Sponsored by: PRC-Saltillo

Overview

Communication is key to everything! As an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) User, when given the power to express yourself, opportunities arise in many ways. Having an independent communication system is a journey, not only for the user, but also for those supporting them. This session will provide a personal communication journey which will cover many key points of AAC from a user perspective, and why strategies are important for effective communication in many environments. Lastly, I will talk about the many opportunities and work experiences that are currently on my schedule. Opportunities for follow-up questions will be provided.

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

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate three examples of how to foster good communication.
2. Discuss three current examples of recent national speaking opportunities and its impact.
3. Identify and discuss two impromptu responses during a question and answer period.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

Accessibility Professional; Communication Specialist; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Disability Services; Faculty/Instructors - Higher Education; Family Members; Occupational Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Special Education Educators

Experience Level

Introductory

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

Adult/Senior

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with recording

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Saturday, January 27 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 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:

Anthony Arnold

Biography

I’m Anthony Arnold, an augmentative and alternative communicator from San Tan Valley, Arizona. I like to believe I was raised right along beside the development and introduction of augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technology devices. Therefore, I have gotten to experience both its strengths and weaknesses. Over the years, I have gone through most of the communication devices and software PRC-Saltillo has introduced. From experiencing this type of liberation in all aspects of my life from a communication device with a robust language system, I started dreaming of someday helping PRC-Saltillo with our mission. During high school, I started working as an Ambassador, getting to various conferences to demonstrate the powers of Minspeak. In the early 2000s, I got hired as a Remote Troubleshooter for weekend coverage. Now with being affiliated with the company, I have enjoyed the chance to network with other augmentative and alternative communicators, family members and professionals on a wide range of things.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
I am receiving an hourly rate of pay to present my session at ATIA.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
I am a user of a PRC-Saltillo device.

Kirk Behnke, M.Ed., ATP

PRC-Saltillo, Training and Implementation Manager

Biography

Kirk Behnke has presented nationally and internationally on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Disability accessibility, Accessible Technologies, Assistive Technology (AT), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for over 25 years. He has held an array of administrative positions. He was the Director of Technical Assistance for the National Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Center at CAST where he supported the delivery of universal, targeted, and intensive technical assistance and learning opportunities regarding accessible educational materials and accessible technologies within the United States and abroad. He also led a national team of consultants as the Coordinator of Training, Grants and Contracts and the development and implementation of the “Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP)” at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He held the position as the Lead for the Texas Assistive Technology Network at Region 4 Education Service Center for the state of Texas. Kirk is currently the Manager for Training and Implementation Products Services for PRC-Saltillo.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from PRC-Saltillo.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No