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Pittsburgh AAC Language Seminar Series:

Developing Language for People Using Minspeak® Systems

May 18-20 2021

Virtual Pittsburgh AAC Language Seminar Series (PALSS)

 

Virtual PALSS will cover a range of topics over the course of 3 days using a variety of formats including lecture, breakout activity sessions, and hands-on follow along instruction with devices/software. Each day includes a lunch break and several short duration breaks. Registered participants will receive a detailed agenda.

 

Registration Fee: $224.00

 

*Registration before May 4, 2021 will allow time for a device loan from PRC to be arranged (US Residents). A device is not required to participate in the seminar but having access to one can be beneficial during hands-on segments.

 

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)
Recognition Memory and Motor Automaticity
Language Development in the Classroom
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Conversation with Chris Klein (individual who uses a UNITY® system)
PASS Software Training
Natural Polysemy

PALSS Team

 

Guest Speaker Presentation:

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, especially for individuals with severe cognitive and/or multiple impairments.  The presentation starts off with a discussion of the value and power of low-tech systems that build toward use of a SGD that uses the Minspeak® system.  There will be practical examples of how to make and use Minspeak®-driven low tech systems, including back-up systems to a SGD.  Vocabulary and language teaching strategies to be discussed include (1) a “word-of-the-week” approach, (2) semantic networking, and (3) teaching by parts-of-speech.

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