This course is offered for 0.40 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level, Professional Area). ASHA CEUs are only awarded to those persons who are valid members of the ASHA Registry.
Does your classroom have a variety of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools collecting dust because you aren't quite sure how to use them with the students in your class? Do you want to establish a base of AAC tools to support the communication needs of ALL students in your classroom? OR do you have a device (or devices) that were sent home with your child that you aren't quite sure how to use them to increase communication at home? Then join us for this hands-on session. We will discuss the difference between classroom-based and dedicated AAC tools, and review a variety of these tools you may find in your classroom. Throughout the session participants will be guided by the AAC coaches in demonstrations on how to use these tools as well as creating supports to enhance the use of these tools in your classroom or home. Creation of low-tech/no-tech communication supports will also be discussed and demonstrated. Finally, strategies and tips to facilitate use of these AAC tools across the day for students will also be reviewed.
Outcomes:
- State the difference between classroom-based AAC devices/tools and student-specific/dedicated AAC devices/tools.
- State five ways to use the demonstrated AAC tools.
- State three different strategies to facilitate use of classroom-based AAC devices/tools.
- Demonstrate the ability to program a variety of AAC tools and/or create materials to support use.
Who Should Attend: This session is geared towards Assistive Technology Professionals, Speech-Language Pathologists, Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Occupational/Physical Therapists, Parents or anyone else looking to increase their knowledge of how to incorporate communication supports throughout the school day for students with complex communication needs.
Satisfactory completion requirements:
- Attendance is based on your signature in and out of the session using a QR code. Failure to provide a signature in and out will result in no credit. Virtual attendance is taken via the Zoom Chat.
- Participants are expected to attend the entire session to earn credit.
- Participants are required to complete a pre and post test. Credit is given for completion of pre and post test, regardless of score.
- Participants must complete an electronic course evaluation within two weeks of the session date to be sent a certificate.
- Accommodations, questions and complaints can be directed to: professionallearning@truenorth804.org
Cost Information:Participation fees are waived for TrueNorth employees, TrueNorth member district employees, and parents of students in our TrueNorth member districts. For individual participants who do not meet the above criteria, this course participation fee is $300.00. Participation or material fees will be billed directly to the school district that employs the participant after the session is complete or the first session in a series is complete. Individuals are asked to not bring payment to the session.
Cancellation and Refund Information: There is no cancellation fee, though we ask for advance notice to open the spot for another person. TrueNorth reserves the right to cancel any session due to low enrollment. TrueNorth does not charge prior to the start of the offered session. If an individual attends the first day of a learning series but is unable to attend the remaining sessions, the school district that employs the participant is able to designate an alternate person. It is up to the individual no longer attending the program to give their replacement the information learned in the first session.
About the Presenters: Anne Leahy is a licensed speech-language pathologist and a member of the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Currently, Anne works as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Coach for True North’s Integrated-Assistive Technology Services Department. She has previously worked in a therapeutic school setting for children and adults with Developmental Disabilities and Autism, including those with complex communication needs. Anne collaborates and supports teams in the assessment and utilization of AAC equipment.
Emily Stith is a licensed speech-language pathologist and a member of the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). In addition to speech-language pathology, Emily holds a masters degree in Special Education. Emily works as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Coach for True North's Integrated-Assistive Technology Services Department. She has experience working with students with complex communication needs across a variety of age ranges. She is also a speech-language pathologist with True North's Structured Academic Integrated Learning (SAIL) program. Emily supports teams in obtaining and implementing a wide variety of AAC supports and strategies.
Financial Disclosure: Leahy & Stith are employees of TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 and receives a salary.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Leahy & Stith has no relevant non-financial relationships.
*Member Districts include:
Northbrook 27, Northbrook 28, Sunset Ridge 29, Glenview/Northbrook 30, West Northfield 31, Glenview 34, Glencoe 35, Winnetka 36, Kenilworth 38, Lake Bluff 65, Lake Forest 67, Bannockburn 106, Deerfield 109, North Shore 112, Township HS 113, Lake Forest 115, New Trier 203, Glenbrook 225.
Have a question? Check out the Professional Learning FAQs or contact professionallearning@truenorth804.org.
