Sponsored by: Tobii Dynavox

Overview

How many texts have you sent today? For most, texting is a common practice that we all partake in on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. However, for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users that use eye gaze as their access method, texting can be difficult. In this session, participants will explore options for direct messaging through SMS, Facebook Messenger, What's App, and a variety of other platforms using Tobii Dynavox products. In addition, we will explore best practices for practitioners to facilitate the use of direct messaging for social inclusion for AAC users across the lifespan.

Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus exclusively on texting with Tobii Dynavox devices and will not include information on other similar or related projects due to one of the speakers being a user of a TD product and one of the speakers being an employee of the company.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe three barriers for AAC users to direct message through their communication device.
2. Identify three options for Tobii Dynavox users to direct message directly through their device.
3. Discuss at least three ways that practitioners can promote the use of direct messaging for social inclusion.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication; Mainstream Accessible Technologies

Target Audience

Accessibility Professional; ADA Coordinator; Administrators; AT Specialists; Alternative Media Specialist; Caregivers; Communication Specialist; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Consultants/Trainers; Curriculum and Instruction; Disability Services; Educators; Faculty/Instructors - Higher Education; Family Members; Government/Non-Profit Agencies; Instructional Technologist; Media Specialist; Occupational Therapists; Paraprofessionals; Physical Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Special Education Educators; Transition Coordinator; Vocational Rehabilitation

Experience Level

Introductory; Intermediate; Advanced

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

Elementary - Secondary (K-12); Higher Education; Adult/Senior

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with recording

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Friday, January 26 from 4:30 PM - 5:30 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:

Elizabeth Stewart, PhD, ATP

United Ability, Assistive Technology Specialist

Biography

Elizabeth Stewart, PhD, ATP is an Assistive Technology Specialist for United Ability. She was an assistant professor at the University of West Georgia in the Department of Literacy and Special Education. Prior to her academic position, Dr. Stewart worked as a solutions consultant for Tobii Dyanvox. She also spent much of her career as a special education teacher.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Elizabeth receives a salary from employment. In addition, she is working on a grant funded by the Alabama Department of Education, Special Education Services.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Tiffani Powell, MS, CCC-SLP

Tobii Dynavox

Biography

Tiffani is an AAC Solutions Consultant for Tobii Dynavox with 12 years experience as a Speech Language Pathologist in multiple settings. With a clinical background in child and adult populations, she is currently enjoying working with AAC across the lifespan. Tiffani is driven by relationships and connection. The desire to see everyone flourish with the gift of communication- which is the core of all relationships- fuels her to consistently engage with assistive technology in creative ways.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Tiffani receives a salary from employment from Tobii Dynavox, where she is a Solutions Consultant in Alabama.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Hank Poore

United Ability, Assistive Technology Staff

Biography

Hank Poore is a 22-year-old from Tuscaloosa, AL. He works for United Ability and is an assistive technology user and advocate. Hank currently uses a TD Pilot with gaze interaction for communication as well as a variety of other assistive technology tools.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Hank receives a salary from employment through United Ability.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No