Have you ever considered what the “endgame” is for students who use AAC and when to start working on AAC skills for adult life? It takes years to establish the basic communication skills needed for success in adult life. In this course, we will discuss three communication components: Safety and Self-advocacy, Wellness and Sexuality, Community Engagement and Travel - that are critical for adult life and how to address these in both younger and older students. Strategies and materials will be shared such as conversational scripts, templates for modifying AAC vocabulary files, and low tech identification cards to support the practice of these targeted communication skills. Learn how to support students of all ages who use AAC to Be Safe, Be Well, and Be Engaged.

Learner Outcomes:

1. Describe the importance of considering functional AAC skills for the real world.
2. List personal identification messages needed for safety/self-advocacy.
3. Summarize an approach for supporting medical communication skills.
4. State examples of communication tools for community and travel.

Agenda:

5 min - Introductions and Background of topic

15 min - Safety and Self-Advocacy

15 min - Wellness and Sexuality

15 min - Community and Travel

5 min - Pulling it All Together

5 min - Questions

 Click here for instructor bio and disclosures 

Micaela Smith, M.S.E with emphasis on Visual Impairments, COMS, DSE, Community Travel Instructor, OSS Instructional Coach, St. Paul Public Schools

Micaela is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Instructor, Community Travel Instructor, and Special Education Instructional Coach with St. Paul Public Schools. Her journey started as a teacher of the visually impaired and orientation and mobility specialist in Wisconsin. Over the last 3 years she has expanded supporting students 14 and older with fulfilling the role of Community Travel Instructor with Saint Paul Public Schools.

Financial: Micaela Smith is receiving a speaking honorarium from PRC-Saltillo.

Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.

Deanna Morrow, M.S, CCC-SLP

Focus Beyond Transition Services, St. Paul Public Schools

Deanna is a speech-language pathologist at Focus Beyond Transition Services in St. Paul, MN. Deanna moved from her Canadian homeland to Lincoln, Nebraska to study under Dr. David Beukelman and has 30 years of experience with AAC. Deanna has published research and presented at professional conferences in the USA, Canada, China, and Australia. Deanna's passion is for all people to have the opportunity, skills and tools to Speak Up!

Financial: Deanna Morrow is receiving a speaking honorarium from PRC-Saltillo.

Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.

Session Dates:

No Dates Scheduled. Check back soon!