This course is an interactive and hands-on overview of the various methods by which individuals with multiple disabilities access augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and their environment. Strategies and considerations that impact language learning, and ultimately the ability to communicate with AAC, are also reviewed. Through demonstration, video examples, and hands-on experience participants will learn about eye tracking, head tracking, single and multiple switch control, and touch access for AAC apps as well as the iOS ecosystem. Clinical and practical assessment considerations will be discussed across the access methods, along with implications for teaching and common adjustments to increase effectiveness in access and overall communication. This class will also touch on the impact of various movement disorders and vision related issues on the design of the user interface, adjustments to specific access methods, and overall impact on device setup.
This course will also examine tool use learning as it applies first to powered mobility (Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use – ALP), second as it applies to augmentative and alternative communication (ALP for AAC) and how the ALP impacts decision making for specific strategies and techniques you may implement or provide. Through interprofessional collaboration, the authors will demonstrate how the ALP for powered mobility has been adapted to the AAC population, providing a framework to help guide clinicians in assessing alternative access, and to increase proficiency with the chosen access method. Audience participation in rating videos and reviewing clinical strategies will be included.
Registration through PRC-Saltillo. 1.3 ASHA CEUs available
Agenda:
Day One
15m - Introduction
90m - ALP for AAC Pt. 1
30m - ALP for AAC pt. 2
60m - Vision (Acuity Issues, Ocular Motor, and Cortical Vision Impairments)
45m - Positioning and Movement Disorders
45m - Touch Access
60m - Assistive Touch & Gestures
45m - iOS Shortcuts
Day Two
120m - Eye Tracking
120m - Switch Control
60m - Head Tracking
60m - Environmental Controls
30m - Video Grand Rounds