Hands-on Technical AssistanceClass/Workshop/Webinar description
See registration information with each workshop listing below. Go to SETC Workshop Descriptions to view additional classes that SETC staff can teach in your district.
PODD, with Linda Burkhart
Nov. 30 - Dec 1, 2009
09:00-04:00
Presenter: Linda J. Burkhart
Location: WEA Building, Federal Way, WA
Registration: Registration is through SETC - please use Workshop Registration Form
Contact: (509) 963-3350
Website: http://www.cwu.edu/~setc
Fee: 200.00
Clock hours: 12
Multi-Modal Communication strategies for Children Who Have Complex Communication Needs - Introduction to PODD Communication Books
Children who are non-verbal or have only limited speech, in addition to other challenges, often struggle to interact and communicate. This may include children who have physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, sensory processing challenges, limited social interaction skills, and/or a range of cognitive limitations and learning difficulties. Where do you start? How do you integrate communication throughout the day? How do you provide a comprehensive language learning environment where the child can begin to express his/ her own ideas and thoughts.
This workshop will demonstrate the use of "Light Tech" multi-page communication books and strategies that can help a child develop a means of interactive communication. Organization of vocabulary, by pragmatic intent, based upon the work of Gayle Porter (Melbourne, Australia) will be discussed. Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD) Communication Books offer generic templates designed to be used with children at a variety of language levels and with a range of access methodologies. PODD books enable genuine communication for a variety of functions in all daily environments including conversations, telling stories, expressing opinions and asking questions. PODD books limit the need to be constantly finding new picture symbols and making new language boards. A variety of other adapted strategies, such as sequenced step talkers, picture schedules, activity displays, etc. can be used in conjunction with PODD. Vocabulary organized by pragmatic intent can also be programmed into "high tech" devices.
Typical children learn language by being immersed in a community of competent language users, where they can interact and experiment with how language works. Children who will require multi-modal communication systems need to be immersed in a multi-modal language learning environment. This workshop will explore strategies for creating multi-modal communication communities that provide receptive models and expressive opportunities for development of language. Strategies for teaching and learning to use PODD with children and their communication partners will be shared.
This two day workshop will include a "make and take" component. Participants will assemble two simple generic interaction communication books. These 3 page books can be used as a stepping stone to the full PODD communication books. One will be designed for children who can directly point to the items on the page, and the other will be for children who require partner-assisted auditory/ visual scanning.
Presenter:
Linda Burkhart is an internationally known pioneer in the field of simplified technology for children with severe challenges. She has developed numerous adapted switches and innovative strategies for using these devices with children. She is the author of a number of books and software titles on topics of assistive technology and augmentative communication.
Linda was a classroom teacher for fifteen years. Then for eight years, she worked as an Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology Specialist for the Center for Technology in Education - a joint project between the Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland State Department of Education. Currently, Linda works as a private consultant and technology integration specialist.