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| Proloquo2Go et al.: The Ins, Outs, Ups, and Downsof Using iTechnology as a Communication System |
| Friday, May 25, 2012 |
| 8:00 AM–3:00 PM |
| 308 (Convention Center) |
| Area: AUT/DDA; Domain: Service Delivery |
| CE Instructor: Rebecca Godfrey, Ph.D. |
| REBECCA GODFREY (Central East Autism Program), MARIO NOTARIANNI (York Behaviour Management Services), KATELYN FERGUSON (York Behaviour Management Services) |
| Description: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) augments or replaces vocal speech when spoken language does not develop or is not sufficient to communicate effectively. The main focus of the workshop is on teaching clients to use apps like Proloquo2Go from picture exchange to a voice-output device in a behavior analytic framework. The workshop begins with a brief introduction to why and when AAC should be considered. Then it covers AAC strategies and types of devices available. This discussion centers on the advantages and disadvantages of these devices. The third section provides case studies of the communicative histories of children and youth with autism including AAC as both long-term and short-term communicative needs. The next section covers the ins and outs of Proloquo2Go and then details how to teach the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS; Bondy & Frost, 1984) using Proloquo2Go. The final section covers the advantages and disadvantages of Proloquo2Go and compares it to several other applications. This workshop leads the participant to the conclusion that moving from one form of communication (e.g., picture exchange) to another form (e.g., electronic augmentative device) needs to be a planned process that involves ongoing and systematic interventions, that there needs to be a back-up plan, that availability of a communication system always needs to be present, and that this sort of technology is not suited for all. It will also lead to some innovative ways in which to teach new skills. |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
Summarize types of AAC approaches such as manual signs, picture exchange systems, and speech-generating devices
Identify the potential benefits of AAC interventionto the development of natural speech and functional communication in children with ASD
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of some available devices and apps
Utilize the application Proloquo2Go (e.g., how to change the settings)
Identify the prerequisite or corequisite skills that need to be taught
Create a task analysis to teach an individual how to use Proloquo2Go and to design further treatment programs based on the skill set of the individual
Identify how to teach a variation of the PECS using Proloquo2Go
Identify potential advantages and disadvantages of this technology |
| Activities: Lecturing will provide an initial overview of AAC interventions and the "wh" questions surrounding them (e.g., Which device should I buy?). Practical exercises will be given in group format that address individual programming needs (e.g., How should I teach a non-vocal child with poor fine motor imitation skills to communicate?). Video clips will be used to present case studies of the systematic interventions used to teach youth to move on from a picture exchange system to an iPhone application and how you could potentially replace the traditional PECS system with iTechnology. Participants will be able to practice using the Proloquo2Go application (e.g., adding a new picture, switching an array, moving items between categories, changing the voice). Group discussion will focus on the prerequisite or corequisite skills needed to learn to use such apps and the ways in which this technology can be used to program beyond learning to express basic needs and wants. It will provide programming plans that target other skill areas (e.g., social questions, independent activity schedules, fine motor skills). Resources will be provided so that participants can further their skills on using Proloquo2Go. Participants will be provided with handouts of the information covered in the workshop. |
| Audience: This workshop is intended for professionals, teachers, and parents working with children, youth, or adults who have limited or no functional speech or with individuals who require a more mainstream way of communicating. |
| Content Area: Practice |
| Instruction Level: Basic |