KIC Conference - National Speaker Caroline Musselwhite

Workshop Title: Empowering Complex Learners through Access, Authenticity, and Engagement

Description: This workshop provides educators with actionable strategies to support learners with complex needs, including augmentative and augmentative communication, motor impairments, and cortical visual impairment (CVI).  Participants will explore finding accessible materials and physical access, developing truly authentic learning that results in generalization, and engaging students so that they WANT to learn. The session features a deep dive into high- and low-tech supports—including switches, AAC devices, adapted books, and alternate pencils—with a specific focus on integrating these tools into core content. By the end of the session, attendees will understand how to effectively set up materials and environments so that every student has a clear, measurable way to show what they know and demonstrate progress toward their educational goals.

About Dr. Musselwhite 

Dr. Caroline Musselwhite is an assistive technology specialist with more than 45 years of experience working with children and adolescents with significant disabilities in a variety of settings, including Head Start, clinics, developmental day programs, homes, and the public schools. Dr. Musselwhite has written a number of textbooks and “how-to” books on a range of topics, and has authored many books and software programs for youth with disabilities. She has taught courses at several universities and presented thousands of workshops throughout North and South America, Australia, Europe, and Africa. She has also supported Communication Circles and Balanced Literacy Clubs in multiple cities in the US and Canada. 

Financial Disclosure: Relevant Financial Relationships: Caroline Musselwhite is the owner of AAC Intervention and receives compensation as such. During her presentation she will be referencing her company and actual case studies. She has authored many books and software items and receives royalties and or consulting fees for these publications through her company,  Don Johnston Inc. and the Attainment Company. She has consulted with other companies including AbleNet, Assistiveware, and Panther Technologies. She has consulted with nonprofit groups such as FAST and Angelman Syndrome Association. Relevant Nonfinancial Relationships: Caroline Musselwhite is a founding member, Executive Board Member, and Board of Directors Member of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC).

Agenda

• 7:30am Registration Opens
• 8:15am Welcoming Remarks
• 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM - Introduction and Overview
  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Access to Writing, Alternative Pencils (why and why not), Supporting Emergent Writing, Let's Write!
  • 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM - Access to Conversation for Nonspeaking Learners
• 11:15am - 12:45pm – Student Awards Luncheon
• 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  • 1:00 PM - 2:40 PM - Access to Reading Materials, Finding Good Books, Physical Access, Creating Books
  • 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM - Poetry: Supporting Reading and Writing, Listening to Poems, Creating Poems
• 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Conclusion 

Level: This presentation is an intermediate level.  Participants should be aware of the basic components of emergent literacy (shared reading, independent reading, alphabet and phonological awareness, independent writing with the full alphabet, and predictable chart writing, all based on having access to a communication system).

Who Should Attend: This workshop is intended for individuals working with complex learners (including individuals who use AAC, have motor impairments, and / or have cortical vision impairments).  That would include:  special ed teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational or physical therapists, parents and other caregivers, paraeducators, administrators, and general education teachers.

Register here

Must attend the full live training session and complete the “Intent to Change” statement to earn ASHA Continuing Education.

OT Certification 

College Credit Available from Friends University for an extra fee of $85. 

Approved for 5 hours of continuing education clock hours for  Kansas licensed Speech-Language Pathologists by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Partial financial support from the Kansas Department of Education. 

• Describe the components of purposeful inclusion including the importance of accessible materials to bridge the gap between grade-level standards and individual student needs.
• Identify at least three strategies for implementing independent reading and writing routines that promote language, print awareness, and active participation in the curriculum for students.
• Create a process template on selecting or adapting alternative pencils and emergent writing tools to support early writing for students with complex physical, sensory, or communication needs so they can participate in curriculum-based activities.