Pittsburgh AAC Language Seminar Series:
Developing Language for People Using Minspeak® Systems
PALSS Standard Content
Bruce Baker, AM, LHD, (Hons. caus.)
Debbie Witkowski, MA, CCC-SLP
Tracy Kovach, PhD, CCC-SLP
Russell Cross, BSc (Hons.), DipCST, MRCSLT
Each PALSS event regularly includes presentations of Bruce Baker’s work and presentations by Debbie Witkowski, Russell Cross, and Tracy Kovach. The seminar includes theoretical and practical information regarding vocabulary selection, language development and building competence for individuals who use AAC. In addition, the importance of building motor automaticity when using AAC systems will be discussed. Participants will also have the opportunity for hands-on practice with the UNITY® language system.
Guest Presenter Topic:
Developing Language for People Using Minspeak® Systems
Gail Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP
Gail discusses practical ways to develop core vocabulary and generative language. In the morning, Gail focuses on supporting core vocabulary development with individuals with severe cognitive and/or multiple impairments, emphasizing:
(1) the practice of critical communication partner skills
(2) vocabulary instruction through immersion
(3) explicit teaching through a “word-of-the-week” approach
All teaching examples are based on the use of Pixons®. The afternoon is dedicated to specific intervention strategies for individuals using the Unity® program, with an emphasis on:
(1) building semantic networks
(2) using core in the classroom through descriptive talking
(3) going “old school” in the teaching of vocabulary, syntax, morphology, and discourse