Overview

Friendship is one of the greatest human desires. We all want a “squad” to call our own. However, for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users, developing meaningful friendships can sometimes be difficult. In this session, you will hear from two AAC users on ways they’ve cultivated friendships through experiences and technology. In addition, you will explore best practices for practitioners to facilitate social skills development and opportunities for AAC users to build meaningful relationships throughout the lifespan.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe three barriers to social skills development for AAC users.
2. Identify three best practices for practitioners to facilitate social skills development for AAC users.
3. Describe three examples of opportunities for AAC users to build meaningful relationships throughout the lifespan.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

Accessibility Professional; ADA Coordinator; Administrators; AT Specialists; Alternative Media Specialist; Caregivers; Communication Specialist; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Consultants/Trainers; Curriculum and Instruction; Disability Services; Educators; Faculty/Instructors - Higher Education; Family Members; Government/Non-Profit Agencies; Instructional Technologist; Media Specialist; Occupational Therapists; Paraprofessionals; Physical Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Special Education Educators; Transition Coordinator; Vocational Rehabilitation

Experience Level

Introductory; Intermediate

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

Elementary - Secondary (K-12); Higher Education; Adult/Senior

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with live-stream

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Thursday, January 25 from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (EST)

Continuing Education Credits

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

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

Speaker/s:

Elizabeth Stewart, PhD, ATP

United Ability, Assistive Technology Specialist

Biography

Elizabeth Stewart, PhD, ATP is an Assistive Technology Specialist for United Ability. She was an assistant professor at the University of West Georgia in the Department of Literacy and Special Education. Prior to her academic position, Dr. Stewart worked as a solutions consultant for Tobii Dyanvox. She also spent much of her career as a special education teacher.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Elizabeth receives a salary from employment. In addition, she is working on a grant funded by the Alabama Department of Education, Special Education Services.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Brad Heaven and Dan O'Connor

All Access Life

Biography

We began our journey together in 2010 when I took on the role as Brad's fulltime Aide while he attended high school. This job turned into a journey neither of us would have ever expected! We are Brad and Dan with All Access Life! Over the years we've built a very unique and everlasting friendship. Today, we're best friends and business partners! We're now using our unique journey and experiences with adaptive products and assistive technologies to help others with disabilities through our non profit, All Access Life.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Brad and Dan receive a salary from employment.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
Brad states: I have used Assistive Technology my whole life, and it has given me a voice and allowed me to reach my full potential.

Hank Poore

United Ability, Assistive Technology Staff

Biography

Hank Poore is a 22-year-old from Tuscaloosa, AL. He works for United Ability and is an assistive technology user and advocate. Hank currently uses a TD Pilot with gaze interaction for communication as well as a variety of other assistive technology tools.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Hank receives a salary from employment through United Ability.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No