts, et al.

The Consultant will work with the Re-use Coalition to initiate contacts with potential funding sources and support the efforts of the Coalition by providing feedback and leads for potential funders. The Marketing and Development Consultant will work in collaboration with the Capacity Development Committee, and will provide monthly reports regarding contract deliverables and invoices to CFILC.  

Within one month of contracting for services, the selected Consultant will present:
  • A plan that describes how additional resources can be raised. The plan will include a timeline to conclude June 30, 2012; and
  • List potential funding sources likely to support efforts of the coalition including foundations, corporations, individuals and others that are a good match for the mission of the coalition.
From month two through the end of the contract period, consultant will research and write proposals. All potential proposal ideas will be pre-approved by the Capacity Development Committee before proposal work begins. All completed proposals will be approved by the Committee at least one week before the submission deadline.

PROPOSAL CONTENT:
In three pages, briefly provide:
  • A history of your company, including number of years in business, and credentials of principle staff;
  • A summary of your experience developing similar plans for non-profit organizations with emphasis on proposals in the disability community; including three references and contact information;
  • A summary of your knowledge and understanding of producing proposals for funding of projects/programs;
  • Writing sample not to exceed three pages that may or may not include grant proposals, donation appeals or corporate solicitations (not included in proposal three page limit);
  • Budget and budget narrative proposal with all items including a narrative statement and rationale.

SELECTION PROCESS:
This RFP is not a commitment to contract for services. CFILC reserves the right to reject any and all responses without cause. A contractor will be considered based on review of the information within proposals, quality of samples provided, contacts with references, costs, and other budgetary and time considerations.
           
PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL AND TIMELINE:
CFILC will accept emailed responses to the Request for Proposal until January 31st, 2012. Responses received after that time and date will not be considered. The expected contract award date is February 15, 2012. Final award of the contract is based on the availability of funds.
Please email proposals to: rfp@cfilc.org with the subject line: AT Network RFP Response Marketing and Development Consultant. Questions about this RFP are encouraged and should be addressed to Shannon Coe, CFILC at 916-325-190 ext. 353 or shannoncoe@cfilc.org. All inquiries will be answered within three business days and should be submitted no later than January 25th, 2012.

Monday, January 16, 2012

JOBS! Assistive Technology Services Coordinator (SoCal)

EBS Healthcare is looking to hire an Assistive Technology Services Coordinator to be placed in a partnered pediatric program in Southern California. Great opportunity in a beautiful area. Relocation assistance available. 

Contact Jim Pace at jim.pace@ebshealthcare.com or 1-800-578-7906 X 268 if you would like more information.