Session 5 of 6 – Accessibility & Communication: Partner Assisted Communication and Other Individualized Access Supports

This is an Intermediate Level course. We highly recommend you have knowledge of and/or experience with the following in order to best benefit from this learning opportunity:

• Solid foundation in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Knowledge of AAC direct and indirect access methods (touch, eye gaze, switch scanning)
• Proficiency with assessment for AAC access methods for direct and indirect access

If you do not already have the above knowledge/experience, we recommend the following course:

• Accessibility and Communication: Getting Started with Access Methods. You can find that course HERE

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) allows individuals without reliable means of using spoken language to have a voice. When these individuals have complex bodies in addition to complex communication needs, finding a means of accessing these AAC systems can feel daunting. This session will focus on partner assisted communication and other strategies to support developing communication skills for those with the most complex needs.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify 3 partner assisted communication strategies
2. Identify appropriate partner assisted scanning supports to best meet the needs of various sensorimotor differences
3. Describe 3 effective communication partner strategies to support access

This course meets the requirement for Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.