TUESDAY ONLY REGISTRATION – Exploring the Cognitive Load and Motor Load of Teaching and Using an AAC System (Especially for Children with Complex Bodies)

Description

Workshop Date/Time: Tuesday, October 20 | 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

Presenter: Karen Kangas, B.S.O.T, ATP

Description: This workshop will focus on the underlying characteristics of cognitive and motor development, especially what has become critical analysis of the teaching needed to support independent AAC use. Cognitive load, motor memory, including cognitive mapping, senses maturation, and sensory processing experience will be examined as to their impact on the child’s ability to manage an AAC system. This analysis will also direct the teaching and support of the adults within the child’s environment as well as focus on the learning that the adult must acquire too.

Using an AAC device is not simple, nor natural, but the desire to communicate, to be engaged in tasks with others, is natural and powerful.This AAC competence can develop with an increased understanding of human cognitive and motor mechanisms.

Workshop Selection & Policies

Select a First and Second Choice

Registrations are processed in the order received. To ensure a smooth experience, you will be asked to provide an alternative Tuesday workshop choice at checkout.

• If your first choice is at capacity, you will automatically be placed in your second-choice workshop.
• Confirmation: Your final workshop assignment will be included in your registration confirmation.

Assigned Workshop Only (No “Floating”)

Participants must remain in their confirmed workshop for the duration of the day. 

• No “floating”: Moving between different workshops is not permitted. Materials, seating, and CEU tracking are tailored specifically to the pre-registered headcount for each room.

Attendance & CEUs

Attendance is strictly monitored and restricted to pre-registered participants.

• Verification: Consistent attendance in your assigned workshop is required to verify contact hours and issue Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Workshop Switches / Changes:

• Onsite Changes: We are unable to accommodate workshop switches onsite. Each workshop is prepared based on the pre-registered attendee list to ensure adequate resources for all.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellations must be received in writing by Closing The Gap on or before October 1, 2026. Replacements are welcome and must also be submitted in writing.

Cancellation fees:

• $125 for each administrator conference registration
• $150 for each single-day conference registration
• $200 for each student, parent, or individual with disability conference registration
• $275 for each full conference registration. Applicable to standard rate, Solutions member rate, presenter/exhibitor rate and conference registration and membership combo rate.

No refunds will be issued after October 1, 2026. Unpaid balances are due in full.

If for any reason beyond Closing The Gap’s control, Closing The Gap determines that the in-person conference must be cancelled, attendees understand and agree that their registration type shall be changed to a virtual registration. Closing The Gap is not responsible for any additional conference expenses, including hotel, travel, etc.