Session 5 - Friday, Dec. 6th      9:00 AM - 9:55 AM

AAC in High School: Teamwork for Lifelong Student Success - Worship Center

Session Description: 

Explore the pivotal role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in high school settings and the transformative impact of a collaborative team approach. This continuing education class will delve into best practices for integrating AAC to support students with communication challenges. Participants will learn how interdisciplinary teamwork—including educators, speech-language pathologists, parents, and support staff—can enhance communication skills, academic performance, and social interaction, ultimately preparing students for successful, fulfilling lives beyond high school. Join us to discover strategies for fostering an inclusive, communicative environment where every student can thrive. 

Speakers: 

Kaitlin Brown 

Kaitlin has been practicing for over 10 years, working as an AAC specialist for DTA Schools, an Assistant Professor & Assistant Practicum Coordinator with Brescia University, and teaching a variety of CEU courses. Kaitlin is passionate about advocating for students and their team in finding their voice through the implementation of AAC. 

Claire Mann 

Claire is a dedicated special education teacher with 9 years of experience, specializing in supporting students with autism. With a focus on communication support, fostering student autonomy, and behavior management, she strives to create inclusive and empowering learning environments. 

Engaging all Students in Literacy Instruction: Access/ Connect/ Engage Part 1 - Theater

Session Description:

This session will assist teachers, speech therapists, paraprofessionals, and support staff who use various curriculums to create meaningful instruction, engagement, and assessment for all students. Learn how to engage students of varying ability and access levels in meaningful classroom instruction. Facilitate communication, increase independence, and functional success for all students. The target audience includes professionals working in classrooms with both students using AAC and speaking students with mild to severe intellectual abilities. Stop taking meaningless data for the sake of taking data. 

Speakers: 

Jennifer Lyons-Golden 

Jennifer has served as an Assistive Technology Implementation Specialist for over 20 years for school age children grades PreK- HS. She provides training, work with support staff, parents, and teachers to assist with classroom AT implementation throughout the school year. Jennifer began her career as a special education teacher starting as a preschool special education teacher moving into the elementary self-contained classrooms setting for students with Autism, and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. 

Julia Howard 

Julia is a licensed speech language pathologist working as an Assistive Technology Specialist for Fulton County Schools. Her role focuses on implementation of communication devices for students of all grade levels. She received her bachelor's degree from Armstrong State University and her master’s degree from Florida State University in communication sciences and disorders. 

Level Up: Empowering Students through Adaptive Gaming - The Hub

Session Description:

Video games have often been dismissed as senseless violence and a waste of time. But is this reputation deserved? Join Tools for Life team members as they provide an overview of adaptive gaming and its potential benefits in the classroom. We will consider the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills gained through gaming and how these can support students achieve their goals. We will introduce attendees to popular assistive technology supports for gaming, and provide a road map for implementing and justifying gaming activities with students. This will be an engaging session with opportunities to see and try various assistive technology devices! 

Presenters: 

Rachel Scarboro 

Rachel Scarboro (she/her) is a Board Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Georgia. Rachel currently works as an OT at Georgia Tech’s Tools for Life program, where she provides individualized AT consultation and demonstration to support Georgians with disabilities. Rachel also leads the program’s Adaptive Gaming activities. Inquisitive and a problem-solver by nature, Rachel is passionate about the unique ways assistive technology and inclusive design can enable us to live full and meaningful lives. 

Hunter McFeron 

Hunter manages the Tools for Life lending library and provides guidance and resources related to the acquisition of assistive technology for individuals across the state of Georgia. His background as a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) sparked a robust interest in augmentative and alternative communication, leading him down the path to assistive tech. He is proud to be working with a phenomenal team as they advocate for and support the needs of the community. Hunter earned his bachelor’s and master’s in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Georgia. 

The Power Within Our Learning Environment - The Clubhouse

Session Description:

Creating an inclusive environment for neurodivergent learners and their peers is crucial for fostering a supportive, productive, and enriching educational experience for all students. This learning session aims to equip educators with the understanding, tools, and confidence needed to implement inclusive practices effectively. 

Presenter: 

Shalondra Gurley 

Shalondra Gurley is a proud and passionate mother of two and educator with over 10 years of teaching and learning. She is a children’s book author, “Organizing My School Bag” She is laser focused when it comes to serving our youth and cultivating an inclusive environment for them thrive. As a M.O.D.E.L., she is intentional about empowering and educating the lives of our future leaders and the individuals (M.O.D.E.L.s) that are working alongside them. Together, we can make a difference one step at a time!