AAC Institute Continuing Education

Description:
Day #1 Getting a Toolkit Together:

This first day will focus on gathering tools and resources to do an effective augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluations.

Specific clinical questions to be addressed:

• What “steps” are involved in evaluating, recommending, and funding AAC tools/devices?
• What skills need to be evaluated to determine optimum AAC solutions?
• What equipment/resources can be kept on hand to make this process more complete and efficient, yet cost-effective?
• What are some “templates” available for me to easily gather case history information, record assessment results, and write the necessary reports?
• What local resources are available to trial different AAC devices?

Augmentative communication evaluation techniques will be reviewed for children and adults, as well as AAC solutions from the simplest to the most sophisticated needs. Evidence-based practice will be presented within the framework context and additional web-based resources from a variety of sites will be demonstrated and provided to participants. Participants will be provided a CD with tools and resources along with free trials for online clinical tools.

Day #2: Using the AAC Toolkit for Evaluations: (Day #1 recommended as prerequisite, taken either on Dec. 6th or April 23rd)

This workshop will focus on using the “toolkit” as presented in Day #1 and selecting the appropriate AAC devices to match the individual’s skills.

Specific clinical questions to be addressed:

• Participants will put together their own low-cost, efficient communication toolkit (using what they already have – or identifying additional tools to obtain)

• Examples of complete evaluations will be presented, from beginning to end for a variety of communication levels from the simplest to the most complex needs.

• Participants will have assistance in problem-solving solutions for their own individuals on their caseload.

• Hands-on opportunity for various communication tools & devices. Local vendors and distributors will be invited to meet the participants & demonstrate their devices.

• Various websites and other resources will be used to assist in researching device options.

The process of doing AAC evaluations will be fully demonstrated and participants will also have the opportunity to leave with new solutions for their own individuals who have complex communication needs.

Learning Outcomes:
As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

For Day #1
As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:
1) Describe tools/techniques used to determine the AAC candidate’s skills (physical, cognitive, sensory, language representation, message formulation, communication functions, etc.)

2) Complete many of the components with templates provided for gathering, compiling, and reporting the assessment results.

3) Identify components on AAC devices such as common features and categories of devices (dynamic display, digitized, integrated, text-to-speech, etc.).

For Day #2
As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:
1) Identify tools required for a low-cost communication toolkit.

2) Describe various tools and resources which can be used to evaluate varying levels of complex communication needs (CCN).

3) Identify local resources and vendors for trials, support, and funding assistance for AAC devices

Additional Information: www.aacTechConnect.com