Pittsburgh AAC Language Seminar Series:
Developing Language for People Using Minspeak® Systems
DAY 1 – (10AM – 5:30PM EST)
Core Vocabulary
Language Acquisition
Communication Partner Training
UNITY® Language System – Hands-on Time
DAY 2 – (10AM – 5:30PM EST)
Guest Speaker Presentation (Details Below)
DAY 3 – (10AM – 5:30PM EST)
System Design and User Success
Language Development in the Classroom
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Conversation with Chris Klein (UNITY® system user)
PASS Software Training
Natural Polysemy
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, and (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, and (3) going “old school” in the teaching of vocabulary, syntax, morphology, and discourse.