Don't miss these presentations at Closing the Gap!

Let’s “Chat” About Literacy in the Classroom

Using AAC devices, Chat Editor and a smart board, we successfully implemented literacy in the elementary school classroom to teach students who are nonverbal and who have learning disabilities. Using 20 selected targeted words (core words and high frequency Dolch sight words), the entire team collaborated to improve both reading and communication skills. Using best practices of modeling and focused literacy intervention, students made measurable growth. By immersing the students in predictable text and building a personal library of books, they gained ownership of their learning. Books were also sent home to help families learn the AAC device, as well as to provide a concrete opportunity for generalization.

Date and Time:

  • October 19, 2017
  • 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Presenters:

  • Maureen Castillo
  • Sarah Fischer

https://www.closingthegap.com/conf-presentation/lets-chat-about-literacy-in-the-classroom/ 

 

Bilingual WordPower: WP60 Basic and WP60 Espanol Basic

This presentation will provide an in-depth overview of the new WordPower60 Espanol Basico vocabulary for the TouchChat app, and the corresponding NOVA chat/Chat Fusion devices. WP60 Espanol Basico was developed to correlate with the English WP60 Basic vocabulary. Device Profiles allow one to navigate easily between the two systems for bilingual AAC users. Manual communication board supports are included, as well as pages to support children’s books to enhance development of literacy and use of core language.

Date and Time:

  • October 18, 2017
  • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Presenters:

  • Nancy Inman
  • Pamela Corley

https://www.closingthegap.com/conf-presentation/bilingual-wordpower-wp60-basic-and-wp60-espanol-basic/

 

 

First Annual AAC Town Hall (For Adults Who Use AAC)

 

DESCRIPTION

 

 

Do You Use AAC? You’re Invited to Join Us!

At the First Annual AAC Town Hall Meeting at Closing the Gap 2017, we will discuss What Brings Us Together? Everybody is welcome to attend, but only those who use AAC can speak. If you communicate using AAC, come share your thoughts!

Please RSVP to Deanna.morrow@spps.org by September 22nd!*
There is no cost for people who use AAC and one assistant to attend the Town Hall meeting

 

Facilitators will ask one question at a time and everybody will have a turn to answer. These are the questions that the facilitators will ask. Please prepare your answers in advance so you are ready to share and make connections with other participants:

1. What is your name?      2. Where are you from?      3. How are we the same?

4. How are we different?      5. What makes you strong?      6. If you could do anything, what would you do?

Facilitators, Tom Reed and Eh Nay Moo pictured above.

 

*Email Deanna to RSVP if you plan to attend/participate in the Town Hall. Also let her know  if you will have an assistant, which parts of the conference you wish to attend and if you have any equipment or technology needs related to your AAC system.

Closing the Gap is offering participants in this presentation (individuals who use AAC and one assistant), free admission Wednesday, October 18. Those interested in full conference participation, may attend the full 3-day conference (Oct. 18-20), for the reduced rate of $200 (one assistant receives a guest pass). 
 
AAC users interested in participation, must contact Deanna on or before September 22. Closing The Gap will follow up directly with participants after September 22 with conference specifics and registration options.

 

Date and Time:

  • October 18, 2017
  • 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Presenters:

  • Deanna Morrow
  • Jolene Hyppa Martin

https://www.closingthegap.com/conf-presentation/first-annual-aac-town-hall-meeting-at-closing-the-gap-2017/