November 15, 2024 8:00 am- 3:30 pm Bozeman, venue TBD
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7 OPI renewal units are offered for this training
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS®) is an evidence-based protocol that teaches vital communication skills such as initiation, persistence in relaying messages, picture discrimination and basic sentence structure. After mastery of these skills, the learner likely has a large repertoire of pictures in the communication book. If the learner is not speaking, the team may need to explore a transition to a dedicated Speech Generating Device (SGD) or tablet with communication app that will accommodate larger vocabularies and allow for continued language development. To ensure the rapid transfer of existing communication skills, the transition will require the team to assess current PECS skills and then analyze features of various apps/SGDS to select a device that will best meet the learner’s needs. Following device selection, detailed lesson plans are necessary to teach use of the new device as a functional communication system. This workshop is appropriate for teams supporting learners who may be ready to transition from PECS to SGDs. It is also appropriate for teams working with learners who are not currently using their devices effectively.*Please bring a Speech Generating Device (SGD) or a tablet with an AAC app to the training to use during a variety of activities
Learner Objectives:
- Review of the PECS protocol
- The unique challenges of learners with complex communication needs
- Procedures for analyzing current PECS skills
- Determining candidacy for transitioning from PECS to a Speech Generating Device
- The 5 criteria for appropriate device selection
- Preparing the learning for the transition
- Using elements of the PECS protocol to teach functional SGD use
- Problem solving SGD use
