There is a wealth of information and materials for you on our website, so you may be asking yourself, "Where in the world do I start?" No worries, we've got you! This is the first stop in your training! In this unit we will be answering some primary questions to get you started!
Our specialized training hub dedicated to supporting communication success in Early Intervention in the home and our preschool classrooms
AAC Partner Strategy Kits are engaging posters/handouts, descriptions and short videos explaining and modeling techniques for you to use to help your student be willing, and able to communicate using their AAC system!
5 steps to move from training to talking, give you a clear path for you and your student learner. Learning to communicate is a shared journey between the learner and their partners, and that makes sense! Communication is a shared activity between two people. It is the means for us to make connections, meet our needs, engage socially, participate in shared experiences, and bridge the gap between our experiences and sharing these their partners.
1. Team Input: DTA School Team members begin process of interviewing relevant staff, conducting brief observations and sending out surveys to gain input from relevant staff and family members. At times we may request follow up teleconferences and video examples of student interactions.
2. Current Speech, Language and Communication Skills are determined through records reviews, interviews and survey. If recent testing is not available, DTASchool Team or local SLPs and other relevant staff will conduct direct assessment, observation, language and communication sampling or interviews to determine current skills. If current AAC systems are in place, student,environment and task factors will be considered to determine if a full AAC assessment is needed, or whether the current system is sufficient or may need updating and modifications.
3. AAC Skills Assessment will be conducted including trials with appropriate equipment including both electronic devices, paper based and partner aided systems. This may be a single assessment visit or may include multiple visits and on-going trials with potential AAC solutions.
We are so happy to work with you on your student's AAC evaluation. This session is an introduction to our process, how we systematically ensure that we are using a collaborative team approach to choosing an AAC solution when needed.
Let's talk about the referral process for AAC advanced consultation and assessment from DTA Schools. In this video, we'll walk you through the essential steps involved in getting the necessary information to support students' communication needs.
This assessment process is a comprehensive approach that incorporates team input, records reviews, direct assessments, and AAC skills assessment to identify appropriate communication solutions for individuals with speech, language, and communication needs. Let's take a look!
The "Findings Review" process involves the DTA Team developing a Preliminary AAC Assessment Report to guide the IEP team discussion in determining suitable AAC solutions, a subsequent meeting with the IEP Team and family to discuss and decide on the desired AAC solutions, and communication of the outcome to the DTA Schools for further action.
The funding process for acquiring a speech generating device (SGD) at DTA Schools is a comprehensive and collaborative endeavor aimed at providing students with the necessary tools for effective communication.
This video will cover the essentials of an SGD evaluation and how to write an effective report. We'll detail each section needed for funding submission, ensuring the student receives the recommended device chosen by the team.
This training covers the essential factors in selecting and working with speech generating device (SGD) manufacturers. Participants will learn how to evaluate technical features, support options, warranties, and costs to make informed decisions for their students. The session also highlights the pros and cons of SGDs and offers tips for accessing helpful manufacturer resources