Course description

Cost of Event:  Members: $75.00 - Non-Members: $115.00

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Title: Creating Core Vocabulary Environments for Students with Complex Motor and Communication Needs

Gail Van Tatenhove

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Description: 

Student with complex motor and communication needs are often provided with AAC systems that need basic needs or are designed for use in specific activities.  The vocabulary selected for often focuses on “concrete” and context-specific vocabulary because it is assumed that these words are “easy” and meet the communication needs of students with complex motor and communication needs.  An alternative approach is to emphasize core vocabulary words, instead of context-specific words; and to replace context-specific AAC systems with AAC systems with a set of easily accessible core vocabulary words that can be used across all environments and with all communication partners.  

The presentation will teach participant how to create core vocabulary environments by addressing eight key elements in an teaching team action plan: (1) selecting a set of core vocabulary words appropriate for the abilities of the student with complex needs; (2) representing core vocabulary in an AAC system, visual supports, and curriculum materials; (3) developing accessible AAC systems for motor access and easy in retrieving core vocabulary; (4) providing visual supports and multi-sensory scaffolds for use of core vocabulary in the classroom and at home; (5) practicing critical communication partner skills, such as modeling, creating communication opportunities, and asking appropriate questions; (6) teaching vocabulary using a Word-of-the-Week approach, the Book-of-the-Month Club approach, or a Grammar Rocks-Box approach; (7) using core vocabulary in school in classroom lessons to meet curriculum

Learning Outcomes:  

1. Participants will identify high frequency, re-useable core vocabulary versus activity-specific, infrequently used extended vocabulary.
2. Participants will explain how core vocabulary words are NOT picture producers.
3. Participants will develop a display accessible with partner assisted scanning and/or encoding with at least 50 core vocabulary words.
4. Participants will develop visual supports for teaching core vocabulary for at least 2 activities.
5. Participants with demonstrate modeling using a simple manual communication board.
6. Participants will demonstrate prompting and response strategies when interacting with someone using an AAC system.
7. Participants will describe the difference between teaching core vocabulary through immersion vs. explicit instruction.
8. Participants will describe at least 2 strategies for teaching core vocabulary during explicit vocabulary instruction.
9. Participants will discuss the use of descriptive teaching with core vocabulary to meet curriculum demands.
10. Participants will discuss strategies to inform, involve, and instruct family and friends in the use of core vocabulary.

Learning Objectives

Refund Policy

Registration may be cancelled up to 14 days prior to the event for a full refund. Cancellations received within 14 days of the event will not be refunded. No-show registrations will also not be refunded.

Details