Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a powerful way to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience independence and inclusion. And yet, many adults with IDD are not receiving appropriate AAC intervention or supports. They may have once used AAC during their school years, but now they are living without reliable means of communication.
Adults with IDD have challenges related to physical, cognitive, or emotional development. Learning to communicate with AAC is possible regardless of disability, literacy level, or motor skills. Your advocacy for their AAC use can help them express their needs and wants, experience meaningful connections, and receive critical physical and mental health care.
“The quality of life of adults with IDD depends on their ability to communicate,” said Gail M. Van Tatenhove, PA, M.S., CCC-SLP. “That’s why we work diligently! They all deserve the best quality of life.”
If you work with adults with IDD individually or in a community setting, the upcoming Minspeak® Academy (formerly Semantic Compaction Systems) master class with Gail M. Van Tatenhove will give you the knowledge and strategies to support their long-term communication needs. Invite your team to join you as Gail addresses the following topics:
“Self-advocacy is a key factor in building sustainable AAC programs,” continued Gail. “That’s why in any staff training program, adults with IDD should be part of the training team and given some training opportunities.”
Register today for the interactive course:
Participate in small group activities to discuss how to turn course topics into practical work applications so your clients can experience positive quality of life. With this course, you’ll learn how to develop AAC intervention goals, a staff training plan, and personal advocacy plans.
Gail M. Van Tatenhove is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in AAC. Gail started working with children with significant, multiple disabilities in 1977. She has devoted her career to supporting the AAC needs of children and adults with significant communication challenges. Through therapy services, AAC assessments, curriculum and vocabulary development, and so much more, Gail has helped countless individuals find their voice with AAC. Read her full bio here.
Each Minspeak Academy master class is presented by an invited master AAC specialist and covers a specific topic, AAC user population group, or current practice. You can expect more in-depth teaching that’s applicable to your practice. The new time-zone friendly format spreads virtual learning over two days instead of one to accommodate more schedules nationwide.
You won’t want to miss this important course with practical application for supporting adult AAC communicators. Everyone deserves a voice. Register through AAC Learning Journey today!