Learning Opportunities

Learning language is less like one person opening a locked door and more like a team of construction workers building a house. Rarely is it the case that a dynamic augmentative communication device is put in place and then suddenly scores of language comes spilling out of a student. Instead, it takes a consistent, collaborative effort to implement a functional language system.

Working to provide students with a way to communicate is often a difficult task wrought with barriers and challenges. Together we’ll explore proven strategies for teaching students how to become effective communicators by teaching them language.

In this learning opportunity, you will:

• Learn how to implement strategies that focus on key elements of augmentative and alternative communication.
• Learn the answers to questions pertaining to the implementation of core vocabulary (the most frequently used words).
• Learn strategies on how to integrate aided language stimulation (modeling using a student’s communication system).
• Learn how motor planning/motor memory is a necessary component to building automaticity and expanding language.
• Discuss the theory and practice of implementing a language-based curriculum and develop a plan for how language can become the focus of every lesson, activity, and endeavor all day long in all environments.
• Leave with practical (and fun) ideas for how to successfully implement an expressive language system based on core vocabulary.

Stop dooming your students to a life of goldfish crackers and start using a system that works to usher students into a world where they become functional communicators.

See Chris in action!

Accommodations:

Fantasyland Hotel is pleased to offer ERLC an “open block” for this event. Individual reservations can be made by contacting their Hotel Reservations Department directly at (780) 444-5541 or toll-free at 1 (800) 737-3783. Callers MUST ask for Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium's corporate weekday rate of $164.00 and $210.00 weekend rate. 

Target Audience

Teachers, Educational Assistants, Instructional Leaders and Therapists of Students and anyone working with students who are nonverbal or using an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) system