Sponsored by: PRC-Saltillo

Overview

Wondering about Tiered Vocabulary and how it applies to your students using AAC? This presentation will provide an overview of the research on tiered vocabulary instruction and its connections to existing research on “core” vocabulary for individuals using AAC. You will learn how to identify vocabulary terms that support AAC users better access educational content, while also expanding students’ abilities to communicate in social settings in and outside of the classroom. Join in to learn more about how to select, find, and focus on important vocabulary in your favorite PRC-Saltillo vocabularies, including LAMP Words For Life, WordPower, and Unity. Leave with knowledge and access to online resources for your next steps in the classroom!

Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus solely on PRC-Saltillo products, services, and resources and will not include information on other similar or related products, and resources.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the three tiers of Tiered Vocabulary.
2. Describe the similarities between “core” vocabulary and Tier 1 vocabulary.
3. List three ways to target appropriate vocabulary in the classroom.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

Administrators; Communication Specialist; Curriculum and Instruction; Educators; Occupational Therapists; Paraprofessionals; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Special Education Educators

Experience Level

Introductory

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 2:15 PM - 3:15 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:

Debbie Witkowski, MA, CCC-SLP

PRC-Saltillo, Training and Implementation Specialist

Biography

Deborah Laurent Witkowski, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with 35 years of experience in AAC. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from West Virginia University in 1986 and a Master of Arts Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Pittsburgh in 1988. Deborah has devoted her entire career to working with individuals with complex communication needs. She served as assistive technology consultant for multiple school districts in the state of Connecticut over a 15-year period. She also spent 12 years working as a content developer and clinical consultant for Semantic Compaction Systems. It was at Semantic Compaction Systems where she had the opportunity to develop Unidad, a robust bilingual Spanish/English language AAC system. Currently, Deborah works as a training and implementation specialist for the Minspeak Academy at PRC-Saltillo. In addition to developing continuing education courses in a variety of formats, she also works on the content development and the bilingual vocabulary project teams. She is a member of a Bilingual AAC Professional Learning Community. Deborah is a member of ASHA and SIG 12. She maintains a small private practice in the Pittsburgh area, where she lives with her husband.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Debbie Witkowski is an employee-owner of PRC-Saltillo.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
Debbie is a member of ASHA and SIG 12.

Daniel Dardiz

PRC-Saltillo

Biography

Daniel earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Central Florida. His initial work experience included providing diagnostic/itinerant therapy services in Schools, as well as private practice. Over the years, he has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in needed of the support of AAC in a variety of settings. He collaborated with various therapy disciplines, providing AAC trainings and support to families, therapists, teachers, and support staff on the importance language development, access and their relationship/best practices with AAC.
Daniel holds the certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA and is licensed in the State of Florida. He is also a part of the Special Interest Division 12 (AAC Division).

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Part owner/salary from PRC-Saltillo.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
ASHA Division 12 member.