Overview

In this session, you will learn how high-tech AAC was implemented solely through virtual means as the Covid-19 pandemic hit. When told schools were closed, putting a pause in a student's introduction to AAC was not an option. We were left with the ability to connect solely through a virtual platform, quite different than the 'typical' in-person, hands-on introduction of AAC. This session will review Mom's 'crash course' in AAC. You will hear how a road map was laid out, the virtual connection made between the family, student, educational team, supports provided, challenges, victories and outcomes in implementing AAC virtually.

Session Content Disclosure: This session will reference a  Progression of AAC Skills Model and an AAC Skills Goals Setting Model developed by the team at EASTCONN to support students and parents in implementing AAC in a virtual delivery setting.  

Learning Objectives

1. Identify two challenges and two benefits in implementing AAC when virtual service are the only option.
2. Describe two strategies to facilitate the effectiveness of virtual training for AAC implementation for parents and educators.
3. Discuss two different skills to teach a parent in order to benefit AAC implementation at home.

Primary & Secondary Strand

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

• AT Specialists
• Communication Specialist
• Consultants/Trainers
• Educators
• Family Members
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Special Education Educators

Experience Level

Intermediate

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

Birth - PreK; Elementary - Secondary (K-12); Higher Education

Content Area

Professional Area

Course Schedule

This course was included in the ATIA 2021: AT Connected virtual event education program.

Continuing Education Credits

For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Online Education CEUs

ASHA CE Information: 
Recorded Session
Start date of ASHA CEUs offering: March 13, 2021


This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs. (Intermediate level, Professional area.)

This course is also offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
AOTA; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours.

Speaker/s:

JoAnne Lambert, M.S. CCC-SLP

EASTCONN, Assistive Technology Specialist / Speech-Language Pathologist

Biography

JoAnne Lambert, M.S. CCC/SLP is an Assistive Technology Specialist with the EASTCONN Assistive Technology Team. She provides a variety of AT services to school districts including evaluations, training and professional development, and consultative services. JoAnne has also worked in EASTCONN’s Related Services Group providing speech and language services within EASTCONN programs as well as a variety of school districts. Prior to working for EASTCONN, Joanne worked as a medical-based speech language pathologist for over 10 years, providing speech and language services to both adults and children with speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders. JoAnne has received training in topic areas including LAMP and has completed PECS Level I training. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders from The University of Rhode Island and Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Rhode Island.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Joanne Lambert is a salaried employee at EASTCONN, a regional education service center located in Hampton, Connecticut. Her work is partially funded by the CT Tech Act Grant. Joanne has received promotional codes for downloading apps from AAC/tech companies.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
Joanne Lambert is a certified ASHA member since 2003

Caitlin Connelly

Biography

Caitlin Connelly is a Speech-Language Pathologist working with EASTCONN’s Assistive Technology Team, Related Service Group and Birth to Three. Caitlin graduated from The College of Saint Rose in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Sciences and Disorders. In 2018 she graduated from Gallaudet University with a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology-specializing in the Deaf and hard of hearing population using American Sign Language. She completed her Clinical Fellowship Year with EASTCONN in 2019. Caitlin has participated in continuing education courses focusing on Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP), Social Thinking, and Visual Phonics. Caitlin has clinical experience working with in-home early intervention, public schools, Autism schools, and 18-21 transitional programs. There she assesses many areas of speech and language, provides speech therapy services, speech improvement groups services, and consults with the educational team. Caitlin is licensed by the state of Connecticut and has her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Caitlin can be contacted at cconnelly@eastconn.org

Salaried employee at EASTCONN, a regional education service center located in Hampton, Connecticut. Her work is partially funded by the CT Tech Act Grant.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salaried employee at EASTCONN, a regional education service center located in Hampton, Connecticut. Her work is partially funded by the CT Tech Act Grant.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
Caitlin Connelly is a current member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)