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The Serving Persons with Complex Communication Needs: AAC Communicators at Work, Home, & Community is a multi-session virtual training series designed to teach Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies and skills and how to integrate technology into work, home, and the community, as a way to improve communication, and ultimately improve a person’s quality of life.

The training consists of three synchronous webinars on the following:

  1. Overview of AAC Needs & Strategies for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (DD),
  2. AAC Consideration & Assessment Practices for Adults with DD, and
  3. AAC Implementation Strategies for Adults with DD.

The facilitator will also offer virtual small group coaching sessions for teams who choose to participate in the optional learning opportunities. The small group coaching sessions will be capped at 24 teams; however the three synchronous webinars are open to all interested participants.

Receive a free book when you or your team completes all three webinars and both extended learning opportunities.

The training is offered at no charge, but registration is required.

Who Should Attend?

The training is designed for service and support administrators, SLPs, OTs, direct service providers, etc. While individuals are welcome to participate, teams are encouraged to attend.

Training Dates

August 12, 2020, 10–11:30 a.m.

Overview of AAC Needs & Strategies for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Oftentimes, adults with developmental disabilities have developed their own style of communication that is limited to their family and familiar caregivers. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and strategies may offer a chance for adults to share their opinions, desires, and concerns with people in their community, extended family, worksite, and medical professionals; thereby increasing their quality of life. Explore various types of AAC systems, from low- to high-tech, as well as supports for utilizing AAC within the life of those you serve.

September 16, 2020, 10–11:30 a.m.

AAC Assessment Practices for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Learn more about the prospects that may be offered by low- and high-tech AAC systems. Explore how to begin the process of AAC assessment to find a matching system to your client’s needs. Check out several AAC assessment profiles and explore a free assessment for communication and language skills, the Communication Matrix.

November 4, 2020, 10–11:30 a.m.

AAC Implementation Strategies for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

What comes after making or acquiring an AAC system? Learn more about the Participation Model, which can assist in determining where and how to start introducing and planning strategies for those you serve, family, and staff who may be new to AAC. AAC implementation strategies, as well as websites, webinars, and other resources will be shared.

Optional Learning Opportunities

October 14–15, 2020, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Next Steps in AAC Assessment

This feedback and discussion opportunity is open to teams that have completed a short questionnaire and Communication Matrix on at least one person they serve by 10/9/2020 (Communication Matrix will be introduced during the September session). The presenter will virtually meet for one hour with three teams that have similar needs identified and AAC considerations. During this time, teams will share ideas, concerns, questions, receive feedback, and ideas as it relates to AAC assessment and possible tools to explore.

December 1–2, 2020

Next Steps in AAC Implementation

A second opportunity for feedback and discussion is open to teams who have completed a short questionnaire and a Participation Model on at least one person they serve by 11/25/2020 (Participation Model will be introduced during November session). The presenter will virtually meet for one hour with three teams who have similar needs identified and AAC considerations. During this time, teams will share ideas, concerns, questions, receive feedback, and ideas as it relates to AAC Implementation and possible strategies to explore.

Presenter

The presenter, Kelly Fonner

Kelly Fonner, MS

Kelly is a consultant and trainer in assistive and educational technology. She presents on a variety of topics, including technology integration, augmentative communication, computer access, literacy, electronic writing, organizers, and assistive technology assessment and implementation strategies.

Space is Limited:

The trainings are available at no charge, however, registration is required. Space is limited to the first 24 teams, so register early to reserve your spot.

Register online via OCALI Pass

Approved by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) for Continuing Professional Development Units

Funded by The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.