Speech-Generating Device Assessment Demonstration: A Practical Guide for SLPs (live registration)
Speech-Generating Device Assessment Demonstration: A Practical Guide for SLPs
October 10, 2025 | 11:00am CDT | 60 minutes | 0.1 ASHA CEUs
When it comes to assessing an individual’s ability to use a high-tech speech-generating device (SGD), a prompted response isn’t a true reflection of their ability at all. Most individual’s resist having demands put on them, which leads to refusal or worse. This session will teach a better approach to assessing an individual’s ability to use an SGD. Participants will view a video example of an AAC app being trialed by an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome during an AAC eval and observe the SLP using strategies that elicit the participation needed to evaluate vision, discrimination, learning, fine motor, language, and behavior. There will be time for questions at the end.
Presenter: Ann Bedard, Speech-Language Pathologist / Assistive Technology Specialist
Relevant Financial Relationship: Ann is a salaried employee at EASTCONN, a regional education service center located in Hampton, CT. Her work is partially funded by the Connecticut Tech Act Project.
Non-Relevant Financial Relationship: Ann helps facilitate a statewide AT/AAC Community of Practice and is a member of ASHA.
Presenter Biography: For over 13 years, Ann has worked as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) consultant across Eastern Connecticut schools (and beyond thanks to Zoom), to collaborate with and train educational teams in regards to selection and implementation of AAC in the educational environment. Prior to working with the Assistive Technology Team, Ann worked in the EASTCONN Related Services Group as a full-time school-based SLP. Ann also concurrently worked in the home setting to deliver speech-language services through EASTCONN’s Birth-to-Three program. She received her Bachelor’s degree from UConn and Master of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State University. While pursuing her graduate degree, Ann worked in the university’s Center for Adaptive Technology. She is grateful for having gotten the opportunity to work with individuals with special needs from birth through post-secondary education. She and her husband have an 11 year-old daughter and 7 year-old son.
Learner Outcomes
- Describe 3 strategies to elicit optimal client participation in trials
- Identify 3 behaviors that are indicators of successful AAC adoption
- Identify 3 strategies to use in implementation training after the evaluation
Agenda
- Intro and polls (10 minutes)
- Background of client and eval components (10 minutes)
- Video of assessment trial (10 minutes)
- Review of video (15 minutes)
- Q&A (15 minutes)
Cost: Free
Audience:Early Career Professionals (under 5 years)
Topic Area: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
To be reported to ASHA CE, participants must indicate their preference to be reported on the post-webinar assessment and achieve a minimum score of 80% accuracy. Unlimited attempts are permitted, but partial credit is not available. The assessment must be completed within one week of the webinar.
Accessibility: Please email ableU@ablenetinc.com if you require any additional accessibility support. We will be happy to work with you!
Complaint: We strive to provide professional development that highlights today’s best practices. If you have complaints/concerns regarding ableU please contact ableU@ablenetinc.com. We will review the complaint or concern. When appropriate, we will take action to address the issue within 10 business days.
Refund: Refunds are not available for free sessions.