AAC Institute Update!
*** AAC Institute is a 501c3 not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to the most effective communication for people who rely on AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). One service of AAC Institute is to provide periodic announcements of interest to those involved in the field of AAC. Approximate average frequency of messages is one every two months. Archived past announcements can be found at the web site. If you wish to be removed from the AAC Institute announcement list, simply reply with a message to that effect. ***
This update has six (6) items. Please forward to others with an interest in AAC. Others can register for email updates at the AAC Institute web site.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1) Augmentative & Alternative Communication and Vocabulary Development
Join the Family Center on Technology & Disability for an online discussion. Join discussion moderators Dr. Katya Hill, University of Pittsburgh and Robin Hurd, AAC Institute as they explore the process of selecting vocabulary for effective augmentative and alternative communication. Professionals, parents, and all others interested in learning about current practices and research on effective AAC vocabulary selection are welcome to join the discussion. The goal is to learn from each other, so participate actively!
http://www.fctd.info/webboard/index.php
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2) AAC Institute becomes IACET* CEU
Authorized Provider
* International Association for Continuing Education
and Training
Over the past few years, AAC Institute has become the CEU (continuing education unit) provider for most national and many regional AAC and assistive technology conferences and other continuing education activities. However, CEUs were previously offered only for instruction that related to the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. IACET CEU providership allows CEUs to be offered in support of all professionals working in the fields of AAC and assistive technology. CEUs are provided at no cost. For information on upcoming activities for which CEUs are offered, visit www.aacinstitute.org/CEUs . To organize CEUs for an activity, email ceus@aacinstitute.org. For information on IACET, visit www.iacet.org.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3) 2007 RESNA Conference
The annual RESNA Conference is scheduled for June 15-19, 2007 in Phoenix, AZ. The conference program includes many sessions on AAC and related needs of people who use AAC. Mary Blake Huer, Dean of Health Sciences at the University of Indianapolis and President-Elect of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC), is a featured plenary session speaker. For additional information, visit www.resna.org.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
4) Fifth International
Symposium on AAC Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
At the Intersection of AAC and
Education: Evidence Based Practice, Language and Learning
and
Pittsburgh Employment Conference for Augmented Communicators (PEC)
This Fifth Symposium will be held on August 2, 2007 at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, immediately preceding the Pittsburgh Employment Conference (PEC). Keynote speaker: Tracy Kovach, Ph.D. Learn how evidence-based practice can help optimize and document results, meet educational standards and achieve success for children and adults who use AAC. The agenda and registration form are at http://www.aacinstitute.org/Symposium. CEUs are available to attendees through the AAC Institute at no cost.
The Pittsburgh Employment Conference (PEC) is the largest gathering in the world of people who use AAC and they actively participate in presentations and discussions. This demonstration of communication performance is an inspiration to all who are involved in the field of AAC. CEUs are available to attendees through the AAC Institute at no cost.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
5) First Annual AAC Clinical Research Conference (CAAC)
The first annual Clinical AAC (CAAC) Conference will be held September 27-29th, 2007, in Lexington, Kentucky. CAAC is a forum created specifically for clinicians and researchers engaged in the study and clinical management of people who use augmentative and alternative communication. The intent of CAAC is to strengthen and share the evidence base for clinical practice in AAC and provide an opportunity to discuss research with colleagues. Please consider participating in this exciting opportunity.
Registration is limited to individuals who submit papers and graduate students being mentored by authors. A number of special events are being planned to foster the development of graduate students as future clinical researchers including a round table discussion following the conference presentations. Keynote presenters include Malcolm McNeil, Ph.D. and Randall Robey, Ph.D.. Call for Papers Deadline: May 1, 2007. The 2007 Conference Chairperson is Dr. Gilson Capilouto, and the Conference Program Chairperson is Dr. Filip Loncke. CEUs will be available at no cost. For more information and details for submitting a paper go to: http://www.aacinstitute.org/CAAC .
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
6) 2007 Sponsors
Many organizations, AAC manufacturers, publishers and others provide support to the AAC Institute. Gold level sponsors include Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), California State University – Northridge, Closing The Gap, Prentke Romich Company and Semantic Compaction Systems. Silver level sponsors include Mayer-Johnson, Inc. For a complete list of sponsors, including links to their web sites, click on the "Sponsors" link on the AAC Institute home page.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
