communicate to work

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Learn About: Communicate To Work - CTW 2010-2011 How technology, devices and strategies help individuals expand communication to be more successful. Communicate to Work Project funded by CA Dept. of Rehabilitation

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Introductions Bonnie Mintun Ceasar Seabron AAC specialist ACC mentor Communicate to Work

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Training, Consultation & Mentoring Purpose: Awareness of AAC options & resources Increase expectations of individual capabilities Apply to teamwork & support Who Benefits: School Transition, Community Rehabilitation and Regional Center funded programs providing employment services   PEOPLE SERVED! Communicate to Work

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CTW Partnerships Communicate to Work

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InAlliance partnership with CTEC Communication Technology Education Center A Program of the Supported Life Institute CTEC: Communication tech. experts Speech & language professionals Fluent peer mentors Communicate to Work

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Communicate To Work Communicate to Work

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Assistive Technology Categories Equipment or system that increases, maintains or improves functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Activities of Daily Living Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Computer Access/Software Education/Literacy Hearing, Mobility, Vision Workplace Accommodation Communicate to Work

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication AAC Customized methods and devices to improve a person’s ability to communicate. Communicate to Work

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AAC Customized methods and devices to improve a person’s ability to communicate. Communicate to Work High Tech Light Tech Mid Tech No Tech

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Low-Light Tech Communicate to Work

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Mid Tech Communicate to Work

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High Tech Communicate to Work

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Myths About AAC . TRUE or FALSE It is necessary for AAC users to use a low-technology AAC tool or technique before using a speech generating device If an individual has some (or even a little) speech, AAC is not needed. Communicate to Work

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Trends and Approaches . Computer-based devices More features – wireless internet, MP3 player, phone Small, compact Generic platform – ITouch, IPad Communicate to Work

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Approaches for Persons with Autism . AAC more widely accepted Strategies to teach language - Naturally aided language *Focus on receptive language *Language modeled on communication device - LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) *Tactile, auditory, sensory input *Natural consequences *Meaningful environments Communicate to Work

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AAC Success = Support Networks . Successful use of AAC, ongoing language development and independence all require combined efforts of support personnel work All environments! community home Communicate to Work

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Support Networks. Successful employment = combined effort of employers and support personnel Must build awareness about abilities of persons with disabilities, support diverse communication, give attention to community resources. Communicate to Work

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Sometimes We Hear… . “Technology is intimidating” “People with severe disabilities have nothing to communicate” “Only for those capable” “Unavailable to us” “Too difficult to support” “Must get behavior under control first” Communicate to Work

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Our Practice and Purpose Adequate assessment and training time No prerequisites, including behavioral Team Approach Train-the-Whole-Team Ongoing Follow up Communicate to Work

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Some Facts 56 million people w/disabilities, close family, supporters = 1/3 US pop. 20 million of 70 million families have at least one member with a disability. At least 13.3 million U.S adults use AT. Communicate to Work

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From Civil/Human Rights Movements Years ago - medical model focused on impairments, illness to be treated, managed, excluded. Now, social model reflected in law, recognizes societal barriers, exclusions, prejudices and moves community to be accommodating. Communicate to Work

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A Little History Rehabilitation Act 1973: Non-discrimination in programs, activities/services operated by or funded by Fed. Gov. Also requires information technology developed/used by federal agency be accessible (websites, TV programs, media). Americans with Disabilities Act 1990: Non-discrimination Employment - equal opportunity Local and state government - equal access Places of public accommodation - accessibility Transportation & telephone co. - provide necessary services Communicate to Work

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A Little More Television Decoder Circuitry Act 1990 Hearing Aid Compatibility Act 1998 Persons w/hearing impairments access to info. via TV through technology, capacity for closed captioning. All telephone equipment be compatible with hearing aids. Assistive Technology Act 1998 Any item, equipment, or system commonly used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities. Funds to support AT centers. Communicate to Work

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UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities International treaty sets legal obligations to ensure rights. Signed by President Obama 2009 Protect basic rights (including employment) Validates AAC as mainstream approach to overcome barriers. Communication: language, display of text, Braille, tactile communication, large print, accessible multimedia, written, audio, plain-language, human reader and AAC modes….. Communicate to Work

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Communication is Key to Unlocking More Doors AT and AAC are “curb cuts” to communication Many use curb cuts, grab bars, ramps…. With global exchanges, people “into” technologies – AAC “communication curb cuts” more common…. Communicate to Work

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Employment Initiatives 2009 AB287 Employment First Policy Increase people w/developmental disabilities in integrated employment, self-employment, micro-enterprises, who earn minimum wage or more. California - 41st / 50 states. Only 13% of working age persons w/developmental disabilities in competitive or supported employment. Communicate to Work More jobs

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To Make It Work Appropriate match between person and job Workplace and society, support networks Effective and efficient assistive technology “Key accommodation to successful employment was an attitude among coworkers and employers, that it was important to pay attention to the individuals’ needs…and to accept accommodations as a natural part of the work experience” Ochocka, Roth, & Lord (1994). Communicate to Work

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Assistive Technology in the Workplace “For Americans without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For Americans with disabilities, technology makes things possible.” M .P. Radabaugh, Director IBM National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities Communicate to Work

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Communicate to Work AT Engineer Performs Assistive Technology/ Ergonomic assessments at the job, program or home. Matches persons abilities with technology that can help them perform tasks. Communicate to Work

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Start with Seating Good seating in w/chair is essential first step Communicate to Work

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Work Space & Computers Getting creative to make it work! Size & height of desk Key board height File folder holder Communicate to Work

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Accommodation Examples Getting creative to make it work! Modifying a weed wacker Creating means to retrieve files from drawer Communicate to Work

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It’s Never Too Late! “A child who is not able to communicate effectively is at great risk for cognitive, social, emotional and behavioral problems” No matter how old, what level of disability, it’s never too late…. Communicate to Work

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Ceasar’s Story Communicate to Work

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Training, Consultation & Mentoring Communicate To Work Phone 916-893-5337 Email cjones@inallianceinc.com Communication Technology Education Center CTEC 916-921-5639 www.supportedlife.org/ctec Communicate to Work