Mud, Roots, and AAC: Using Assistive Technology in Nature-Based Settings

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

infant / toddler
preschool
kindergarten - grade 6

Target Audience:

AT specialist
educator
occupational therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 6

Description:

This session will equip AT practitioners with practical tools for implementing assistive technology in outdoor and nature-based learning environments. Presented through an occupational therapy lens and drawing on 11 years of pediatric OT experience and five years leading an inclusive outdoor playgroup serving children with disabilities, the presenter will guide participants through three core areas: an environmental assessment framework for identifying AT barriers and access opportunities outdoors; flexible, child-led AAC strategies grounded in aided language modeling and the principle that nature itself is a communication partner; and low-tech and mid-tech AT solutions including recordable communication buttons, weather-resistant visual supports, and sensory toolkits. Participants will leave with a decision-making framework, curated resource list, and strategies ready for immediate application in outdoor and nature-based programming.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• As a result of this activity, participants will be able to conduct an environmental assessment of an outdoor or nature-based setting to identify AT barriers and access opportunities for children with disabilities, including weather conditions and access to shade or covered areas.

• As a result of this activity, participants will be able to apply flexible, child-led AAC strategies that are responsive to the open-ended, unscripted nature of outdoor learning environments.

• As a result of this activity, participants will be able to select low-tech and mid-tech AT solutions appropriate for outdoor and nature-based settings across sensory, mobility, and communication domains.

Disclosures:

Chantelle Fehlandt, MS, OTR/L, ConTiGO, discloses the following financial relationships: salary as an Early Childhood Special Education staff member, ISD 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District); and ownership/founder of Branch Outdoors LLC, which provides professional development and certification training in inclusive outdoor practice. The CIOP credential offered through Branch Outdoors is related to the content of this presentation. No other relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose.