What’s All This about Alternative Pencils and Writing for Students with CCN & CVI?

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

instruction, literacy & inclusion

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12

Target Audience:

AT specialist

educator
family member / caregiver

K-12 administration
occupational therapist
paraprofessional

special educator
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.01 CEU

ACVREP CEs:

1 CE

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Edina

Description:

Students with complex communication needs (CCN) – especially students with significant physical disabilities and Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI) – often have limited opportunities, if any, to write with the full alphabet. Holding a conventional pencil or using a conventional keyboard is simply not an option, BUT- there is an alternative! How about an alternative pencil? This session will provide a short overview of alternative pencils, real reasons to write and what it looks like in a busy classroom with students who are exploring the alphabet. Come see how to make this happen for students who have never had the opportunity to write!

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Describe at least 3 alternative pencils.

• Identify 3 different open ended, authentic writing activities.

• Describe at least 2 strategies for supporting students in developing their own topic ideas for generative writing.

Disclosures:

Gretchen does consulting work for Building Wings.