AAC Summer Workshop

AAC Summer Workshop 2024

June 12th

Session One: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Exploring Illinois Service Access Agencies and Developmental Disability Transitions

Course Description: TBA

Presenter: LeAnndra Keltner

LeAnndra was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois Springfield. She has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for 15 years. She currently serves as the associate director of an independent service coordination agency named Central Illinois Service Access (CISA). In her free time, she is busy running around with her three daughters to different activities and sporting events.

June 12th, Session One – Registration Link (New Page)

JUNE 13th

Session One: 8:30am-10:00am

Be A Star with Aided Language Input

Course Description: Communication is a two-way process. As such, the successful implementation of an AAC device depends as much on the skills of the person using AAC as it does on those of the communication partners. This session will provide an overview of the characteristics, roles, and responsibilities of communication partners working with people who use AAC, with a focus on aided language input. Aided language input is a strategy in which the communication partner uses AAC to teach AAC.

CEUs Available: 1 contact hour and 0.1 CEUs

June 13th, Session One – Registration link (New Page)

Presenter 1: Nicole Lahey, M.A. CCC-SLP

Before joining PRC-Saltillo, Nicole worked as an SLP in an outpatient pediatric clinic, which exposed her to many children who used speech-generating devices, as well as having “first-time” conversations about AAC. Nicole says, “Seeing how AAC provides a voice for anyone of all ages is incredible. What I really love is providing education about AAC to families to empower them in understanding and using alternative communication so they can confidently continue to build a relationship with those near them who may not be able to use their natural voice. I’m lucky to have the privilege of reaching so many families in the Chicagoland area. PRC-Saltillo supports me so I can support those who need a voice.”

Presenter 2: Catlaina (they did not provide a last name and wish not to)

Hello! My name is Catlaina. I live with my mom and two cats in Kansas. I have autism and significant dysfluency. High-tech AAC has been my jam for the past nine years or so. Currently, I’m using an Accent 1000 with LAMP and a keyguard. I like art (especially if it’s weird), writing, drawing, and crocheting. I crochet toys every week for a foster care program in Arkansas. I can also play the piano and bass clarinet. Many autistic people have one subject that they’re passionate about, and for me, that’s AAC. I absolutely love AAC: one, because I think it’s super interesting how AAC operates and can be organized. And two, because it enables so many with speech disabilities to communicate fully.

Session Two: 10:30am – 11:30am

Empowering the Communication Journey: Fostering Capacity Across All Levels

Course Description: Join us for an engaging conversation on how School Assistive Technology (AT) Teams can provide support for students throughout their educational journey. We view communication as an ongoing process, where students must acquire proficiency in utilizing diverse tools. Kim and Jamie will illustrate how their school district implemented Universal Design for Learning strategies to extend the reach of AAC tools and methods throughout our school community.

They will outline the development of a comprehensive system that facilitates district-wide access to AAC tools, prioritizing a language-first approach. Additionally, they will discuss their interdisciplinary outreach efforts and innovative training solutions aimed at promoting the use of AT/AAC for various educational objectives.

Profession Development Hours (PHDs) Available: PHDs: 1.0 hours

June 13th, Session Two – Registration Link (New Page):

Presenter 1: Jamie Bodden Austin M.S., CCC-SLP/L

Jamie Bodden Austin is speech language pathologist with 25+ years experience working in the U.S., Ireland, and Scotland. Jamie supports individuals with complex communication needs and families: within early intervention school, through adults. Jamie has conducted research expanding play skills in autistic children and has presented locally, state, and nationally. She is a Certified PODD Presenter and has dedicated her work to coach, inspire communication partners, and find ways to socially connect using AAC systems. Jamie is currently an Assistive Technology Coach with CUSD308 in Oswego, Il.

Presenter 2: Kim Richmiller-Zinn M.S. CCC-SLP

Kim Richmiller-Zinn, an experienced speech language pathologist with two decades of practice across Kansas, Michigan, and Illinois, specializes in aiding individuals with diverse communication requirements and their families. Kim played an integral role in establishing and expanding the District’s Assistive Technology Department. She has shared her expertise through presentations at local, state, and national levels, demonstrating a commitment to fostering inclusivity for all communicators. Currently serving as an Assistive Technology Coach at CUSD308 in Oswego, IL, Kim continues to advocate for an inclusive environment.

Session Three: 12:30pm-1:30pm

Keep Doing What Matters; Empower Individuals to Do What They Once Did or Never Thought Possible

Course Description: Participants will review Tobii Dynavox solutions for computer access, internet access, texting and calling, environmental control as well as access to education and entertainment.

Profession Development Hours (PHDs) Available: PHDs: 1.0 hours

June 13th, Session Three – Registration Link (New Page)

Presenter 1: Claire Parrent, M.S. CCC-SLP

Claire Parrent, MS, CCC-SLP – I am a speech language pathologist with 15 years of focused AAC experience with both pediatrics and adults across a variety of settings. I joined the Tobii Dynavox Team in the spring of 2022 and have loved supporting SLPs and adults in obtaining communication devices and equipment to increase independence. I live in St. Louis with my husband, Scott, and we have 2 boys, Mason and Jack.

Presenter 2: Andrea Winfrey, M.A. CCC-SLP

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with 15+ years of experience working with adults and pediatrics in diverse settings. I am especially passionate about working with young children through Early Intervention and Early Childhood programs! I truly believe in the power of taking a team-based approach to AAC assessment and implementation. I live in St. Louis with my husband Dave, daughter Eva (22 months) and stepdaughter Vivian (7). We love exploring all that St. Louis has to offer, especially outdoor adventures!

Session Four: 1:45pm-2:45pm

TD Snap Motor Plan Overview

Course Description: TD Snap Motor Plan is a symbol-supported page set that focuses on core words and word-by-word sentence construction. Each word appears only once with a distinct path, or motor plan, to find it. This course will review the unique features of this page set and its language organization as well as discuss key features and provide software demonstrations.

Profession Development Hours (PHDs) Available: PHDs: 1.0 hours

June 13th, Session Four – Registration Link (New Page)

Presenter 1: Claire Parrent, M.S. CCC-SLP

Claire Parrent, MS, CCC-SLP – I am a speech language pathologist with 15 years of focused AAC experience with both pediatrics and adults across a variety of settings. I joined the Tobii Dynavox Team in the spring of 2022 and have loved supporting SLPs and adults in obtaining communication devices and equipment to increase independence. I live in St. Louis with my husband, Scott, and we have 2 boys, Mason and Jack.

Presenter 2: Andrea Winfrey, M.A. CCC-SLP

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with 15+ years of experience working with adults and pediatrics in diverse settings. I am especially passionate about working with young children through Early Intervention and Early Childhood programs! I truly believe in the power of taking a team-based approach to AAC assessment and implementation. I live in St. Louis with my husband Dave, daughter Eva (22 months) and stepdaughter Vivian (7). We love exploring all that St. Louis has to offer, especially outdoor adventures!

Session Five: 3:00pm-4:30pm

Supporting Gestalt Language Processors with TD Snap

Course Description: Learn how features within TD Snap can facilitate language development for Gestalt Language Processors who are AAC users. In this session you’ll explore potential page set ups to support their language learning style

ASHA CEUs Available: 0.1 CEUs

June 13th, Session Five – Registration Link (New Page)

Presenter 1: Claire Parrent, M.S. CCC-SLP

Claire Parrent, MS, CCC-SLP – I am a speech language pathologist with 15 years of focused AAC experience with both pediatrics and adults across a variety of settings.  I joined the Tobii Dynavox Team in the spring of 2022 and have loved supporting SLPs and adults in obtaining communication devices and equipment to increase independence.  I live in St. Louis with my husband, Scott, and we have 2 boys, Mason and Jack.

Presenter 2: Andrea Winfrey, M.A. CCC-SLP

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with 15+ years of experience working with adults and pediatrics in diverse settings.  I am especially passionate about working with young children through Early Intervention and Early Childhood programs!  I truly believe in the power of taking a team-based approach to AAC assessment and implementation.  I live in St. Louis with my husband Dave, daughter Eva (22 months) and stepdaughter Vivian (7).  We love exploring all that St. Louis has to offer, especially outdoor adventures!