South – Fall into AAC

Registration

Establishing an Indicating Response and Implementing Partner Assisted Scanning for Complex Communicators

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. 

Presenter(s): Leslie Cahanin, Katie Miranda, Elizabeth Ardoin                                                                          

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Fringe Vocabulary

Description: Traditional practice suggests prioritizing core vocabulary for AAC learners. However, recent research challenges this assumption. Let’s explore the evidence, discuss individualized vocabulary selection, and discover AT solutions for fringe vocabulary to enhance communication and assessment.

Presenter(s): Katie Sample & Misty Falting

App Aptitude

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. 

Presenter(s): Justin Sims & Lacey Harkins

Replacing Challenging Behavior with Communication

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. 

Presenter(s): Julie Riley

Low Vision and AAC

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.

Presenter(s):  Nabiha Mujahid & Robin King

A Closer Look at Receptive Language: Providing Academic Vocabulary Instruction Using Core Words and Aided Language Input

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.

Presenter(s): Leslie Cahanin and Elizabeth Ardoin

ALL WRITE ALL READY

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.

Presenter(s): Tammy Dupre & Saundra Manual

There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Talker

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.”

Presenter(s): Katie Sample & Misty Falting