Closing The Gap 08

Developing Communication in Young Adults Via

26th ANNUAL CONFERENCE October 16-18, 2008 • Minneapolis, Minnesota

Jonathan C. W. JonesSpecial Ed Instructor * Northeast Metro 916

Multimedia Technology &

Assistive Technology

Outline• What is Media Club?

• Who participates?

• What are we doing?

• How are we doing it?

• Why are we doing it?

• What will we do next?

• What resources will you get today?

Remember: learning can be fun.

What is Media Club?Media club is a 50-minute club that exposes young

adults with a variety of abilities to multimedia technology and assistive technology. Students are engaged in

creating meaningful communication expressions for self and community.

Remember: the lack of communication can decrease the quality of ones life.

Purpose for communicative interactions: express needs & wants, develop social closeness, exchange information, & fulfill social etiquette routines.

(Light, 1997)

Who participates?

Students have varying disabilities:Developmental Cognitive Disabilities

Physical ImpairmentsSpeech/Language Impairments

Vision ImpairmentsAutism

Emotional Behavioral Disorders

Remember: their disabilities do not define them as a whole person.

What are we doing?✦ Transition video ✦ Low-tech

communication tools✦ Work site books✦ Special Olympics✦ Student of the month✦ Program Activities

✦ Peer & staff training✦ Quick sheets✦ Teach a peer-day✦ Teach a teacher-day

✦ Program yearbook

Remember: make things of value for students & their communities.

What are we doing? Transition video

Remember: make things of value for students & their communities.

What are we doing?Training

Remember: make things of value for students & their communities.

Assessment of Standard Toolbar

- Independent review of skills utilized daily

What are we doing?Yearbook

Remember: make things of value for students & their communities.

2007-2008

Yearbook

Northeast Metro 916 WELS South ­­­ Work Experience & Life Skills Program

“Created by Young Adults For Young Adults”

© 2008 Media Club

How are we doing it?Step-by-Step Instruction

Model - Instructor models task 2-3 timesPrompt - Student does task with prompts

Check - Student does task without prompts

Draft Process Thinking* What things did I do well?

* What things can I do better?

Remember: Process is more important then product.

How are we doing it?

Remember: Process is more important then product.

Fisher Camera Head Mouse Recordable switch Go Talk

Olympus Camera Roller TrackballLarge Key Keyboard MS PowerPoint

Equipment:Multimedia & Assistive Technology

How are we doing it?

Remember: Process is more important then product.

Process used: draft video

How are we doing it?

Remember: Process is more important then product.

Process used: revised video

How are we doing it?

Remember: Process is more important than product.

Equipment used

Why are we doing it?Develop & or enhance:★ Technology skills★ Self-monitoring behavior★ Meaningful hands-on experiences★ Social closeness with others★ Express, & exchange information for self ★ Contribute to community★ Increase task independence★ Encourage initiation of communication★ To be viewed as competent skilled people

Case Study: Matt

Remember: students can achieve through systematic instruction

What will we do next?★ Program yearbook★ Personal communication books★ Student electronic portfolios (eFolios)★ Program newsletter★ Pursue outside grants (Tool Factory - Digital Wish List)★ Develop summer technology camp for ESY★ Adapt theme based lessons (Ablenet - Star Reporter) ★ Have more fun

Remember: Passionate teachers = Passionate learners

Who do we want to thank?★ Students & staff of WELS South Transition Program★ Northeast Metro 916 Foundation★ WELS South students & staff★ WELS South Assistive Technology Library

Remember: Today's students are of the digital world, surrounded by all types of media and technology. They have no fear of it; in fact, it's just a normal part

of their lives...They view technology as a tool to socialize, express themselves, become informed and be entertained. As educators and professionals, it is in our best interest to use tools, such as iLife, to create learning opportunities that are stimulating in the digital world.

- Mark Coppin - Bringing the Curriculum to iLife - AT In Depth - Jan. 08

What about the Resources?Check-out Display Table

Pick-up CD★Templates of technology projects★ AAC Resources

See★ DVD created by students★ Equipment used in club★ Samples of student work

Beukelman, David R., & Mirenda, Pat.  2005.  Augmentative& Alternative Communication:  Supporting Children & Adults with Complex Communication Needs. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

 Glennen, Sharon, L.  and DeCoste, Denise C. 1997.  Handbook of Augmentative and Alternative Communication.  Thomson Delmar Learning.

 Light, Janice, C. and Binger, Cathy.  1998.  Building Communicative Competence with Individuals Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication.  Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

 Light, Janice C., Beukelman, David R., and Reichle, Joe (Editors). 2003.  Communicative Competence for Individuals who use AAC:  From Research to Effective Practice.  Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

 Reichle, Joe, Beukelman, David R., Light, Janice C. (Editors).  2002.  Exemplary Practices for Beginning Communicators:   Implications for AAC.   Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. 

AAC-RERChttp://www.aacrerc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=74The AAC-RERC conducts a comprehensive program of research, development, training, and dissemination activities that address the NIDRR priorities and seek to improve technologies for individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies.

Northeast Metro 916 – Assistive Technology Libraryhttp://www.nemetro.k12.mn.us/special/atl.htmlThe ATL offers educators, member districts and family members the technological resources needed to maximize learning and develop the interactions of learners with disabilities.

Tool Factory http://www.toolfactory.com/about.htmTool Factory publishes and distributes an extensive range of curriculum titles throughout North America.

AAC Resources