Date: 03/28/2024 Time: 11:30-12:00 Location: internet Type: Webinar
Description
AT Chatters are an opportunity for educators to come together via Zoom to discuss relevant topics. This AT Chatter focuses on early childhood and addresses the questions: “What if a student can’t speak? Where do we begin with providing alternative access to language and communication?” We will share ideas on how to support preschoolers with alternative ways to engage in literacy experiences with their peers! Join teachers, therapists, and parents to share ideas and resources!
Learning Objectives
- Participants will engage in peer-to-peer knowledge exchange by sharing experiences, successful practices, and challenges around implementing alternative communication supports within a preschool setting.
- Participants will list 2 practical and actionable communication strategies to foster inclusive learning opportunities for early childhood students with complex communication needs.
- Participants will list 2 AT tools to increase engagement in social experiences for early childhood students with complex communication needs.
Presenters
Kristin Leslie, ATP, MAT, OTR/L
Kristin Leslie is the Director of the Special Education Technology Center (SETC), a statewide program supporting educators and parents of special education students, ages 3 to 22, in Washington State. With over 26 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Kristin has presented statewide and nationally on topics such as alternative access to AAC, built-in accessibility features, Accessible Educational Material, and Universal Design for Learning. In her current role, she collaborates with school districts to integrate assistive technology, artificial intelligence, and culturally responsive practices within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Under her leadership, SETC addresses systemic barriers to learning, focusing on students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. As she partners with state and national leaders to transform education, Kristin values creativity and flexibility, recognizing that there are multiple pathways to fostering authentically inclusive learning environments.
Sarah Kinsella, MA CCC-SLP
Sarah Kinsella is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and supporting students with complex communication needs. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and has worked in the public school setting for 11 years. She also served as the district Assistive Technology Specialist for 7 years, working with multidisciplinary teams and families to support students with a variety of Assistive Technology and AAC needs. She is passionate about her field and thankful for the students with whom she works as they help her learn and grow along the way.
Sara Ayars
Contact
Email Sue Wright at the SETC office
Zoom Link
Clock hours for this webinar and others in this series are available from ESD105 for a small fee. The following Professional Development Enroller link provides more information about clock hours: https://www.pdenroller.org/cwu/catalog/165361