Assistive Technology Mini-Maker Fair: Developing and Supporting Communication Skills for Individuals with ASD
Speaker: Jennifer Seale, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Sessions begin at 9am and end by 3:30pm.
Sign-in begins at 8:30am. Lunch is the responsibility of participants.
Jeff’s Catering, Brewer
Register online at our secure registration site. Registration closes one week prior to each event, so register early!
Late registrations will be considered if space is available.
Session Description:
This workshop will focus on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and assistive technology (AT) solutions that can be used by individuals who have autism. This workshop will offer techniques for evaluating high technology solutions (e.g., iPads, Tablets and Computers). This daylong workshop will also provide participants with guided opportunities to practice manipulating basic, semi-universal features of various communication apps implemented by individuals who have Autism. No endorsements are implied in this workshop. Going beyond high technology solutions, this workshop will provide participants opportunities to build AAC and AT solutions from readily available materials. Interactive morning and afternoon interactive sessions will be contextualized by brief presentations about topics important to successful implementation of AAC for language and literacy development.
Please NOTE: Though not required for attendance, participants are encouraged to bring you own technology (BYOT). Specifically, bring a communication technology solution that is representative of what is being implemented by you or your colleagues or families you work with. Additionally,if you have creative AT / AAC solutions that are not high technology oriented, you are encouraged to bring those “maker” solutions to the workshop; participants are welcome to bring their own DIY AAC solutions to be entered into an innovative thinker contest. Participants, who are new to AAC, and seasoned AAC practitioners alike, are welcome.
Contact hours are awarded free of charge. CEUs (.6) are available by contacting Deborah Rooks-Ellis at MAIER (deborah.l.rooks@maine.edu). A two-week notice and $20 processing fee is required for CEUs.
Speaker Bio: Jennifer M. Seale is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maine who teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. Her academic, research and clinical interests are focused on AAC science and practice. Dr. Seale has expertise providing AAC services to a diverse population, including individuals with Autism. Her research aims to inform AAC public policy, service delivery and product design using human computer interaction, interaction analysis and mixed-methodologies. She has presented her work in regional, national and international venues. In addition to these interests, Dr. Seale is devoted to activism and public education about important social and systemic issues unique to the AAC community. Currently, she serves as an expert consultant for the United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC) advocacy committee.
For more information about MAIER Professional Development Series click here
Register online at our secure registration site.