Don’t Just Find the Switch – Teach It: Teaching Motor Skills for Switch Access and Communication

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

accessibility & UDL

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

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

Target Audience:

AT specialist

consultant

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:

Learning how to use switch scanning to communicate via a Speech Generating Device and to access curriculum topics electronically, necessitates learning a multitude of competencies. Children with significant motor impairments require intentional, purposeful, varied practice to develop automaticity of motor skills that maintain long-term, healthy musculoskeletal integrity. What strategies and software features move individuals from simple switch activations to active engagement and intrinsic motivation? How can learning to use two switches without an element of timing put the child in control and provide opportunities for active problem-solving? Come explore the Stepping Stones to Switch Access process (Burkhart) through case studies and videos. Numerous activities developed by Linda Burkhart for use with the software Mind Express (Jabbla) will be demonstrated with additional resources listed.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Describe 2 concepts of parallel learning for developing motor, communication, cognitive, and sensory processing skills.

• Explain 2 difference between switch access methods that rely on timing of motor movements with access methods that eliminate timing and their impact on improving motor access, development of intrinsic motivation and agency

• Describe 8 steps of the Stepping Stones to Switch Access process (Burkhart) for teaching motor cognitive control for switch access, to children who have severe motor challenges

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.