Gretchen Hanser, MS, OTR/L, PhD Tova Horowitz, M.S. Ed Lindsey Garland, MS, Ed Christina Lompado, M.S., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, ATP Danielle Pepin, MEd, LMHC, TVI

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

instruction, literacy & inclusion

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12

Target Audience:

AT specialist

educator

K-12 administration
occupational therapist
paraprofessional

special educator
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.3 CEUs

ACVREP CEs:

2.5 CEs

Presentation Length: 2hrs 30mins

Date and Time (Central Daylight Time):

  • October 22, 2025
  • 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Location:

Edina

Description:

Effectively teaching literacy and communication to a classroom of students with significant physical disabilities, complex communication needs and vision impairments can be overwhelming – but it is possible! This session will describe how to implement the emergent literacy practices described in Comprehensive Literacy for ALL interwoven with robust AAC. Weaving in alphabet/sound awareness instruction, shared and independent reading and writing into everyday classroom instruction-such as morning meeting, math and social studies will also be discussed. Strategies for students with limited physical access skills and vision impairments will be infused throughout. Come learn how to teach literacy and communication…ALL day long…!

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Describe the 5 emergent literacy routines outlined in Comprehensive Literacy for All (Erickson & Koppenhaver 2020)

• Describe 3 teaching strategies used during literacy instruction activity using resources you have available to you.

• Identify 3 strategies to facilitate student AAC/communication use to engage in a learning activity.

Disclosures:

Gretchen does consulting work for Building Wings.
Christina does consulting work for Ellenson Enterprises.