Speakers & Details
#TalkingAAC is the only conference of its kind in Michigan - focusing exclusively on topics related to augmentative/alternative communication (AAC). This event is presented by a coalition of school districts from across the state of Michigan. #TalkingAAC is open to teachers, therapists, staff, families, and other members of the community in roles supporting individuals with complex communication needs. All levels of experience are welcome!
This year, the #TalkingAAC community will connect using an online format. While we believe in the power of face-to-face learning, we look forward to engaging in an ongoing conversation about high-quality supports for those learning to communicate using AAC, while continuing to learn from those who use AAC on a daily basis. We believe in listening to the perspectives of people who use AAC and their families. Each year we invite a parent or AAC user to share their perspective with the #TalkingAAC community. We believe in the power of these voices to enrich our learning and help us have a deeper understanding of WHY we do the work that we do.
#TalkingAAC 2020: Online Edition features two unique strands of learning and registration includes access to both!
This year, the #TalkingAAC community will connect using an online format. While we believe in the power of face-to-face learning, we look forward to engaging in an ongoing conversation about high-quality supports for those learning to communicate using AAC, while continuing to learn from those who use AAC on a daily basis. We believe in listening to the perspectives of people who use AAC and their families. Each year we invite a parent or AAC user to share their perspective with the #TalkingAAC community. We believe in the power of these voices to enrich our learning and help us have a deeper understanding of WHY we do the work that we do.
#TalkingAAC 2020: Online Edition features two unique strands of learning and registration includes access to both!
Strand #1
|
|
Strand 1 begins with Glenda Watson-Hyatt, a motivational speaker whose speeches at ISAAC 2016 & TED Talks received both laughter and acclaim. Glenda will share her lived experience and challenge listeners to think in new ways about lifelong AAC. After this opening message, Strand 1 features Chris Bugaj. Chris is a Speech-Language Pathologist, an Inclusive Design Facilitator and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Author. During his presentation, Chris will share with us how consistent and collaborative effort is required to implement a functional language system. Attendees will explore proven strategies for teaching even the youngest students how to become effective, functional communicators by teaching them language and by engineering the school, home, and community environments. Strand 1 will conclude with a challenge to each of us and an invitation to revisit this theme during a follow-up workshop in December 2020.
Strand #2
|
|
|
Strand 2 kicks off with a keynote presentation by the amazing Tina Moreno. Tina is a Speech-Language Pathologist, a parent of an AAC user, and co-founder of Camp ALEC, a literacy camp for AAC users. Following Tina, Strand 2 will feature Dr. Karen Erickson, director of the Center for Literacy & Disability Studies at UNC Chapel Hill. Karen will share key components of conventional literacy instruction for ALL students, regardless of their perceived skill or disability. Following Dr. Erickson, attendees will hear the first-hand experience of Kim Rankin, a parent of a young AAC user and home educator. Kim shares examples of how she incorporates daily literacy instruction in her son’s education. Strand 2 will also feature an extension workshop offered in February 2021.
#KeepTalkingAAC 2021
Finally, the year of learning and engagement will conclude with our annual #KeepTalkingAAC event in May 2021. This event serves to help the group reflect on learning from both strands. Participants are encouraged to share their successes, their challenges, and resources they’ve discovered.
Format
Presentations will take place via Zoom. Participants will receive a link to join each presentation. We plan to record each session and offer participants the ability to view at a later time. We respect that many people in our community are working and not always able to adjust their schedules. Recorded content will be available for a limited time.