Date/Location:

November 16, 2023

Description:

Research has revealed common traits of those that communicate using Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) as passive, know more than they say, respond only in obligatory contexts, communicate for limited reasons, and use restricted grammar (Kent-Walsh & McNaughton, 2005). They have also revealed common traits of communication partners as taking the most turns, asking mostly closed ended questions, frequently interrupting, focusing on the technology, and providing limited opportunities to communicate (Kent-Walsh & McNaughton, 2005). As communication partners, it is important to self-reflect on this information and make changes in our own practices. We need to consider flipping the dialogue from teaching those who use AAC how to communicate with others to teaching others how to best support AAC users’ communication skills. If we want to change the common traits of those who use AAC, we need to first change how we communicate with them. Research also supports the use of passive teaching strategies when supporting students with cognitive and language impairments how to communicate (Biederman et al., 1998). When we use these passive strategies such as modeling without expectation, providing active feedback, and creating aided environments we are providing natural opportunities for students to practice their communication skills. These strategies can easily be integrated into any academic, therapeutic, or day to day life activities and can be learned by anyone who interacts with those who use AAC. The ideas and strategies presented in this webinar will support increased independence, confidence, and ultimately spontaneous novel utterance generation in those who use AAC.

Speakers:

Lindsay Hendricks

Learning Outcomes:

Understand why it is important to self-reflect and make changes to be a better communication partner.

Learn about a variety of strategies to support communication growth in others such as, but not limited to modeling without expectation, providing active feedback, and creating an aided environment.

Apply these teaching strategies to and have an opportunity to share their own ideas!

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CEUs This activity is offered for up to 0.2 CEUs (1.5 hours of instruction). To register for CEUs:  

Download and complete the following forms.

Save the files names: 231116_CTG_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.