Due to public health concerns about the Covid-19 virus, PRC-Saltillo will only be providing in-person trainings when we can comply with CDC and local guidelines, and we feel we can ensure the health and safety of our hosts, attendees, and trainers. As conditions change, trainings may be moved online, as necessary. If you have questions about PRC-Saltillo trainings, please email info@prc-saltillo.com.
Thank you for your interest in hosting a training. We look forward to working with you to provide an informative, fun and safe atmosphere for learning! PRC-Saltillo strives to provide the highest level of service while also following all local and state guidelines for COVID-19 safety as well as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization regarding gatherings. As such, we have a few questions and notices to keep in mind when requesting a training:
Our classes are presented by the local Consultant for your area who will work with you to select a date and time that fits your schedule. Please fill out the form to submit your request. Your Local Consultant will respond to discuss the options.
Please note:
The successful implementation of an AAC device depends on the skills of the AAC user, as well as, the skills of all communication partners in the environment. The speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a crucial communication partner; however, many AAC users often receive physical therapy (PT) and/or occupational therapy (OT), in addition. The focus of this session is on implementing an AAC device on a multi-disciplinary team, including PTs and OTs. This session provides an overview of core language, the importance of communication partners, and how to implement a device. SLPs may implement many of these strategies, as well, and assist members of the team in implementing an AAC device with ideas, suggestions, and further support. Implementation strategies discussed include aided language input, using sabotage to elicit communication, establishing routines, and using scripts. Participants will have the opportunity to put it to practice through hands-on activities.
This course will review and explore the features and functions of ChatEditor. ChatEditor is a free companion program for the Saltillo line of devices (i.e. NovaChat, ChatFusion, and TouchChat Express), as well as the TouchChat Application. It is available as a download on your Windows desktop or laptop computer. Participants will learn how to install, set up a configuration, customize a vocabulary, and back up a customized file using ChatEditor. ChatEditor offers an added bonus of customizing a vocabulary file without taking the device away from the user and easily transferring the file at a convenient time. Additionally, participants will observe how to quickly utilize the capture tool to create a button sequence that can be used in visual supports.
This course will review and explore vocabulary files that are available on the NOVA chat devices and TouchChat application. This course will help professionals/parents to better understand pre-selected vocabulary files, specifically, who developed them, why they were developed, and how they are organized. Participants will be provided with "hands-on" time to learn the vocabulary files that are presented. By better understanding the vocabulary files, participants will be more equipped to select the most appropriate vocabulary files for a client using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
This course will introduce you to Saltillo Corporation and its communication solutions (i.e., NovaChat, ChatFusion, TouchChat Express, and the TouchChat App). Participants will learn about the different vocabulary options available, which can easily be customized to meet your client's needs. A demonstration of customization and use of the devices will be included, along with hands on experience. Key software and hardware features will be discussed. Participants will also learn about the many free resources Saltillo offers including the ChatEditor companion software, online implementation materials, funding support, webinars, and more!
This workshop will present a research-based strategy to increase communication for individuals using a speech generating device (SGD) via communication partner education. Participants will learn about a simple 3-4 step strategy to incorporate into everyday communicative contexts. Participants will be given time to practice (role-play) various communication partner roles across communication contexts, as well as hands-on practice with situations they may encounter on a regular basis with the individual using the SGD.
This interactive course begins with a review of Saltillo's ChatEditor, the free companion software that is available to use with both the TouchChat Application and the Saltillo devices (e.g., NovaChat, ChatFusion, TouchChat Express). After creating a configuration, participants will observe how to transfer and open a vocabulary file within ChatEditor software. Participants will then engage in a hands-on learning experience, as they discover how to print pages and use the button capture tool to create button sequences. Participants will then paste these button sequences into provided templates to create quick and easy visual supports and materials.
Participants must bring/have a computer with the most updated ChatEditor software.
http://saltillo.com/products/chat-editor
What is AAC? Could AAC benefit children under 3 years of age? If so, when and how do I get started? These questions and more will be discussed in this 90 minute introductory session about AAC and early intervention. Participants will learn about the different types of AAC available, and how those can support language and communication. The course will discuss common myths and parental concerns surrounding AAC in the birth to three population. Strategies and resources are provided to help early interventionists support parents in considering and using AAC options.
*It is suggested the participate download and print the handout prior to class.
This class will review and explore vocabulary files that are available on the NovaChat devices and TouchChat application. This course will help professionals/parents to better understand pre-selected vocabulary files, specifically, who developed them, why they were developed, and how they are organized. Participants will be provided with "hands-on" time to learn the vocabulary files that are presented. By better understanding the vocabulary files, participants will be more equipped to select the most appropriate vocabulary files for a client using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
This workshop will present research-based techniques to increase communication for individuals using a speech generating device (SGD) via communication partner education. Participants will learn about communication and communication characteristics common to both partners, how to increase communication by modifying their own behaviors, and a simple strategy to incorporate into everyday communicative contexts. Six techniques to incorporate into everyday communicative contexts will be presented.
Literacy is a continuum that starts at birth, developing simultaneously and interrelatedly with speaking and listening. Teaching literacy is one of the most empowering things we can do for people who use AAC, and it starts with fostering emergent literacy skills. This seminar will help participants understand literacy from a developmental perspective. It will then focus on building emergent literacy skills by 1) providing access to an AAC system with core language, 2) engaging in shared reading, 3) making reading materials accessible, and 4) engaging in early writing activities. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities to further their learning. Discussion will also include how to use AAC in the context of phonological awareness. Resources, strategies, and tools will be shared, giving participants ideas to get started fostering emergent literacy with individuals who use AAC.
TouchChat, created by Saltillo, is a full-featured communication solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person's ability to use natural speech. There are so many great features included in TouchChat, but where do you begin? Communication is a fundamental human need and this session will help participants achieve maximum potential with TouchChat app. We will explore vocabulary and spend some hands-on time personalizing it for your child/student. You have spent the time personalizing, now you'll learn options for backing up and sharing customized files. You will learn about resources and strategies to help you maximize potential while communicating with TouchChat by Saltillo. We will end our time together with time for questions and discussion. Join us for this fun, interactive session and discover potential with TouchChat!
Devices are required for this training. Participants will need to bring a Saltillo device with TouchChat app or a laptops with TouchChat app.
Intended audience: parents, caregivers, school staff, speech-language pathologists that work with TouchChat app users.
This workshop will present research-based techniques and strategies to increase communication for individuals using a speech generating device (SGD) via communication partner education. Participants will learn about communication and communication characteristics common to both partners, how to increase communication by modifying their own behaviors, and a simple strategy to incorporate into everyday communicative contexts. Six techniques to incorporate into everyday communicative contexts will be presented, as well as a 3-4 step strategy for implementing. Participants will be given time to practice (role-play) various communication partner roles across communication contexts, as well as hands-on practice with situations they may encounter on a regular basis with the individual using the SGD.
Creating goals and measuring progress for individuals who use AAC can be a challenging process. In theory, this shouldn't be that much harder than writing any other language or academic goals, right? One thing that is often different about the AAC goal-writing process is that teachers and therapists simply don't know enough about AAC and what skills contribute to helping someone become a competent and successful communicator. While there are available goal banks to use, these still require tweaking and may not always be appropriate.
This course will provide the participants with resources, tools, and a framework so they have the skills to write goals and objectives on their own. Participants will engage in goal writing in order to learn about the four areas of communicative competence, the goal attainment scale, and SMART terminology. It will include a discussion about monitoring progress, as a goal is only as good as your ability to measure it. This course will help participants reflect on where their client is (baseline), where they want to go (goals), and how to get there (a plan).