Pittsburgh AAC Language Seminar Series:
Facing the Challenges of Access and Functional Competence of AAC Kids with Complex Bodies
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
Facing the Challenges of Access and Functional Competence of AAC Kids with Complex Bodies
Karen Kangas, OTR/L
Access independence and competence remain a challenge for students with complex bodies. To support children in developing and using “access” to AT devices, we must better understand how their bodies work functionally, (rather than pathologically) and what different seating equipment is needed. We need to understand sensory processing directly affects visual convergence, task attention, task engagement and postural control.
Access can’t simply be a choice of eye gaze, or single switch scanning, but must become a part of the activities within a child’s day. Equipment must include the knowledge of the activity and its inherent seating, movement, and experience needs.