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Online Webinars
Live Webinars are offered for FREE to provide you with up –to date assistive technology and curricular solutions that fit into your busy schedule.
Check back often, as NEW Webinars are added each month. All Webinars are recorded and archived for individual or group professional development opportunities. Upon request, participants attending AbleNet Professional Development Webinars will earn a Certificate of Attendance after completion of the Webinar.
**Please allow up to two business days to receive certificates.**
Title: AAC Developing Participation: Part 1: Getting Started - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Lesley E. Mayne, PhD, CCC-SLP & Sharon M. Rogers, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Description: The purpose of Part 1: Getting Started is designed to help practitioners and parents answer the question, “What am I supposed to do?” Drs. Rogers and Mayne will talk to you about social interaction behaviors that a child with predominantly nonverbal communication skills uses to communicate. Then we will address communication skills and activities to support emerging communication with teachable suggestions for facilitators who gradually become the child’s communication partners. We will discuss development of beginning literacy skills, choosing vocabulary for AAC, selecting different AAC tools, trying various access methods, and finally troubleshooting AAC options for beginning AAC users.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: AAC Developing Participation: Part 2: Building Fundamentals.- 60 Minutes
Presenter: Lesley E. Mayne, PhD, CCC-SLP & Sharon M. Rogers, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Description: The purpose of Part 2: Building Fundamentals is designed to help the children function with AAC because their communication matters. Children can learn to express their choices about daily preferences and take turns with peers. Their voice will be heard, even if that voice is a Little Mac, a Big Mac, or their own voice as they point to a communication board or use a communication switch. Remember that participation matters across contexts so we must continue to build literacy skills, expand language with question asking vocabulary, use more complex AAC tools, access, and troubleshoot for the children who are putting words and ideas together.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: AAC Developing Participation: Part 3: Making Connections - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Lesley E. Mayne, PhD, CCC-SLP & Sharon M. Rogers, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Description: The purpose of Part 3: Making Connections is designed for children to learn that, not only does their voice matter, but their communication makes a difference. The child may engage in pretend play with peers, complete projects in art and early childhood learning content, and begin to expand their language. Tips will be offered for 15-minute daily activities, building narratives in literacy, using adjectives, adverbs, and conjunctions with AAC, expanding contexts for communication tools, familiarizing easy access, and troubleshooting.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: AAC Developing Participation: Part 4: Bridging Skills.- 60 Minutes
Presenter: Lesley E. Mayne, PhD, CCC-SLP & Sharon M. Rogers, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Description: The purpose of Part 4: Bridging Skills is designed for the child to bridge into independence with their communication participation. The goal is to continue to expand the child’s unique language productions while adult facilitators learn to reduce cuing in order for the child to experience increased degrees of independent success. Tips will be offered for activities with unfamiliar communication partners, literacy by writing and reflection on their own experiences, vocabulary skills of using correct tense and even slang, testing adequacy of tools, access, and troubleshooting so that the children will be better able to bridge to successful independent participation.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Using Sentence Starters for Early AAC/Writing: Poetry Power - 30 Minutes
Presenter: Deanna Wagner, MS/CCC-SLP
Description: This session will highlight ways to use highly functional sentence starters as predictable charts and poems. Here they are, the top two word sequences for vocabulary use in early writing (Clendon, Sturm, & Cali, 2004): I like, Going to, I am, Went to, To the, I went, In the, It was, My mom, And my. Learn how to structure experiences for students that support and celebrate their earliest writing attempts using poetry forms. These sequences can be embedded in list poems, add-a-word poems, comparison poems, and other poetry frames.
Session Level: All Learner Levels
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: El uso de frases en la comunicacion aumentativa (CA) temprana y la escritura: El poder de la poesia - 30 Minutes
Presenter: Deanna Wagner, MS/CCC-SLP
Description: Esta sesión tocará el tema de como empezar oraciones altamente funcionales usando graficas predecibles y poemas. Por ejemplo, evaluaremos las dos primeras palabras de uso mas frecuente en escritores principiantes, (Clendon, Sturm, y Cali, 2004): Me gusta, ir a, yo soy, fui a, a el, yo fui, eso era, mi mamá, y yo. Aprenderemos como diseñar métodos que, a través de la poesía, apoyen y celebren los logros de los alumnos en sus primeros pasos a convertirse en escritores. Estos sistemas pueden usar listas de poemas, usar “añade una palabra al poema”, comparación de poemas, y otras estructuras usando poemas.
Session Level: All Learner Levels
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Setting the Topic for AAC/Early Writing: How the iPad Makes it Easier - 30 Minutes
Presenter: Deanna Wagner, MS/CCC-SLP
Description: As beginning writers, students who select a photo for their topic can be supported in learning literacy skills. Students who choose a photo and use their communication device for captioning can get strategic feedback and audience response about their topic selection (Sturm, Writer’s Workshop, 2012). Students who are just learning to use the alphabet can also get informative (strategic) feedback about how the letters that they chose can be used to make words related to the topic/photo they selected (Erickson & Hanser, 2010).
Session Level: All Learner Levels
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Escogiendo temas de comunicacion aumentativa (CA) y lecto-escritura basica: Como el iPad hace esta tarea mas facil.- 30 Minutes
Presenter: Deanna Wagner, MS/CCC-SLP
Description:Iniciar un tema de conversación es una habilidad crucial para los comunicadores competentes. A si mismo, escoger un tema sobre el cual escribir es esencial para las personas que están aprendiendo a escribir. Afortunadamente herramientas como la cámara integrada en el iPad pueden ayudar a los estudiantes a captar eventos que les ayuden a escoger un tema. Las imágenes también pueden ser descargadas de páginas web que promueven actividades o lugares que los alumnos hayan visitado.
Session Level: All Learner Levels
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Why Can't They Just Behave? The Importance of Self-regulation! - 45 Minutes
Presenter:Mo Buti, M.Ed-BD, M.Ed-ADMIN
Description: We may all know someone with autism who exhibits challenging behaviors. Why do these behaviors occur? How can these students learn when thier behavior is esculating? How can other students learn during this? In this session you will learn about the importance of teaching your students to be able to self regulate and some strategies to do this.
Session Level: Beginner
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Why Personalization Technologies Will Change Everything (Or, Not). - 45 Minutes
Presenter: Dave Edyburn, Ph.D
Description: The importance of helping students with disabilities achieve grade level standards is an important local and national educational goal. To facilitate this goal, new forms of technologies are emerging that collect and use student performance data to determine optimal learning paths. The purpose of this webinar is to provide an introduction to personalization technologies, their potential in special education as well as emerging concerns.
Session Level: Beginner
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Holidays are such social times...but not for everyone! Learn some ways to improve social skills for children with autism. - 60 Minutes
Presenter:Mo Buti, M.Ed-BD, M.Ed-ADMIN
Description: Holidays can bring out the social butterfly for many. People with autism often struggle with social skills. These times can be a struggle for them. In this session you will learn ways to teach social skills, enhance social situations, and create adaptations for social opportunities. There are many free or inexpensive ways to do this. I will share many of these with you in this fast past fun session!
Session Level: Beginner
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Apps for AAC - 45 Minutes
Presenter:Jane Farrall, SLP
Description: This webinar will provide a review and demonstration of some of the AAC apps which are available at the time of the presentation, including a discussion of the language systems included (or not included) in some of the apps. Different categories of AAC apps will be outlined, along with a discussion of the access options available and other issues which need to be considered when using mainstream technology for AAC. The importance of a range of vocabulary and communication options will also be covered, including using apps for small talk, story telling, and all the other components of everyday communication.
Session Level: Beginner
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: VHS - Visually Helping Social Skills - 30 Minutes
Presenter:Mo Buti, M.Ed-BD, M.Ed-ADMIN
Description: There is nothing "old school" about visuals. Many children with autism (and other disabilities) may have deficits in the area of social skills. By making social situations more visual this can enhance their ability to be more successful in social situations. I will demonstrate many ideas and resources to help make social skills more visual for your students. This will be a fun fast paced session!
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Assistive Technology to Support Game-based Learning - 30 Minutes
Description: Incorporating game-based instructional lessons enables students to learn basic skills such as eye-hand coordination, as well as more complex skills such as problem solving. Learning through the use of games is not only highly motivating, but it encourages collaboration, offering another way for students to interact and communicate with each other. Along with fostering language and social skills, strategic thinking is developed as students are challenged, motivated, and engaged. Experiential learning promotes learning by doing, thus increasing students’ role as active learners in the process of acquiring new skills and increasing their knowledge.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Gaining Independence in the Classroom - 30 Minutes
Description: Independence doesn't happen overnight! Students need to practice the skills that lead to greater independence. For students with disabilities that interfere in significant ways with their ability to participate, learn, communicate, and have social relationships, assistive technology supports their participation in experiences in the least restrictive environment. When assistive technology is being considered, the independence it allows should be an important factor in the decision-making.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: How to Integrate Assistive Technology & AAC throughout the School Day - 30 Minutes
Description: Looking for ideas on how to integrate assistive technology, including augmentative and alternative communication aids, throughout the school day for your students? Such opportunities to meaningfully participate in learning and social situations are paramount because active involvement leads to greater independence, increased achievement, and a sense of belonging.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Promoting Active Communication Opportunities for Unique Learners - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Kate Hanagan
Description: It’s important to create an active learning environment for all students, especially those with significant cognitive and communication disabilities. Learn ideas and techniques using a variety of assistive technology tools that will help you create communication opportunities, develop communication skills, and support active engagement of all students in the learning process.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Using Assistive Technology To Support Strategies with Autism Spectrum Disorders - 30 Minutes
Description: Unique challenges to communicating and learning for students with autism spectrum disorders can often be met with assistive technology, including the use of voice output communication devices. Such technology can serve to foster the development and implementation of relevant and meaningful support strategies to allow students to gain new skills.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Getting the Most Out of AAC Devices in the Classroom - 30 Minutes
Description: Communication tools can be more effective when access, mounting and motivation are included in planning and implementation. AbleNet offers a methodology to include these additional factors so users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can get the most out of their classroom experiences.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: How to Integrate AAC Throughout the School Day - 30 Minutes
Description: Looking for ideas on how to integrate augmentative and alternative communication throughout the school day? It is paramount that all students be given opportunities to meaningfully participate in learning and social situations throughout the day. Such participation leads to greater independence, increased achievement, and a sense of belonging. Vocabulary, scripting, and motivation all play an important role in making communication meaningful and successful.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Integration of Assistive Technology in Every AbleNet Curricular Solution! - 30 Minutes
Description: Assistive technology can boost students' level of participation, engagement, and achievement - especially when it is integrated with curriculum. AbleNet shows teachers when and how to use assistive technology in the lessons and activities for all of our curricular solutions. An Action Dictionary for each curriculum is an excellent teacher resource that provides additional alternatives for students who are unable to perform required actions in a typical way.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Literacy Activities with Assistive Technology - 30 Minutes
Description: Literacy skills are functional! Gaining literacy skills can open opportunities to learning, as well as enjoyment. Such pivotal skills enhance adult outcomes. All students benefit from quality literacy instruction, however access is often the issue. The use of assistive technology can make all the difference for students with disabilities. See how AbleNet's assistive technology increases students' level of engagement and participation in learning to read, write, and listen.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Communication Starts with C but Begins with You! Part 1 - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Elizabeth S. Rush, MA, CCC-SLP, CPM
Description:Identifying intervention strategies and applications for persons with complex communication needs remains a challenge. Multimodal approaches to AAC intervention within naturalistic environments provide significant opportunities for cultivating intentionality and supporting language acquisition. This series of webinars will aid in gaining insight into utilization of symbols for teaching and shaping behaviors that function as meaningful and appropriate communication. Participants will learn strategies for employing symbols and technology to support the four main purposes of communication: expressing wants and needs, developing social closeness, exchanging information and fulfilling social routines.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Jump Start Interactive Communication for AAC Users. Part 2 - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Elizabeth S. Rush, MA, CCC-SLP, CPM
Description: Multimodal approaches to AAC intervention within naturalistic environments provide opportunities for cultivating intentionality and supporting language acquisition. These webinars will provide insight into utilization of symbols for teaching and shaping behaviors that function as meaningful and appropriate communication. Participants will learn strategies for employing symbols and technology to support the four main purposes of communication: expressing wants and needs, developing social closeness, exchanging information and fulfilling social routines.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Language, Learning and Literacy for AAC Users. Part3 - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Elizabeth S. Rush, MA, CCC-SLP, CPM
Description: Still looking for strategies to motivate your AAC users to participate in group situations, to be engaged in learning opportunities and to have more influence over their environments? Discover creative activities and a variety of technologies to utilize in meeting the language, learning and literacy needs of many different individuals with diverse modes of communication.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: AAC for Traumatic Brain Injury - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Dr. Sarah Wallace, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Assistant Professor Program Director, Adult Neurogenic Clinic, Duquesne University
Description: This webinar will present augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies and devices appropriate for people with communication impairments resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Survivors of TBI may have cognitive, linguistic, and motor speech impairments that may affect their use of AAC strategies and devices. Appropriate AAC strategies and devices will be discussed as well as assessment and intervention techniques across rehabilitation and recovery stages.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: AAC for Aphasia - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Dr. Sarah Wallace, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Assistant Professor Program Director, Adult Neurogenic Clinic, Duquesne University
Description: This webinar will present augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies and devices appropriate for people with aphasia. The focus of the presentation will be on AAC assessment techniques relevant to people with aphasia and appropriate AAC strategies for this population. AAC for people with aphasia includes use of no-, low-, and high-technology strategies and devices.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Autism: Evidence Based Practice - What does this mean for Assistive Technology Implementation? - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, National Director, Autism Services, Easter Seals
Description: The growing prevalence of autism requires professionals to be well versed in evidence-based practices for this population. This forum will review the process of evaluating evidence to determine treatment efficacy including the review of a typical research hierarchy. The judicious use of professional judgment, incorporating values and preferences and the issue of capacity will be discussed and the incorporation of these constructs within the framework of evidence based practice. Two meta-analyses developed to assist practitioners in making treatment decisions will be shared. Participants will be encouraged to analyze these meta-analyses to increase their capacity in serving individuals with autism in the application of assistive technology instruction and implementation.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Assistive Technology in an Inclusive Classroom - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Ian Bean
Description: This session will provide an overview of how assistive technology is used to support students who face complex barriers to learning in an inclusive classroom. We’ll examine a range of different technologies and show through examples of good practice how they positively impact the communication, learning and leisure needs of our students.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Communication Devices in an Inclusive Classroom - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Ian Bean
Description: This webinar looks the use of single and multiple message communication devices and how they can be used as an integral part of the school day. We’ll examine vocabulary, motivation and share ideas and examples that you can use in your classrooms the very next day.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Assistive Technology throughout the Rehabilitation Process: A Three Part Series - Course 1 - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Angie Boisselle, OTR, ATP
Description:Course 1: Early Childhood - Beginner
Early childhood is often when a child and the family first receive a diagnosis while in the hospital or outpatient setting. This course will explore the basics for introducing assistive technology devices to the family while in the hospital setting/outpatient setting.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Assistive Technology throughout the Rehabilitation Process: A Three Part Series - Course 2 - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Angie Boisselle, OTR, ATP
Description:Course 2: Middle Childhood Course Level:Beginner to Intermediate
The successful use of devices for the school-aged child with special needs relies heavily upon collaboration of rehabilitation therapists in the private and school-based settings, as well as home. This course will explore assistive technology as a collaborative process and clarify roles of providers.
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar
Title: Assistive Technology throughout the Rehabilitation Process: A Three Part Series - Course 3 - 60 Minutes
Presenter: Angie Boisselle, OTR, ATP
Description:Course 3: Adolescence -
Teen and young adults often become more concerned with independence and the social aspects of life. This course will explore devices and strategies that will help the teen with special needs "blend" in with peers and prepare them for transition to adulthood
Session Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Link: Click here to watch webinar