There is a wealth of information and materials for you on our website, so you may be asking yourself, "Where in the world do I start?" No worries, we've got you! This is the first stop in your training! In this unit we will be answering some primary questions to get you started!
Our specialized training hub dedicated to supporting communication success in Early Intervention in the home and our preschool classrooms
AAC Partner Strategy Kits are engaging posters/handouts, descriptions and short videos explaining and modeling techniques for you to use to help your student be willing, and able to communicate using their AAC system!
5 steps to move from training to talking, give you a clear path for you and your student learner. Learning to communicate is a shared journey between the learner and their partners, and that makes sense! Communication is a shared activity between two people. It is the means for us to make connections, meet our needs, engage socially, participate in shared experiences, and bridge the gap between our experiences and sharing these their partners.
In this training, Danielle will guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing a speech generating device (SGD) and how to work effectively with manufacturers to select the best tools for your students. We'll start by evaluating technical specifications like features, durability, and ease of use—it's crucial to ensure the device meets your students' specific needs.
Next, consider the support and services manufacturers offer. Strong customer support, training, and additional services can make a huge difference in how easy the device is to use and maintain. You'll also want to review the warranty terms to avoid unexpected issues down the road.
Cost is another essential factor, so we’ll talk about balancing device price with available funding options, which can often influence decision-making. When comparing SGDs, focus on features like battery life—can it last through the school day?—and display size for ease of use. You’ll also need to consider input methods like touch, eye tracking, or switch access, depending on what your student needs.
Danielle also shares some pros and cons of SGDs. These devices can dramatically improve communication and independence for students, but they often come with high costs and learning curves. We'll discuss how to work through those challenges, along with resources like support websites, social media communities, and webinars offered by manufacturers.
Finally, we'll talk about the next steps after a Speech-Language Pathologist from DTA Schools evaluates a student’s needs. We provide comparison charts of different devices, helping you make the most informed decision. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the right device for your students, ensuring they have the best tools for effective communication. If you have any questions, We are here to help!
This training covers the essential factors in selecting and working with speech generating device (SGD) manufacturers. Participants will learn how to evaluate technical features, support options, warranties, and costs to make informed decisions for their students. The session also highlights the pros and cons of SGDs and offers tips for accessing helpful manufacturer resources
We are so happy to work with you on your student's AAC evaluation. This session is an introduction to our process, how we systematically ensure that we are using a collaborative team approach to choosing an AAC solution when needed.
Let's talk about the referral process for AAC advanced consultation and assessment from DTA Schools. In this video, we'll walk you through the essential steps involved in getting the necessary information to support students' communication needs.
This assessment process is a comprehensive approach that incorporates team input, records reviews, direct assessments, and AAC skills assessment to identify appropriate communication solutions for individuals with speech, language, and communication needs. Let's take a look!
The "Findings Review" process involves the DTA Team developing a Preliminary AAC Assessment Report to guide the IEP team discussion in determining suitable AAC solutions, a subsequent meeting with the IEP Team and family to discuss and decide on the desired AAC solutions, and communication of the outcome to the DTA Schools for further action.
The funding process for acquiring a speech generating device (SGD) at DTA Schools is a comprehensive and collaborative endeavor aimed at providing students with the necessary tools for effective communication.
This video will cover the essentials of an SGD evaluation and how to write an effective report. We'll detail each section needed for funding submission, ensuring the student receives the recommended device chosen by the team.
This training covers the essential factors in selecting and working with speech generating device (SGD) manufacturers. Participants will learn how to evaluate technical features, support options, warranties, and costs to make informed decisions for their students. The session also highlights the pros and cons of SGDs and offers tips for accessing helpful manufacturer resources