SET Events highlights projects, training activities, and events in the assistive technology community.

Supporting People who use AAC Strategies: In the Home, School and Community

March, April and May, 2008

This March through May, SET-BC and CAYA are hosting the 2008 AAC Workshop “Supporting People who use AAC Strategies: In the Home, School and Community”. This purpose of this presentation is to introduce augmentative and augmentative communication (AAC) as a way of thinking about the total process of communication. Staff from SET-BC, CAYA and the Assistive Technology Seating Service program at GF Strong developed the presentation and is active in showing it.

The presentations started in March in with events in Kamloops, Kelowna and Penticton. Vancouver, Prince George, Abbotsford and Surrey have recently held the work shop. Sessions in Victoria, Parksville, Cranbrook, Terrace and Fort St. John will soon be held.

Participants are presented with a variety of resources including overviews of single choice, multiple choice, dynamic display, iconic sequencing and text to speech devices, videos of students using AAC technologies, and case studies. As well participants are able to rotate through several stations and have “hands on” experience with a wide variety of AAC devices.

Participants have included classroom teachers, educational assistants, special education teachers, OTs, PTs and district speech and language pathologists.

Comments from participants include:
• The "hands on" stations were really helpful. Ample time to trial all the technology
• A well structured day with great teaching!
• The case studies and video clips were very informative.

The AAC workshop, “Supporting People who use AAC Strategies: In the Home, School and Community”, will continue through to early May. For more information on upcoming locations and dates and how to register for the workshops please check out SET-BC’s Upcoming Events Calendar.