New Perspectives on Vision, Voice, and Choice: Navigating AAC Options for Complex Visual Needs

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

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

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
consultant
deaf / hard of hearing
educator
family member / caregiver

K-12 administration

paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired
university professor / personnel
vision impairment specialist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.01 CEU

ACVREP CEs:

1 CE

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 5

Description:

This session will equip educators, speech-language pathologists, and families with the knowledge and skills to improve AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) strategies for individuals with cortical visual impairment (CVI). Examining best practices in AAC, symbol selection, and access bridges understanding with practical use. Key objectives include understanding the visual processing challenges of those with CVI and emphasizing collaboration with Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments to create effective solutions. Participants will learn to recognize the visual preferences of individuals with CVI, select appropriate symbols, systems, and devices, and adapt communication methods like partner-assisted scanning and tactile or auditory channels.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Describe the impact of vision, specifically CVI, on AAC access, symbol choices, and device selection.

• Discuss what the research suggests with respect to CVI, changes that can be expected in response to intervention

• Identify when alternative communication methods (e.g., partner-assisted scanning, tactile symbols, or auditory channels) are more suitable for individuals with CVI.

Disclosures:

Owner, Buckingham Educational Services & Training, LLC Lead Assistive Technology Facilitator, Kansas Infinitec
Owner, Every Move Counts Founding member of QIAT