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) and their environment. 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 learn about eye tracking, head tracking, single and multiple switch control, and touch access for AAC apps as well as the iOS ecosystem. 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 device setup.

This course will also examine 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.

Learner 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 an iOS-based 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 touch access, switch control, 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

Agenda:

Day One

                15m - Introduction

                90m - ALP for AAC Pt. 1

                30m - ALP for AAC pt. 2

                60m - Vision (Acuity Issues, Ocular Motor, and Cortical Vision Impairments)

                45m - Positioning and Movement Disorders

                45m - Touch Access

                60m - Assistive Touch & Gestures

                45m - iOS Shortcuts

Day Two

                120m - Eye Tracking

                120m - Switch Control

                60m - Head Tracking

                60m - Environmental Controls

                30m - Video Grand Rounds

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
  February 27, 2025 : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST
• In-Person with Shawn Malcomson
  February 28, 2025 : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST