ASHA – Using Transdisciplinary Collaboration to Implement Theme-Based Collaborative Language Groups for Learners with Complex Communication Needs

This is a self-paced course. It is ASHA approved for CEUs.

Description: Designing meaningful group learning experiences for students with complex communication needs is essential and achievable. Creating theme-based collaborative language groups that effectively support diverse communication profiles. Through an outcomes-focused approach, attendees will learn how to integrate relevant vocabulary, age-appropriate activities, differentiated materials, flexible group structures, scaffolded supports, multiple response modalities, and visual aids. Educators and team members will be equipped with practical strategies for fostering engagement, enhancing communication opportunities, and increasing student participation within group learning environments.

Presented By: Jennifer Kent M.A., CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBA, Gabriella Cameron, M.S., CCC-SLP and Dani Evans, M.A., CCC-SLP

Jennifer Kent M.A., CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBA

Jen is a dually certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She has over 9 years of experience working with autistic children and young adults. She is a program services coordinator at the Ivymount school in the Endeavors School Program and a Speech-Language Pathology Consultant in the Early Childhood Clinic. She is interested in assistive technology to support communication, alternative and augmentative dynamic assessment procedures and incorporating language-based strategies into academic programming.

Gabriella Cameron, M.S., CCC-SLP

Gabriella Cameron earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, both from Loyola University Maryland. She is a Senior Speech-Language Pathologist at the Ivymount School in Rockville, MD. She is interested in teaching students’ self-advocacy skills, providing education to staff for supporting students who use AAC, creating individualized visuals to facilitate communication during group activities, and developing social-emotional curriculums for middle school-aged students.

Dani Evans, M.A., CCC-SLP

Dani Evans is a Program Coordinator and Speech-Language Pathologist at the Ivymount School in Rockville, MD. She develops and supports program-wide communication-related assessment, intervention, curriculum, and training. Her interests include using assistive technology to support communication, transition, and self-advocacy. She is the developer of This is Me, an electronic, customizable self-advocacy tool; co-author of four related journal articles; and co-creator of a related online manual

Disclosures:

Financial: We are all salaried employees at the Ivymount school where these groups are being implemented. We are all being compensated by ABA speech to participate in
this continuing education event.
.Non-financial: We do not have any financial ties to the group curriculum

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives 

1. Participants will describe key considerations to surmount potential barriers when implementing group instruction for learners with complex communication needs
2. Participants will demonstrate understanding of collaborative group planning used to integrate multiple disciplines into theme-based language groups for learners with CCN
3. Participants will explain how to structure an engaging theme-based language group and possible activities to incorporate for learners with CCN

Course Agenda 

0-5 minutes—Introductions and Disclosures
5-20 minutes— Surmounting barriers through group planning
20-40 minutes—Embedding multidisciplinary skills and group implementation
40-55 minutes—Sample materials, video examples and future planning
55-60 minutes—Conclusion and Wrap-Up

To complete the course, view the webinar, complete the evaluation form. You will get a notification that your request has been sent for ASHA CEUs. 

ABA SPEECH is committed to providing equal opportunities in accordance with all applicable laws. If you are in need of a disability-related accommodation, please contact rose@abaspeech.org. We will review your request and respond in a timely manner. Please note that we will require a minimum of 4 weeks to provide a reasonable accommodation for your request.

Visit https://abaspeech.org/course or email us at rose@abaspeech.org if you have questions.

ABA SPEECH is committed to providing equal opportunities in accordance with all applicable laws. If you are in need of a disability-related accommodation, please contact rose@abaspeech.org.