Session 2 - Thursday, Dec. 5th      1:05 PM - 2:00 PM

AAC and Challenging Behaviors - Worship Center

Session Description: 

Do you know or work with a student with behaviors that make AAC a challenge? Me too! In this session you will learn strategies to help students build language to talk about feelings/problems as well as advocate for themselves, learn what power words are and why they are so important, and think through whether our visuals are truly for communication or if they are more for compliance. Leave the session with strategies that can be immediately implemented with your students. 

Speaker: 

Jessica Mills

Jessica is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 15 years of experience in the school setting. For the past 3 years she has served as the AAC Specialist for the Paulding County School District supporting students and their teachers/families with complex communication needs as well as providing district-wide professional learning and district initiatives for best practices related to supporting communication in the educational setting. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education as well as her Master of Education degree from the University of Georgia. Jessica has previously presented at the 2024 Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference and served as presenter and steering committee member for Georgia Assistive Technology in Education (GATE) conference since 2022 providing “make and take” and other informational sessions for a variety of professionals and families. 

AAC: Ready-Set-Goal! Part 1 - Theater

Session Description: 

Creating goals and measuring progress for individuals who use AAC can be a challenging process for a variety of reasons, including subtle growth, environmental and communication partner considerations, and differences in language growth for individuals who use AAC. While there are available goal banks to use, these still require tweaking and may not always be appropriate for individual clients. 

Speakers: 

Nicole Palumbo - PRC-Saltillo 

Nicole has worked in the field of Speech-Language Pathology for many years with a special interest in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Nicole has always known she wanted to be a Speech-Language Pathologist since she was in high school and shadowed an SLP. She’s worked in a variety of settings with a variety of ages and believes everyone deserves the ability to successfully communicate. 

Shirbendra Thomas - PRC-Saltillo 

Shirby has witnessed the value of AAC in her professional, as well as, personal experience. She is excited for the opportunity to continue to share her enthusiasm for the gift of communication. 

Presentation handout

AAC Goal Framework handout

Tips and Tricks to Implement AAC in ALL Classrooms - The Hub

Session Description:

A look into tips and tricks to support ALL AAC users in their classrooms. Dive into tips & tools to support teachers and students to effectively implement AAC in their classrooms. 

Speaker: 

Katie Hilliard 

Katie Hilliard is an Assistive Technology Specialist for Cobb County Schools. She has a background in Speech as well as a Special Education Teacher. 

The Multiverse of Madness: A Deep Dive and Hands-On with EquatIO  - The Clubhouse

Session Description: 

Join us for an exciting journey through the “Multiverse of Madness,” where we explore the powerful capabilities of EquatIO, our innovative math and science tool. This presentation and hands-on workshop will delve into the diverse applications of EquatIO, demonstrating how it can transform the way we approach mathematical and scientific problems. 

Presenter: 

Dr. Cecille Bolton 

Dr. Cecille Bolton is a reading-endorsed veteran educator, with over 20 years of experience in special education. Dr. Bolton has served as a PK-5 low-incidence teacher, grade chair, and Department of Special Education chair. She currently serves as an Assistive Technology Specialist in the Paulding County School District supporting the implementation of academic learning aids and organizational tools for high-incidence learners. She received her doctorate in Educational Leadership/Educational Technology from University of Phoenix and is a published children’s book author (Georgia Blue) and storytime enthusiast (Instagram - @drsunshinepresentsllc). Dr. Bolton has presented at GaETC, Georgia Association for Educators of Young Children (GAEYC), Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), and Georgia Assistive Technology in Education (GATE) conferences. Dr. Bolton is also a member of the GATE steering committee (2022 and 2023). 

Adapting Battery Operated Toys for Switch Use - Zone 45  ($ - requires prepaid ticket)

Session Description:

During this make-n-take session you will learn how to modify a cable which will allow you to connect the battery-operated toy for switch access. The battery-operated toys we will be testing will use a batter interrupter to connect to a switch for activation. During this session you will explore the cost-effective solution for adapting toys and switches to use at school or at home with students. 

Presenters: 

Juli Greenleaf 

Juli has been working in education for 18 years and a TVI for 12 years. She has a master's degree in special education as well as graduate certifications in Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairments, Visual Impairments, Orientation and Mobility, and Dual Sensory Impairments. 

Kathrin Valcarcel Schott 

Kelsey Smith