This course is an interactive and hands-on overview of the various methods by which individuals with multiple disabilities access augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Strategies and considerations that impact language learning, and ultimately the ability to communicate with AAC, are also reviewed. Through demonstration, video examples, and hands-on experience participants will explore eye tracking technology, infrared sensing (head tracking), single and multiple switch control, and touch access for AAC devices. Clinical and practical assessment considerations will be discussed across the access methods, along with implications for teaching and common adjustments to increase effectiveness in access and overall communication. This class will also touch on the impact of various movement disorders and vision related issues on the design of the user interface, adjustments to specific access methods, and overall impact on SGD setup.

This course will also examines tool use learning as it applies first to powered mobility (Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use – ALP), second as it applies to augmentative and alternative communication (ALP for AAC) and how the ALP impacts decision making for specific strategies and techniques you may implement or provide. Through interprofessional collaboration, the authors will demonstrate how the ALP for powered mobility has been adapted to the AAC population, providing a framework to help guide clinicians in assessing alternative access, and to increase proficiency with the chosen access method. Audience participation in rating videos and reviewing clinical strategies will be included.

Lastly, we will examine proper wheelchair mounting for a Speech Generating Device. This will include an overview of basic principles for choosing and setting up a wheelchair mount.  An overview of all the components will be made as well as how to identify the proper clamps, tubes, and joints for specific wheelchairs.  Participants will engage in a 75-minute hands-on lab to build and adjust their own mounts using the actual components.  Issues will be discussed for clinical considerations of the impacts mounting can have on communication and activities of daily living along with safety issues when mounting to an individual’s mobility system.

Learning Outcomes:

At the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Advanced Access:

1. Distinguish the various types of direct and indirect selection by which an individual with physical or multiple disabilities may access a speech-generating device.
2. Describe 3 strategies for modifying the visual display based upon the needs of someone with acuity or cortical visual impairment.
3. Identify settings within each access method that can be adjusted and matched to a new learner’s physical, cognitive, and sensory skills and abilities.
4. Define strategies and settings to accommodate various movement disorders for either switch, head tracking or eye tracking. 

ALP:

1. recognize the tool use learning process in powered mobility intervention
2. identify the three stages and eight phases in the learning process
3. explain three considerations in assessing a client’s level of AAC access proficiency

Mounting:

1. Identify and define the 5 core principles of wheelchair mounting for a Speech Generating Device. 
2. Identify and locate the major parts of a wheelchair mount when attached to an individual’s wheelchair.
3. Explain three impacts mounting can have on communication and activities of daily living. 

Agenda:

Day One

15 minutes – Introduction

15 minutes – Overview of the ALP

• Tool use
• Stages and Phases – process-based assessment
• Video
• Research

60 minutes – ALP for AAC

• Application to AAC 
• Video Examples of Each Stage
• Scoring the ALP

20 minutes – Facilitating strategies and application

10 minutes – Summary, Review, Questions, Planning

15 minutes – Introduction to Access

60 minutes – Vision (Acuity Issues, Ocular Motor, and Cortical Vision Impairments)

45 minutes – Positioning and Movement

45 minutes – Touch Access

30 minutes – Head Tracking: Part I

45 minutes – Head Tracking: Part II

45 minutes – Eye Tracking:  Part I

Day 2

75 minutes – Eye Tracking: Part II continued

120 minutes – Switches

60 minutes – Grand Rounds:  Video Reviews

15 minutes – Introduction to Core Principles

30 minutes – Overview of mounting components.

• Identifying the proper base clamp and tools.
• Putting the basic mount together.
• Safety Considerations.

75 minutes – Hands on Lab with questions and answer.

Click here for instructor bio and disclosures

Please note the following details regarding this course:

• You must register for this course using your own AACLJ account.
• All attendees will have the opportunity to download a Certificate of Attendance/Completion, depending on the class.
• ASHA CEU and certificate eligibility require complete live attendance.
• Certificates will be available to participants with verified attendance within a 2-week processing period.

Session Dates:

• In-Person with Shawn Malcomson in Fort Wayne, IN
  December 10, 2024 : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST
• In-Person with Shawn Malcomson in Fort Wayne, IN
  December 11, 2024 : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST