Overview
This session provides a team-based approach focusing on the what, why, and how of supporting learners with complex communication needs. This seven-block model focuses on AAC fundamentals, AT consideration, building communication partner skills, exploring AAC tools, supporting AAC users with alternative access, developing literacy skills, and communicating beyond the classroom. Participants will learn about the development of the model, and an overview of content included in each block. Participants will also learn how to create and implement this approach with their own teams, including the use of coaching and the creation of systems that support the sustainability of the effort.
Learning Objectives
- Describe one or more current approaches to system-wide implementation of AAC best practices.
- Describe components of a seven-block team-based approach to support AAC users.
- Explain three benefits of providing implementation support as part of professional development
Primary & Secondary Strands
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC); Leadership
Target Audience
- Administrators
- AT Specialists
- Caregivers
- Communication Specialist
- Consultants/Trainers
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educators
- Faculty/Instructors - Higher Education
- Family Members
- Occupational Therapists
- Paraprofessionals
- Physical Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Special Education Educators
- Teachers of the Visually Impaired
- Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- Transition Coordinator
- Visual Impairment Specialists
Experience Level
Intermediate
Primary Life Cycle Addressed
All
Session Delivery Format
In-person presentation with recording
Course Schedule
This course was given at the ATIA 2022 Conference on Thursday, Jan 27: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM (EST)
Continuing Education Credits
For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Learning Center CEUs
This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours.
ASHA CE Information: Recorded Session
Start date of ASHA CEUs offering: May 16, 2022, Intermediate Level, 0.10 ASHA CEUs
End date of ASHA CEUs offering: March 31, 2023
End date of current CRC CEUs offering: March 19, 2025
Please refer to the CRC Augmentative and Alternative Communication Series (2024-2025) page for further information on how to submit your CRC CEUs for this course to CRCC.
Speaker/s:
Sara Pericolosi, MA/CCC-SLP
Alt+Shift, AT/AAC Specialist
Biography
Sara is a Speech-Language Pathologist with Alt+Shift, an Individuals with Disabilities Act Grant Funded Initiative funded through the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education. Sara has been with the project for the past two years. In her role with Alt+Shift, she focuses on providing training and assistance related to assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication, and literacy for students with significant disabilities and complex communication needs. Prior to joining Alt+Shift, Sara provided speech and language services to students with complex communication needs from birth to age 26 for twelve years.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
I receive a salary from Alt+Shift, a Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education grant-funded initiative.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No
Carolyn O'Hearn
Alt+Shift, AT/AAC Specialist
Biography
Carolyn O'Hearn is an AT/AAC specialist for Alt+Shift, an Individuals with Disabilities Act Grant Funded Initiative funded through the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education. In her role with Alt+Shift, she has worked at state and local levels in multiple initiatives related to assistive technology, AAC, and professional development. In 2018, Carolyn became certified as a PODD trainer under the guidance of Gayle Porter, developer of PODD.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Carolyn O'Hearn receives a salary from her work with Alt+Shift.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
In 2018, Carolyn became certified as a PODD trainer under the guidance of Gayle Porter, developer of PODD.