This seminar presentation will explore how we can support children with complex bodies who use AAC.  While no one formal definition of complex bodies exists, many children with significant physical and sensory impairments are often labeled as such.  We learn much about our world through motor and sensory exploration.  For many of our children with complex bodies, they don’t have the same experience.  It can be challenging to support language development for children unable to independently experience many language concepts.  Fortunately, innovative and creative SLPs, OTs, teachers, and parents are constantly learning about and implementing new strategies that help our children grow their communication skills. 

Join us to learn assessment and intervention techniques with a focus on vision impairments including Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI), motor impairments in the moderate to severe/profound range, and hearing impairments including Deafness amongst children with intellectual disabilities.  Learn to use assessment tools to develop AAC related IEP goals and to modify treatment and AAC systems as needed.  Tips, tricks, and specific lesson ideas will be shared related to literacy and language intervention. 

Learner Outcomes:

• Identify at least 3 AAC assessment tools that can be used with children with complex bodies for initial and ongoing assessment. 
• Describe at least 2 strategies for modifying intervention ideas and materials to meet the needs of children with complex bodies.   
• Discuss at least 3 intervention strategies for teaching vocabulary on an AAC system to children with complex bodies.

Time Ordered Agenda:

9:00 – 10:20 Intro + Assessment Tools to Guide Interventions + Goal Writing

10:15 – 10:30 BREAK

10:30 – 12:00 Language Interventions

12:00 – 12:30 LUNCH

12:30 – 2:15 Literacy Interventions

2:15 – 2:30 BREAK

2:30 – 4:00 Being McGyver: Modifying Toys and Materials for Pretend Play

4:00 – 4:30 Wrap Up, Questions and Answer Session

Instructor:

Amanda Soper, MS, MEd, CCC-SLP, TVI, specializes in working with individuals with complex communication needs who use AAC systems.  Amanda works at a special education school in DC and owns her own private practice.  She is an adjunct professor at Galludet University. 

Disclosures:

Financial: Amanda Soper receives an honorarium from PRC-Saltillo for presenting this presentation.

Non-Financial: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.

Please note the following details regarding this course:

• You must register for and attend this course using your own AACLJ account.
• ASHA CEU and certificate eligibility require complete live attendance.
• Certificates will be available to participants with verified attendance within a 2-week processing period.
• Please check that your Zoom software is up to date prior to the course start time.

Session Dates:

No Dates Scheduled. Check back soon!