Course Level: All

Course runtime: 1 hour 20 minutes

Course format: e-learning, video and text.

Description

This course is designed to be a thought-provoking exploration of the different aspects that should be considered when supporting someone who uses AAC. Looking beyond the surface, this session discusses the need to create an AAC system around all of the reasons an individual might want and need to communicate day-to-day.

Throughout the talk, Becky Fry explores key areas and skills that teams around an AAC user should strengthen to be able to support success. She also presents insight into how humans connect with the world around us and the importance of bringing that into the conversation when planning for and supporting AAC.

This talk is suitable for anyone wanting to learn more about AAC. This includes professionals new to the field such as Speech and Language professionals, Educators and Occupational Therapists. This course would also be suitable for families and those supporting an individual on their AAC journey.

Course outline

This talk covers the following areas:

• Introduction, about the speaker and Smartbox.
• What matters to us as communicators?
• Ongoing support for AAC.
• What matters in life? Theory of self-determination.
• Going beyond the surface of words.
• One-size fits one and questions to consider.
• Readiness to learn.
• Assessment and feature matching skills.

Content disclosure: This course may use examples predominantly from Smartbox Products, other products will be included in a limited format.

Learner outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe four things that are important for people as communicators.
• Identify two needs that must be met for an individual to be ready to learn.
• Describe three features of a robust vocabulary.

Completion requirements: You must complete all course content including reading all text and watching all video content. This course is assessed via a multiple-choice, five-question knowledge check at the end of the course. The pass score is 80%. You can take the knowledge check multiple times.

Instructor bios

Becky Fry | Clinical AAC Specialist (SLT).

View full instructor bios.

Disclosures

Financial disclosure: Becky Fry is an employee of Smartbox Assistive Technology and receives a salary.

Non-financial disclosure: Becky Fry has no relevant non-financial disclosure.