Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success (Deafblind focus)
Course Instructors:
Kathee Scoggin, Deafblind Consultant
Emma Packard, Teacher of the Visually Impaired
On-Demand Course Designers
Kristin Leslie, MAT, OTR/L
Sara Ayars, MA, CCC-SLP
Video Editor
Adam Benum
Clock Hour / Certificate Of Completion
This course is worth a maximum of 22 hours.
To receive clock hours, paraeducator hours, a certificate of completion, or AVREP credit, please complete the following steps:
- Submit an Evidence of Learning Survey for each module you complete.
- Pay the one-time $25 SETC Course Processing Fee, which covers all 14 modules. (Payment Link)
- Follow the instructions below:
Clock Hours: Available through ESD 105. A Professional Development Enroller link & number.
Paraeducator Hours: Available through ESD 105 for a small fee. (PD Enroller LINK & number)
Certificate of Attendance: Complete this Request Form.
AVREP Credit: [Include relevant AVREP instructions or link.]
Course Overview
Children and youth who are deafblind develop language differently than their peers—much of what others learn incidentally must be taught intentionally and through meaningful interaction. This course provides a clear, accessible framework for building the foundations of communication with students who are deafblind.
Through 14 focused modules, educators and family members will learn how to create supportive environments that build trust, foster authentic communication, and develop language across school, home, and community settings.
What You Will Learn
- How to authentically assess a student’s current communication abilities
- The many ways students communicate and the purposes behind their messages
- How to embed opportunities for receptive and expressive communication across daily routines
- Effective strategies to build, model, and expand communication
- The critical role of relationships and meaningful conversations in motivating students to communicate
- When and how to introduce individualized communication technology, including electronic devices
Who Should Enroll:
Anyone supporting students who are deafblind or have combined sensory and communication needs.
Modules
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Building Trust and Understanding: Foundations for Authentic Assessment
Module 1
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Assessment Strategies & Tools for Deafblind Learners
Module 2
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
The Communication Matrix: Understanding the Why of Communication
Module 3
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
From Pre-Intentional Behavior to Using Language
Module 4
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Ways a Deafblind Llearner Can Communicate
Module 5
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Developing Conversational Skills
Module 6
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Ensuring the Deafblind Learner is Available for Learning and Interveners
Module 7
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Developing Concept and Symbolic Communication
Module 8
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Communication Strategies
Module 9
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Creating Opportunities for Meaningful Communication
Module 10
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
What is a Student’s Communication System?
Module 11
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Commercial Communication Programs
Module 12
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Adaptations and Accommodations When Communicating
Module 13
Communication for Students with Complex Needs: The Key to Success
Communication Rights for Deafblind Learners and FAQs
Module 14
Presenters
Emma Packard, TVI
Since 1996, Emma Packard has been dedicated to working with children and adults with deafblindness across various educational, residential, and community settings. With qualifications including a B.A. in early childhood and elementary education, an M.A. in special education focusing on low incidence disabilities, and dual M.Ed. degrees in special education emphasizing teaching students with low vision and deafblindness, she now serves as a Teacher of Students with Low Vision and Blindness as well as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the Snohomish School District, alongside her role as a Deafblind Specialist for the Washington Deafblind Program.
Kathee Scoggin, Deafblind Consultant
Kathee has 40+ years experience as a teacher, of the deaf and hard of hearing and
multiple disabilities, assessment specialist, principal, and educational consultant with
children (birth to 21) with combined vision and hearing loss including deafblindness.
Kathee continues to provide technical assistance to schools and families regarding their
children and conducts workshops on a variety of topics in her retirement.
Clock Hours and ACVREP Credits Available
Enroll for Clock Hours to receive up to 21 Clock Hours. You must attend a session live to receive Clock Hours.
Course Agenda
| Course Agenda | Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| Module 1 Building Trust and Understanding: Foundations for Authentic Assessment | 1.5 |
| Module 2 Assessment Strategies & Tools for Deafblind Learners | 1.5 |
| Module 3 Understanding the Why of Communication | 1.5 |
| Module 4 From Pre-Intentional Behavior to Using Language | 1.5 |
| Module 5 Ways a Deafblind Learner Can Communicate | 1.5 |
| Module 6 Developing Conversational Skills | 1.5 |
| Module 7 Ensuring the Deafblind Learner is Available for Learning and Interveners | 1.5 |
| Module 8 Developing Concept and Symbolic Communication | 1.5 |
| Module 9 Communication Strategies | 1.5 |
| Module 10 Creating Opportunities for Meaningful Communication | 1.5 |
| Module 11 What is a Student's Communication System? | 1.5 |
| Module 12 Commercial Communication Programs | 1.5 |
| Module 13 Adaptations and Accommodations When Communicating | 1.5 |
| Module 14 Communication Rights for Deafblind Learners and FAQs | 1.5 |
| Total | 21 hours |