Sponsored by: PRC-Saltillo

Overview

Individuals with complex communication needs often also have complex bodies, which may make it difficult to use a speech-generating device optimally right out of the box. For individuals using Minspeak® systems such as Unity, LAMP WFL or Unidad in an Accent device changing some of the features can increase success. Additionally, there are several strategies for customizing the vocabulary that can also result in improved access and use. This presentation will focus on identifying features within the software that can be adapted to facilitate success as well as offer creative suggestions for modifying the current layout to facilitate better outcomes.

Content Disclosure: PRC-Saltillo is the sole provider of systems with Minspeak. This presentation will discuss feature adaptations and software customizations within the Accent device to support successful outcomes. This presentation will not include information on other similar or related products, services, and resources.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify three factors that support successful use of a Minspeak® system.
2. Discuss two features within the Accent device that can be customized for individual needs.
3. Describe three ways to modify Unity to meeting an individual's needs.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

AT Specialists; Communication Specialist; Consultants/Trainers; Occupational Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists

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 2024 Conference on Saturday, January 27 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:

Deborah 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
Salary from PRC-Saltillo.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No