INTERNAL PD OPPORTUNITY: "Designing and Delivering Empowering Experiences to Teach Language Using AAC” with Christopher Bugaj and Rachel Madel

Special Education Directors,

The ADE/ESS Assistive Technology (AT) team is pleased to announce the final session in our 2021-2022 AT Builders National Presenter Series. This workshop is designed for special educators and related service providers: “Designing and Delivering Empowering Experiences to Teach Language Using AAC.”

Date: Friday, May 13, 2022, from 8:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. (Seats are limited; register now!)

Fee:  No Cost (lunch on your own)

Where: Peoria Unified School District

Address: 6330  W. Thunderbird Road Glendale, AZ 85306

Course Description: 

This interactive experience explores strategies for teaching even the youngest students language by engineering environments so all communicators have opportunities for rich, meaningful practice of language in the context of everyday routines. Learn current best practices regarding Augmentative and Alternative Communication principles such as how to support language learning, select appropriate vocabulary and get Augmentative and Alternative Communication users engaged in the process. Explore how to design educational experiences using interactive technologies which empower the learner and their support network to achieve their lifelong language goals, how to build the skills of communication partners, and how training centered on coaching empowers parents and educators to take ownership of promoting the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems all day long, in all environments. 

Registration:

Register for May 13

Email questions you have regarding this professional learning opportunity to our AT inbox.

About:

Rachel Madel, M.A., CCC-SLP is a Los Angeles-based speech-language pathologist and communication expert dedicated to coaching parents and professionals on how to incorporate technology to best support speech and language development. Rachel presents both nationally and abroad on the use of augmentative alternative communication (AAC) for children with complex communication needs and coaches clinicians, teachers, and parents on integrating technology in classrooms and at home to support communication. Her work has been featured in Autism Parenting Magazine, Speech Science, Practical AAC, Xceptional Ed, Teachers with Apps, and ChildNEXUS.

Christopher R. Bugaj, MA, CCC‐SLP is a founding member of the Assistive Technology Team for Loudoun County Public Schools. Chris and Rachel co-host the Talking With Tech podcast featuring interviews and conversations about augmentative and alternative communication. Chris has hosted The A.T.TIPSCAST podcast and is the author of The New Assistive Tech: Make Learning Awesome For All, published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). He is co-author of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year Chris has presented over 500 live or digital sessions at local, regional, state, national, and international events, including TEDx.