The focus of this 2-half day virtual seminar will be to learn to use the Unity^® language program through direct instruction, hands-on learning and small group activities. Participants will be able to communicate using Unity, explain the benefits of using Unity and learn how to begin teaching Unity as a language program.  Therapeutic activities and implementation strategies will be discussed along with numerous resources that can be accessed within the device, the PASS software and on the Internet to support therapeutic outcomes. 

Learner Outcomes:

1. Discuss the concept of an icon family within the Unity Software.
2. List the five patterns of vocabulary access in Unity.
3. Identify three tools that can be used to support intervention with Unity.

Agenda:

Day 1:

12:00 – 1:45

1. This is where it all started…
2. What are these symbols?
3. It’s all in the Family!

1:45 – 2:00 Break

2:00 – 3:30

4. Looking at Relationship

5. Let’s get Talking

6. What’s your Vision?

Day 2:

12:00 – 1:45

1. Where are you today?
2. Going beyond Requesting
3. Increasing YOUR MLU!

1:45 – 2:00 Break

2:00 – 3:30

4. Options for Retrieving Vocabulary

5. Bruce Baker’s Equation

6. Meet Jen Lowe

7. Before and After

Presenters:

Deborah Witkowski, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with 35 years of experience in AAC. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from West Virginia University in 1986 and a Master of Arts Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Pittsburgh in 1988. Deborah has devoted her entire career to working with individuals with complex communication needs. She served as assistive technology consultant for multiple school districts in the state of Connecticut over a 15-year period. She also spent 12 years working as a content developer and clinical consultant for Semantic Compaction Systems. It was at Semantic Compaction Systems where she had the opportunity to develop Unidad, a robust bilingual Spanish/English language AAC system. Currently, Deborah works as a training and implementation specialist for the Minspeak Academy at PRC-Saltillo. In addition to developing continuing education courses in a variety of formats, she also works on the content development and the bilingual vocabulary project teams. She is a member of a Bilingual AAC Professional Learning Community. Deborah is a member of ASHA and SIG 12. She maintains a small private practice in the Pittsburgh area, where she lives with her husband.

Financial: Deborah Witkowski is a salaried employee-owner of PRC-Saltillo.

Non-Financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Darlette Navrotski, M.A., CCC-SLP, has served as a PRC-Saltillo regional consultant since 1988, and has been assistant manager for the consultant network. Darlette serves Western PA and West Virginia providing education, training and support to all involved with individuals who are considering or currently communicating with an AAC device. Trained as a Master's Level Speech-Language Pathologist, Darlette has a background in Linguistics and experience in teaching English as a second language. Her career in AAC began in graduate school as a research assistant at the University of Pittsburgh on a two year grant from the Department of Education entitled "Promoting Communication in Non-speakers". She has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh where she assisted in teaching classes on AAC.

Financial: Darlette Navrotski is a salaried employee-owner of PRC-Saltillo.

Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.

Session Dates:

No Dates Scheduled. Check back soon!