Overview

This session focuses on an implementation study project that uses mainstream technology and life management software to increase independence in social participation and daily living activities for individuals with profound autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities (DD). The project combines wearable, handheld, and smart home technology with customized software to centralize goals and learning supports. Success stories and preliminary outcomes will be shared, along with practical strategies and best practices for integrating technology in a 24-hour residential setting. The session addresses challenges and barriers while highlighting the importance of assistive technology for communication, independence, and community access.

Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus exclusively on one implementation study and may not include information on other similar or related studies.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify at least two barriers to technology access for adults with profound developmental disabilities.
2. Describe two strategies for collaborative AT practice in the residential adult setting.
3. Produce at least one objective related to using mainstream technology to increase independence for adults with developmental disabilities.

Strand(s)

Mainstream Accessible Technologies; Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

AT Specialists; Caregivers; Communication Specialist; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Curriculum and Instruction; Disability Services; Educators; Family Members; Government/Non-Profit Agencies; Occupational Therapists; Paraprofessionals; Physical Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists

Experience Level

Introductory; Intermediate; Advanced

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 Thursday, January 25 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:

Paul Simeone, MA, PhD, CCC-SLP

May Institute, VP of Allied Health and Supportive Technology

Biography

Paul (PJ) Simeone, CCC-SLP, ATP, is the VP of Allied Health and Supportive Technology at the May Institute in Randolph, MA. He is a clinician with years of experience providing AT and AAC services for people of all ages with autism and other developmental disabilities and has successfully overseen AT and AAC programs for several organizations. PJ is a published researcher and frequent presenter in the field of AT and AAC.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
I receive salary for employment from May Institute.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Sarah Weddle, PhD, LABA, BCBA-D

May Institute, Divisional Director of Clinical Services and Training

Biography

Sarah Weddle PhD, LABA, BCBA-D is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level and licensed psychologist, certified health service provider, and behavior analyst in Massachusetts. In her position as Divisional Director of Clinical Services and Training at the May Institute, Dr. Weddle clinically supports May Institute adult services programs with the primary mission to increase the organization’s capacity to provide contemporary skill acquisition intervention (e.g., utilizing a verbal behavior approach & emphasis on building functional daily living repertoires) and treatment of challenging behavior. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Continuing Education in Psychology (APA), May APA Training Faculty, and Chair of the May Institute Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Dr. Weddle is the author of several peer-reviewed publications primarily focused on language-based skill acquisition and functional analysis in real-world settings. She co-authored a book chapter on function-based intervention for problem behavior in the Handbook of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum. She has served as ad hoc reviewer for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, Language and Education, and Education and Treatment of Children. She has also presented her research and conducted workshops at numerous international, national, and regional conferences.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
I receive salary for employment from May Institute.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No