Assistive Technology: Communication Tools & Strategies
Description
This webinar will introduce assistive technology tools that facilitate communication for people with disabilities, with an emphasis on people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Presenters will offer examples and demonstrations of a wide range of AT tools for communication. Strategies that support communication will be reviewed, including AT implementation as well as communication partner strategies.
Learning Objectives
Participants will discuss the communication impairments that are associated with ASD.
Participants will describe 2 AT tools that facilitate communication for people with ASD.
Participants will list 3 strategies to facilitate communication for people with ASD.
Speakers
Ellyn McNamara, Speech Language Pathologist, UIC
McNamara is a bilingual Spanish-English speech-language pathologist who has worked with Latinos with disabilities and their families across the continuum of care. She completed the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 2014, and currently conducts assessments in augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) at UIC's Assistive Technology Unit. She is also a PhD candidate in Disability Studies, and her research interests include equitable access to AAC systems, supports and services for minority groups.
Patricia Politano, Clinical Assistant Professor, UIC
Patricia Politano, PhD, CCC-SLP/L, ATP is a speech-language pathologist that has worked as an augmentative communication (AAC) specialist for over 25 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Assistive Technology Unit. She is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Disability and Human Development and has presented nationally and internationally on augmentative communication. She currently teaches graduate courses on assistive technology and augmentative communication.
Recorded on on April 29, 2019