This session will provide an introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. We will bust common AAC myths such as the candidacy model and the expert model. We will discuss who can benefit from AAC and best practices. We will provide definitions for common terms you will hear throughout the conference such as Aided Language Input, and robust AAC. This session will also review key terms, including language variety, bidialectalism, and bilingualism. We will discuss the different forms of AAC and how and why centering and understanding an individual's cultural heritage and language experiences inform our practices. We will identify and discuss barriers to accessing services based on our professional, clinical experiences and the AAC research literature. Lastly, this session will outline and discuss actionable steps that practitioners can immediately utilize to mitigate some of these barriers; discuss solutions such as utilizing a family-centered approach; and how to implement a culturally responsive approach to assessments, device selection, service delivery, and implementation of tools.
Everything you need to help you understand stuttering- from assessment to intervention. This series will also demystify eligibility and delve into how to build trust with clients and their families. We will explore verbal diversity and hear perspectives and insight from those who stutter.
The Equity Series is a 2 Day virtual continuing education event featuring speakers and topics that represent the needs of students, clients, patients, and colleagues from marginalized and minoritized communities. This year's theme is Rethinking Equity! We are shifting from good intent to extraordinary impact and ACTION. Equity is intentionally ensuring that EVERYONE has access and opportunity to what they need to succeed and thrive. Join us as we identify and address topics like AAC for bilingual users, empowering monolinguals treating bilingual speakers, addressing burnout, equity for the deaf community and so much more.
This year, the focus is on language sampling and will be presented by Drs. Stacey Pavelko and Janna Oetting. As SLPs, we are often taught about language sampling, but it might not be presented in a way that is applicable to our specific settings, or “do-able” given our heavy workloads. But, language samples are such powerful and data-rich tools for clinical decision making! There is no better way to be an evidence-based clinician than to use language sampling! This is particularly true for SLPs who work with children who speak non-mainstream dialects of English. In this 4 hour, ASHA-CEU-approved-series, you will embrace your expertise related to collecting and analyzing language samples.