Switch Accessible Literacy Tools for Auditory Learners and Individuals with Significant CVI

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

instruction, literacy & inclusion

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

infant / toddler
preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist

consultant

educator
family member / caregiver

occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired
university professor / personnel
vision impairment specialist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.3 CEUs

ACVREP CEs:

2.5 CEs

Presentation Length: 2hrs 30mins

Location:

Atrium 6

Description:

Individuals with complex communication needs, significant physical and visual challenges, must have access to systematic teaching for comprehensive emergent literacy instruction. Many available tools rely on good vision and may not work well for auditory learners. This presentation will take a look at features of electronic tools that will enhance, not replace, robust literacy learning for individuals who may depend heavily on auditory information for taking in and producing text. This presentation will demonstrate these principles using examples, case studies and videos of individuals using Mind Express software and Switch On Literacy templates (Burkhart). A number of concepts presented may also be applied to a variety of grid-based applications and authoring tools, depending upon specific features. Additional resources will be shared.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe two challenges for teaching literacy to students who have visual and physical challenges along with complex communication needs.

• Discuss 3 features of electronic tools that will enhance active participation within comprehensive literacy instruction for auditory learners

• Explain two strategies to teach writing skills using the full alphabet in combination with composing text from co-planned content.

Disclosures:

Linda Burkhart is self-employed with a small home consulting business. She is the author of several books and software activities that work with Mind Expxress (Jabbla). She sometimes demonstrates these activities at trainings, along with other software titles from a variety of vendors. Linda consults and presents trainings nationally and internationally on topics such as: Assistive Technology, multi-modal communication, AAC, and PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display). She receives honorariums for workshops, trainings and consulting from the organization sponsoring each event.