Workshops & Training
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At AAC Speech Solutions, we offer a range of speech pathology programs and workshops designed to meet the needs of our clients. Whether you are looking to improve your communication skills, enhance your knowledge of speech and language, or connect with others, we have a program or workshop that can help you achieve your goals.
Speech pathology programs and workshops offer a valuable opportunity for individuals to enhance their communication skills, improve their quality of life, and gain knowledge and resources to support their speech and language needs.
Our workshops include group or individual therapy sessions led by qualified speech-language pathologists. These sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each participant and may involve working on language development, speech production, voice quality, fluency, or cognitive-communication skills.
Key Word Signing Workshop
AAC Speech Solutions offers a Key Word Signing workshop, it is designed to provide you with practical skills and techniques that you can use to improve communication with people who have speech difficulties. Our team of experts will guide you through the process of learning and using word signing, which involves using hand gestures and body language to communicate key words and phrases.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or speech therapy professional, this workshop is suitable for all levels of experience.
contact us to go on a waitlist for a 2023 workshop.
What you’ll learn:
During our Key Word Signing workshop, you’ll learn:
- The fundamentals of word signing and its benefits
- How to use word signing to support speech therapy goals
- How to teach word signing to others
- How to integrate word signing into daily routines and activities
- Strategies for troubleshooting and problem-solving when using word signing
Our Word Signing Workshop is ideal for parents, caregivers, educators, and speech therapy professionals who work with individuals who struggle with speech. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with word signing, our workshop will provide you with practical knowledge and skills that you can immediately apply in your daily interactions.
We invite you to join us for an informative and engaging workshop that will help you unlock the power of word signing and improve communication with those who need it most. Register today to reserve your spot and start your journey towards effective communication.
F.A.Q.
What is speech therapy:
Speech therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals overcome communication disorders or difficulties. A speech therapist, also known as a speech-language pathologist, works with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, to evaluate and treat various speech, language, and communication disorders.
Speech therapy may involve the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of a variety of communication difficulties, including but not limited to:
Articulation disorders (difficulty producing sounds and pronouncing words)
Stuttering (repetitions, prolongations, or interruptions in speech)
Voice disorders (hoarseness, vocal nodules, and other issues affecting the voice)
Language disorders (difficulty understanding or using language)
Pragmatic language disorders (difficulty using language appropriately in social situations)
Aphasia (difficulty with language following a stroke or brain injury)
Cognitive communication disorders (difficulty with memory, attention, and problem-solving as they relate to communication)
Speech therapy is tailored to the individual’s needs and may involve individual therapy, group therapy, parent training, and school-based therapy. Speech therapists use a variety of techniques, exercises, and tools, including technology, to help individuals overcome their communication difficulties and improve their overall quality of life.
What are Speech Generating Devices:
Speech Generating Devices (SGDs), also known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, are electronic devices that help individuals who have difficulty with verbal communication to express themselves.
SGDs can take many forms, including dedicated devices, tablets, and software applications. These devices use symbols, pictures, or text-to-speech technology to help individuals express their thoughts and ideas. Some SGDs are portable and can be carried with the user wherever they go, while others are designed for use in specific environments, such as the home or the classroom.
SGDs can be used by people of all ages and with a variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. These devices can help individuals who have lost their ability to speak due to a medical condition, as well as those who have difficulty with expressive language.
SGDs can be programmed to speak pre-recorded messages, phrases, or sentences that the user selects, or to generate speech based on text input or voice commands. They can also include features such as word prediction, speech-to-text, and environmental control, which allows users to control their environment through their device.
Speech-language pathologists and other healthcare professionals can help individuals determine which SGD is best suited to their needs and provide training and support to help them learn how to use the device effectively.
What is PROMPT therapy:
PROMPT stands for “Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets.” PROMPT therapy is a type of speech therapy that uses a hands-on approach to improve speech production in individuals with communication difficulties.
PROMPT therapy is based on the idea that speech production involves the coordinated movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw, as well as the muscles of the face and neck. During a PROMPT therapy session, a trained therapist uses their hands to guide the individual’s oral structures and muscles into the correct positions for speech production.
The therapist provides physical prompts, such as gentle pressure or touch, to help the individual feel the correct movements and positions. The goal of PROMPT therapy is to improve the accuracy and consistency of speech production, as well as to increase the individual’s ability to communicate effectively.
PROMPT therapy is used to treat a range of communication disorders, including articulation disorders, apraxia of speech, dysarthria, and other speech sound disorders. It can be used with both children and adults, and may be incorporated into individual or group therapy sessions.
PROMPT therapy is typically provided by speech-language pathologists who have received specialized training in this approach. The therapy typically involves multiple sessions, with each session building upon the progress made in previous sessions. In addition to the hands-on approach, PROMPT therapy may also include other techniques, such as modeling, repetition, and feedback.
Why would I need speech therapy?
There are a variety of reasons why someone might need speech therapy. Here are some common examples:
Communication difficulties: If you have difficulty speaking clearly or expressing your thoughts and ideas, speech therapy can help you improve your communication skills.
Language delays or disorders: If you have a language delay or disorder, speech therapy can help you improve your language skills. This may involve working on vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and other aspects of language.
Articulation disorders: If you have difficulty producing certain speech sounds, speech therapy can help you improve your articulation. This may involve working on the placement and movement of your lips, tongue, and jaw to produce sounds correctly.
Fluency disorders: If you stutter or have other fluency disorders, speech therapy can help you improve your speech fluency and reduce stuttering.
Voice disorders: If you have a voice disorder, such as hoarseness, breathiness, or a weak voice, speech therapy can help you improve your vocal quality and clarity.
Cognitive-communication disorders: If you have difficulty with thinking, problem-solving, attention, or memory, speech therapy can help you improve your cognitive-communication skills.
Overall, speech therapy can help you improve your communication abilities and enhance your quality of life. A speech-language pathologist can assess your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your communication goals.
What is Eye gaze communication:
Eye gaze is a method of communication that uses a person’s eye movements to convey messages or express themselves. For individuals who have limited or no verbal communication abilities, eye gaze can be a valuable alternative means of communication.
Eye gaze communication devices use specialized technology to track and interpret the movement of a person’s eyes, allowing them to select letters, words, or phrases on a screen or communication board. The individual looks at the desired selection, and the device detects their gaze and generates speech or text output.
There are different types of eye gaze technology available, including hardware-based systems and software applications. Some systems use infrared cameras to track the user’s gaze, while others use specialized sensors to detect eye movements.
Eye gaze communication can be used by people of all ages and with a variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, ALS, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries. It can also be used by people with acquired brain injuries, stroke, or progressive neurological conditions that affect communication abilities.
Eye gaze technology can provide users with a level of independence and control over their communication that may not be possible with other communication methods. It can also improve their quality of life and help them to connect with others and participate more fully in everyday activities. Speech-language pathologists and other healthcare professionals can help individuals determine if eye gaze technology is a suitable option for them and provide training and support to help them use the technology effectively.
What is Literacy support for people with disabilities:
Literacy support for people with disabilities is a set of strategies, tools, and resources designed to help individuals with disabilities develop and improve their reading and writing skills. These supports can be beneficial for people with a wide range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, visual impairments, and physical impairments.
Some examples of literacy support for people with disabilities include:
Assistive technology: There are various software applications, apps, and devices that can help individuals with disabilities read, write, and communicate more effectively. Examples of assistive technology for literacy support include text-to-speech software, speech recognition software, word prediction software, and electronic braille displays.
Alternative formats: Individuals with disabilities may require alternative formats for reading and writing, such as large print, audio books, or braille. Accessible formats can be produced in a range of formats, including digital, audio, and braille, to cater to different needs.
Instructional strategies: Educators and speech-language pathologists can use instructional strategies and accommodations to help individuals with disabilities learn to read and write. These may include breaking down information into smaller parts, using visuals, providing more time for tasks, and providing additional practice and reinforcement.
Literacy support for people with disabilities can be tailored to meet the individual’s needs and abilities. It can help individuals improve their communication skills, increase their confidence, and enhance their quality of life.