Communication Partner Instruction in AAC

Day 1 is appropriate for speech-language pathologists, Occupational therapists, teachers, instructional assistants, and other professionals who work with children using AAC, as well as for parents and caregivers of children using AAC.

Day 2 is appropriate for those with basic AAC Knowledge and skills who wish to learn more about teaching others.

*Day 1 is REQUIRED in order to attend Day 2*

At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to:

Day 1

• List three benefits of providing partner-augmented input.

• Describe the 6 steps involved in successful modeling.

• Demonstrate the ability to produce words and phrases on a speech-generating device.

Day 2

• Identify three benefits of communication partner instruction.

• Summarize eight components of successful communication partner training programs.

• Name data collection strategies to monitor partner and child progress.

Jill E. Senner, PhD, CCC-SLP has over 20 years of experience working with children with complex communication needs. She is the owner and director of Technology and Language Center where she specializes in providing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services via telepractice. Dr. Senner presents lectures on AAC topics online and around the world, has published research articles and textbook chapters on AAC, and is an adjunct professor of speech-language pathology at DePaul University.

Matthew R. Baud, MS, CCC-SLP, has been working with AAC for over 15 years. He currently is the Assistive Technology Coordinator at Niles Township District for Special Education (NTDSE) performing evaluations, trainings, and coaching communication partners. Matthew also has his own AAC private practice working with individuals with complex communication needs from birth through adulthood. He is an adjunct professor at Saint Xavier University where he teaches a graduate course in AAC and has presented at national and state conferences. Matthew has published research in the areas of AAC.

Evidence-based research supports the use of partner-augmented input (PAI), also known as aided language modeling, as an intervention strategy for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). There are multiple benefits of modeling AAC use, but how can this be done effectively across a child’s many environments? All of a child’s communication partners must be taught how to model on the child’s speech-generating device (SGD) to create an immersion environment for learning the new language!

Day 1 (required*) is an introductory SMoRRESTM level 1 session appropriate for all communication partners including speech-language pathologists, teachers, instructional assistants, and other professionals who work with children using AAC, as well as for parents and caregivers of children using AAC. Participants will set goals for the training, learn why modeling is so important, verbally rehearse the steps to successful modeling, see videos of modeling in the classroom and home, and practice modeling. NOTE: A communication device, app, emulation software, book or board is required to participate in a variety of interactive, hands-on training activities designed for learning and improving modeling skills. * Day 1 is a prerequisite for day 2.

Day 2 (optional) is an intermediate, SMoRRES® level 2 session organized to teach team leaders, AAC/AT specialists, and SLPs the skills needed to implement the SMoRRES® Training Program. Participants will learn the steps involved in implementing the communication partner training program with fidelity and will be provided with a DVD, PowerPoint, and a manual to enable them to employ the program in their own schools or practices.

* Day 1 is a prerequisite for day 2. Participants who have already attended a full day SMoRRES Level 1 Training (see below for a list of qualifying workshops) may waive registration for day 1 by submitting a course completion certificate.

SMoRRESTM Level 1 Trainings:

- Ingredients to Successful Modeling: SMoRRESTM and Partner-Augmented

-Partner-Augmented Input: Modeling AAC in the Classroom.

- Communication Partner Instruction in Partner-Augmented Input: 8 Steps to Success Day 1

If you would like to register for the day 2 only option please email Kim Sydello at, [email protected] with a copy of your prerequisite certificate.

Continuing Education credits for O.T./ S.T will be offered through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.

Early Intervention credits have been requested for 6 contact hours each day.

All participants will receive a course completion certificate upon successful completion of the conference. No certificates will be awarded until course completion is verified on the final date of the conference.

Host or Publisher Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley