About this workshop
For some children with complex communication needs, it is the method of accessing the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system that is significantly affecting their development of intelligible, autonomous communication. These children, who have significant physical and/or sensory challenges, often need to learn movements to access AAC systems. This intensive five day workshop will provide participants with an in depth opportunity to explore the movement differences associated with cerebral palsy, other significant neurological movement impairments (eg Rett Syndrome, Pitt Hopkins, Cri Du Chat, etc.), and severe sensory processing challenges. There will be a focus on identifying these posture and movement challenges in relation to their impact on communication development, assessment and intelligibility. A range of strategies and a process to teach movements for communication will be demonstrated.
This five day intensive workshop is most effective for teams who are working with children who have severe physical and sensory challenges and are struggling to access augmentative communication systems. Teams may include: speech language pathologists, educators, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, family members, school leadership and support personnel. However, it will also be of significant value and give direction and knowledge to individual therapists, educators and family members. It would be helpful, but not a requirement, for one of the members of the team to have previously attended an Introductory PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display Communication) training.
After this five-day workshop, participants will have developed their ability to:
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Identify the role of movement in communication.
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Identify the communication and cognitive assessment challenges for individuals who have sensory motor challenges and complex communication needs.
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Describe the key movement issues that affect the development of all graded movement including that required for intelligible communication.
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Observe and analyze the movement for children whose motor and/or sensory processing challenges affect their development of intelligible communication. This includes children with cerebral palsy (and like conditions), other syndromes (e.g. Rett, Pitt Hopkins, Cri Du Chat, etc.) and global developmental delay.
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Explain how to accommodate for challenging postural control.
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Explain how to develop sensory & motor control of selective movements.
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Describe an intervention process for developing movements and operational competencies for more intelligible, independent, autonomous communication.
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Assess and teach movements for communication using gesture, non-electronic and electronic AAC systems including direct pointing, eye-gaze, scanning access.
This workshop is generally presented by two of CPEC's founders and senior therapists, Claire Cotter OAM and Gayle Porter OAM. Claire Cotter (B.AppSc.( OT), Dip. CE Hon, OTR) is an occupational therapist with 42 years experience in this field. She is the CEO and cofounder of the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Melbourne, Australia. She is committed to the best possible outcomes for families who are raising a child with cerebral palsy and other neurological disabilities. With expertise in teaching motor control, addressing sensory processing challenges, developmental play and technology for children with neurological impairments, she addresses the sensorimotor challenges to communication access. Claire coordinates a wide range of professional development opportunities across the sector and contributes to published research papers and online resources. She regularly presents papers and workshops. Gayle Porter is a speech pathologist with 39 years hands-on experience working with people with complex communication needs. Gayle currently works at the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Melbourne, Australia. She also has a private practice working with both children and teenagers with complex communication needs in their schools. Gayle developed and has published resources on the Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD) communication books and page sets for speech generating devices. In addition, she has authored articles, publications and chapters on Augmentative and Alternative Communication and cerebral palsy. Gayle is a highly sought after international presenter.