Agenda
Baton Rouge Location Oct 30th
Session 1
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
App Aptitude
Justin Sims and Lacey Harkins
Description: Feeling overwhelmed by the world of AAC apps? You’re not alone! With a variety of symbol styles, navigation methods, and features, choosing the right app can feel like a challenge. This session cuts through the confusion! We’ll explore the leading AAC apps to help you grasp their unique strengths and identify ideal users for each.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Fringe Vocabulary
Katie Sample and Misty Falting
Description: We should teach core vocabulary first….or should we?
It is widely known that fringe vocabulary makes up 20% of our speech while 80% of our speech consists of core vocabulary. Word frequency has been the basis for teaching core vocabulary first when working with students that have complex communication needs and use AAC. However, a recent article published in the ASHA Journal (March 2024) revealed that relying on word frequency as a basis for selection of taught vocabulary might be insufficient. Let’s inspect this research together, learn how we can select vocabulary that best meets each individual student’s needs, and explore a variety of AT options for fringe vocabulary as it pertains to participation and assessments.
Session 2
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Establishing an Indicating Response and Implementing Partner Assisted Scanning for Complex Communicators
Leslie Cahanin, Katie Miranda and Elizabeth Ardoin
Description: Learn how to establish an indicating response for students with complex communication needs and using that response to start implementing partner assisted scanning for communication. We will explore the “Every Move Counts” assessment and discuss different forms of partner assisted scanning.
Replacing Challenging Behavior with Communication
Julie Riley and Brittney Wright
Description: Challenging behavior is often a form of communication. Once we determine why a student is engaging in a challenging behavior, we need to teach the student a communicative behavior that gets the same need met, or, in other words, serves the same function. In this session, we will explore the functions of behavior, how to determine a communicative replacement behavior, and how to teach the new communicative behavior in a school setting.
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Lunch (on your own)
Session 3
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Low Vision and AAC
Nabiha Mujahid and Robin King
Description: This session explores the intersection of AAC and visual impairment by integrating the stages of the Communication Matrix with Cognitive Development. The presentation will look at how these developmental frameworks relate to communication strategies for students with visual impairments. Attendees will gain insight into practical strategies for supporting AAC users with visual impairments, with a focus on aligning communication goals with cognitive development.
ALL WRITE ALL READY
Tammy Dupre and Saundra Manual
Description: Students with physical and cognitive limitations often miss out on meaningful writing instruction. This session will explore strategies designed to provide rich writing experiences for emergent learners. By using Predictable Chart Writing in combination with Alternative Pencils, participants will learn how to support students in interacting, communicating, and completing a predictable chart. The ultimate goal is to empower students to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges.
Session 4
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
A Closer Look at Receptive Language: Providing Academic Vocabulary Instruction Using Core Words and Aided Language Input
Leslie Cahanin and Elizabeth Ardoin
Description: Providing Academic Vocabulary Instruction Using Core Words and Aided Language Input (Modeling) . Students with complex communication needs require exposure and participation in the general education curriculum. Learn how to provide ALI using core words to teach academic vocabulary using a student’s AAC system. Writing activities will also be discussed.
There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Talker
Katie Sample and Misty Falting
Description: Calling all “Old Lady” fans!! The book series proceeding “There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” is used by therapists, teachers, and families as a classic favorite. In this session, we will use one of the books in this series as an example of not only how to adapt literacy for complex communicators, but also how to engage and increase language through literacy for complex communicators. Join us for a fun-filled session with our favorite “Old Lady.”
Prize Pulls
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Conference Room
Must be present to win!