Date/Location:

May 18-20, 2021, Virtual

Description:

The focus of this 3-day seminar will be to provide learners with a theoretical and practical foundation for the use of core vocabulary as it pertains to language and vocabulary development for augmented communicators as well as how to integrate the use of core vocabulary as a primary strategy for targeting communication and language in home and academic settings.  In addition, our guest speaker, Gail Van Tatenhove, will discuss practical ways to develop core vocabulary and generative language, especially for individuals with severe cognitive and/or multiple impairments.  The presentation starts off with a discussion of the value and power of low-tech systems that build toward use of a speech generating device (SGD) that uses the Minspeak® system.  There will be practical examples of how to make and use Minspeak®-driven low-tech systems, including back-up systems to an SGD.  Vocabulary and language teaching strategies to be discussed include (1) a “word-of-the-week” approach, (2) semantic networking, and (3) teaching by parts-of-speech. 

Speakers:

Deborah Laurent Witkowski, MA, CCC-SLP

Tracy M. Kovach, PhD, CCC-SLP

Russell Cross, BSc (Hons) Psych, MRCSLT

Gail M. Van Tatenhove, PA, M.S., CCC-SLP

Learning Outcomes:

Explain why core vocabulary, not extended vocabulary, should be emphasized in AAC intervention.

Describe the relationship between the use of core vocabulary and normal language development.

Describe the difference between a needs-based communication display and a language-based communication display.

Identify the challenges with using a page-based system in an AAC device.

Discuss the impact of motor automaticity in the successful use of AAC devices.

Discuss the role and value of low-tech in relation to a Minspeak System.

Describe two strategies to create a manual communication board for a person who uses a Minspeak system.

Discuss the difference between teaching vocabulary and language through immersive instruction versus through explicit, systematic instruction.

Describe a process of using semantic networking to support vocabulary learning when using the UNITY Minspeak application program.

Describe two ways to teach morphology and syntax when using the UNITY Minspeak application program.

Identify two key differences between referential and descriptive teaching strategies.

Generate linguistically oriented IEP goals and objectives for students who use AAC.

Discuss strategies that enable students who use AAC to demonstrate learning to demonstrate learning within the components of Bloom’s Taxonomy.

______________________________________________________________________________

CEUs This activity is offered for up to 2.0 CEUs (20.0 hours of instruction). To register for CEUs:  

Download and complete the following forms.

Save the files names: 210520_SCS_Lastname_Firstname

Send both files to ceus@aacinstitute.org

Upon completion of the two forms and passing the quiz, a CEU certificate will be sent

Note: If any difficulty is encountered in using this form, write to ceus@aacinstitute.org to request an alternative file format.