Sponsored by: AssistiveWare

Overview

AAC modeling is an important naturalistic strategy to develop students’ symbol knowledge and expressive and receptive vocabulary. But many students need intensive, explicit instruction in word meanings and uses. This session will demonstrate a simple daily vocabulary instructional routine (borrowed from research on explicit alphabet instruction) that can be embedded in common literacy routines such as shared writing. This instruction leverages the unique attributes of a robust AAC system to maximize instructional impact. Come explore how common AAC features - such as graphic symbols and fringe categories - are powerful vocabulary instruction tools for any student.

Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus primarily on AssistiveWear's products/technologies and may not include information on other similar or related products/technologies.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe three essential attributes of robust, explicit vocabulary instruction.
2. Develop the semantic network around one or more AAC core vocabulary terms.
3. Develop a 7-step daily vocabulary instructional routine.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

Curriculum and Instruction; Educators; Speech-Language Pathologists; Special Education Educators

Experience Level

Intermediate

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

Elementary - Secondary (K-12)

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with recording

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Friday, January 26 from 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM (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; ASHA; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours

Speaker/s:

Erin Sheldon, M Ed

AssistiveWare, Special Education Specialist

Biography

Erin Sheldon earned her graduate degree studying the needs of students with significant disabilities included in regular classrooms. Erin is a literacy and vocabulary specialist for AssistiveWare. She has authored multiple book chapters, articles, and internet modules on AAC implementation.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Ms. Sheldon works for AssistiveWare as an independent contractor.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Rachael Langley, MA, CCC-SLP

AssistiveWare, Speech-Language Pathologist

Biography

Rachael Langley is a speech-language pathologist working as an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) consultant in Michigan. Her 20+ year career has focused primarily on supporting students in the school setting. In addition to presenting at local, state, and national conferences, Rachael is a founding member of the #TalkingAAC Conference. She is currently using her SLP experience at AssistiveWare to support school-based AAC initiatives.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Rachael Langley, MA, CCC-SLP is an independent contractor working for AssistiveWare. She also provides consulting and training to school districts for a fee.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
Rachael Langley, MA, CCC-SLP is on the Board of Directors for #TalkingAAC, Inc, a non-profit organization providing professional learning in the form of an annual conference.