Join us for Monroe Learning Network’s 9th annual continuing education seminar! You’re invited to be inspired; learn alongside other clinicians in the assistive technology (AT) world; and ultimately empower your clients at Bridging the Gap: An Interprofessional Approach to Assistive Technology. This is an opportunity to deepen your assistive technology knowledge in the Mobility or Speech field (AAC) and strengthen your implementation strategies to transform your classroom, clinic, or practice. An exceptional line up of speakers, an inspirational keynote, your peers, and the latest manufacturers in the AT world! Whether you’re a Speech Language Pathologist, AAC Specialist, Physical/Occupational Therapist, Assistive Technology Professional, or Seating/ Mobility Specialist; members of each field need to work collaboratively to transform and enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Two different educational tracks: 1) Mobility & Seating and 2) Speech & Language. Two Days/ Locations to Choose from! Rochester, NY on 10/24/18 & Syracuse, NY on 10/25/18.
Join Kelsey Hall and Diana Petschauer from ATforED for one of the Speech/AAC/Literacy workshops, 3 hours hands-on!
AAC, Literacy & “ 5 to Thrive” Building Pillars of Support: Many students struggle with literacy (reading and writing), from lower-order skills such as phonemic awareness, decoding, and encoding to higher-order skills such as fluency, comprehension, and conversational discourse. In addition, students with complex communication needs using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are challenged with the task of not only learning to communicate with a new language system, but simultaneously learning and practicing their literacy skills. With ever-changing technology and advancements in communication and learning tools, this often leaves educators feeling as though they are under-prepared in terms of knowledge and skill regarding the most effective way to support students struggling with language and literacy. These challenges often beg the following questions: (1) How do educators and related specialists collaboratively build a bridge to support students’ language, literacy, and communication? (2) What role does technology play in supporting student learning and literacy acquisition? and (3) What high-quality, affordable technology tools are available to provide learning support across a variety of ages? This research-based, informative, and engaging session features hands-on demonstrations and activities for participants interested in building the bridge to literacy through technology. Participants will learn about apps (iPad and Google Chrome) and other assistive technologies (web resources, AAC devices) to support all learners from preschool through high school, including those who struggle with literacy and/or experience complex communication needs. AAC users Can and Should Learn to Read! Participants will engage in group activities and discussions specific to the technology presented, as well as opportunities to problem solve specific student needs and create example lessons and lesson plans, based on an explicit, systematic and multi-sensory approach to literacy instruction (Including the 5 Pillars-Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Comprehension & Written Expression). Learn about descriptive teaching and embedding the core into lessons throughout the day. Make and Take Literacy activities will provide participants with skills and resources to utilize immediately after the training. Join us and add an extensive amount of resources to your digital toolbox of literacy technology resources! Register for Rochester, NY on 10/24/18 or Register for Syracuse, NY on 10/25/18.
