ECHO Voices 2023-24
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNICATION
Announcement!!!
JOIN US ON THE NEW IECHO PLATFORM!
Please register within the new system using the button below or going to https://iecho.org. Registration will be necessary. You will only need to sign up for the ECHO Voices program once. All Zoom links will be unique to the session. Reminder emails will be sent out 30 minutes prior to sessions starting.
Purpose:
To provide equitable access to best-practice knowledge through professional development, forums of collaboration and a supported learning community to those who support Oregon learners with complex communication needs. The sessions are designed to increase the capacity of educators, therapists and families for effective Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems selection and strategies for integration into learner goals.
ECHO Voices sessions will be held the first and third Wednesdays of each month,
from 8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Pacific.
Advance registration is not required. All sessions will be recorded and archived on this newsletter, for future viewing. Each session begins with a 30 minute topic presentation plus Q&A time, followed by a case study/didactic of an unidentified student. Contact us if you would like to present a case.
More about ECHO https://echo.unm.edu/about-echo/ (Extension of Community Health Outcomes)
Focus on Feature Matching and Tools
2023-24 Archived Sessions
Wednesday, October 04, 2023
Kelly Fonner, MS
Educational/Assistive Technology Consultant
Kelly will open the 23-24 Voices series with us. We will discuss the upcoming vendor sessions, introduce the Feature Matrix and help guide us in using it to match the best AAC solutions and features to the needs of the child.
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
PRC-Saltillo Regional Consultant
This session will provide an overview of the Minspeak (LAMP and Unity) and TouchChat (WordPower and other) vocabulary systems on PRC-Saltillo devices. The structures of the systems and their underlying philosophies will be highlighted, with the aim of supporting the productive exploration of feature matching for potential AAC users.
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Product Specialist with Smartbox Assistive Technology, Inc.
Join Amanda as she dives into the world of GRID! In this session, we'll explore topics such as accessibility, helpful tips and techniques, along with a closer look at the latest resources developed by Smartbox, including the innovative Look Lab and the feature packed Smartbox Hub.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Forbes presents Coughdrop
Jillena Atchison AT Specialist
Katie Threlkeld Educational Program Developer
Jillena and Katie join us to discuss Coughdrop and answer all of your questions about this AAC solution. CoughDrop offers a comprehensive set of features and tools to support individuals with communication disabilities. Its intuitive interface includes a customizable communication board with a wide range of symbols and vocabulary, allowing users to construct sentences and express their thoughts effectively. Additionally, CoughDrop's built-in data tracking and reporting tools enable caregivers and therapists to monitor progress and tailor communication strategies, making it a versatile and valuable AAC solution for people of all ages and communication needs.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Co-Founder, Therapy Box
More information about Rebecca
Predictable is an award-winning text-to-speech app which leverages smart word prediction that runs locally on the device, offline - yet it learns the individual's pattern of use. It is highly customizable and flexible.
It is currently used by people in 35 countries and in 9 core languages, other than English. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the app and its use across the life span, including for children and teenagers. The new features in Predictable 7 are particularly geared towards supporting transition from symbol-based apps to text-based solutions.
Scene & Heard Pro is a visual scene display. This session will present an overview of the evidence related to the use of visual scene displays across the life span, with examples of application via the Scene & Heard Pro app. The recent update was supported by the RERC on AAC and two new features - video visual scenes and transition to literacy - are now available in the app.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Amanda Mason MS, CCC-SLP, ATP
Product Specialist with Smartbox Assistive Technology, Inc.
Amanda will bring us in to Smartbox's new learning platform for eyegaze. Developed in collaboration with special needs teachers, Look Lab was developed to foster eye gaze skills and give the tools needed to aquire helpful data to progress to independent communication. She will cover how to navigate it, the different types of activities and how to use them, as well as a lots of other useful information and resources!
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Medicaid Covered School Based Health Services and Assistive Technology: Devices and Services Provided to Eligible Children/Students with Disabilities
Jennifer Dundon
School Medicaid Operations & Policy Analyst, ODE
More information about Jennifer Dundon
Jennifer Smith
Operations & Policy Analyst, SBHS, OHA
More information about Jennifer Smith
Joining forces, the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education are bringing us the latest information on Medicaid, related services and AT. Jennifer Dundon (ODE) and Jennifer Smith (OHA) will enlighten and inform processes and policy that relate to devices and provided services for students with disabilities.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Jason Smith M.S., CCC-SLP
PRC-Saltillo Regional Consultant
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Product Specialist with Smartbox Assistive Technology, Inc.
Super Core gives you access over 2,500 of the most commonly used words and phrases – organized in a consistent and meaningful way. It has activity-specific language, child or teen and adult vocabulary and smart grammar tools.
Voco Chat is a low cell count, pragmatic solution for quick communication needs and conversation to support independence. Suitable for any age or access method, it is easy to personalize.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
CEO, Avaz, Inc./Invention Labs
More information about Narayanan
Avaz is a picture and text-based AAC app that empowers children and adults with complex communication needs to express themselves and learn. Words are laid out in a consistent pattern ensuring quick access and motor memory growing with the communicator. Expressing thoughts, whenever and wherever, increases their confidence in their abilities. From communicating that they are happy to participating and learning in the classroom, Avaz helps with all!
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Solutions Consultant
Sarah McWilliams, MS CCC SLP
Solutions Consultant
This session will dive into TD Snap which utilizes cutting-edge features, to enhance the communication abilities of these children. Feature matching within TD Snap involves tailoring the device's interface and functionality to the specific needs and preferences of each child. It takes into account factors such as the child's motor skills, cognitive abilities, and communication goals. By customizing the device to match the individual's requirements, TD Snap ensures a more effective and engaging communication experience.
This technology not only fosters independence but also provides a platform for children with disabilities to express themselves, build social connections, and participate more fully in everyday activities.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Pam Harris
Support Specialist with AssistiveWare
Barbara van't Westende
Speech Language Therapist with AssistiveWare
Proloquo is a robust augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app designed to assist individuals with communication disabilities by providing a customizable platform for expressing thoughts and ideas through text and symbols.
Proloquo Coach is an innovative companion app that offers personalized support and guidance to users of Proloquo, helping them optimize their AAC experience by offering tips, tutorials, and tailored assistance for effective communication.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Power Up your AAC: Unlocking Communication for Students with Challenging Behavior
Keri Huddleston, M.A., CCC-SLP
Assistive Technology Specialist
This session is designed for busy professionals who are looking for effective, easy-to-use strategies to improve AAC implementation and help manage behavior challenges. Leave with ideas and resources to foster positive interactions, reduce frustration, and improve the learning environment for all. Real world examples and actionable steps will be highlighted.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Educational/Assistive Technology Consultant
Bringing all the pieces together, we will explore case studies to see the feature matrix in action.
As we wrap up this season, we want to celebrate a year of progress and growth and improved communication. We look forward to continuing this journey in the year ahead. With the knowledge and experiences gained, we move forward with renewed enthusiasm, ready to embrace new challenges and milestones in the world of AAC. Here's to another year of breaking barriers and fostering meaningful connections through communication!
Oregon Technology Access Program
1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd., Suite 110
Roseburg, OR 97470
(541)440-4791