M-AAC-120: Joy of Communication

Sponsored by: Tobii Dynavox

Overview

Successful use of AAC is often defined as producing two-to-three-word sentences, answering questions correctly, and making requests. While these are vital skills, this definition does not capture the sheer joy that communication can bring. Further, it can lead to discouragement and even abandonment if progress is not evident quickly enough. What if we were to focus instead on the joy of communication with our clients while encouraging others to identify and inspire joyful communication?? Filled with video examples illustrating points without focusing on a specific brand or type of AAC, let's explore a joyful approach to AAC intervention.

Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus primarily on Tobii Dynavox products and may not include information on other similar or related products.

Learning Objectives

1. Verbalize a new definition of success that may decrease device abandonment.
2. Explain three joy-focused intervention strategies.
3. Relate four strategies for passing the focus of joy to others.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

Caregivers; Communication Specialist; Educators; Family Members; Occupational Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Special Education Educators

Experience Level

Introductory

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

All

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with recording

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Thursday, January 25 from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (EST)

Continuing Education Credits

For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Learning Center CEUs

This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours

ASHA CE Information: Recorded Session
Start date of ASHA CEUs offering: May 1, 2024
End date of ASHA CEUs offering: September 30, 2024

Speaker/s:

Bethany Diener, MS, CCC-SLP

Tobii Dynavox, Clinical Assistive Communication Manager

Biography

Bethany Diener, MS, CCC-SLP, is the Clinical Team Manager within Product Management at Tobii Dynavox. She received her Master's degree in speech-language pathology from Purdue University and has provided speech-language services for adults and children with a variety of diagnoses since 1987. Her deep interest in AAC began during her graduate studies and has continued throughout her career providing AAC services in schools, rehabilitation hospitals, home health, early intervention, etc. In addition to provision of clinical services, Bethany has spoken internationally on a variety of subjects related to augmentative communication and communication needs of individuals with severe communication impairments. In her current role within Tobii Dynavox, she participates in product development by exploring and applying evidence-based practices (scientific research, clinician perspective/expert opinion, and client/family/caregiver perspective). Bethany is dedicated to encouraging independence and success in the use and implementation of augmentative-alternative communication in daily lives of augmented communicators and their communication partners.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No