EDUCATION
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, May 1993
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Major: Communication Science and Disorders
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Sept 1991- May 1993
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
U.S. Department of Education Training Grant
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, May 1991
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Major: Communication Disorders
Minor: Linguistics
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Augmentative Communication Consultant, January 2004-present
Vermont State I-Team, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Assist local teams in the delivery of quality educational services to students with intensive special needs through technical assistance, training, and family support.
Evaluation
- Assess communication and related skills, including: receptive and expressive language, cognition, behavior, sensory, environmental, personal and physical characteristics
- Recognize opportunities to increase equal access to curriculum and social activities
- Determine appropriate symbolic and non-symbolic communication modes
- Suggest suitable low and high tech tools to support language processing, organization, self-regulation, expression, and social interaction
- Convene with Team to establish priorities and determine members' roles and responsibilities
- Develop a communication plan that reflects the individual's strengths and preferences as well as the needs and abilities of the environment
Implementation
- Conduct individualized vocabulary selection for low-tech and high-tech communication aids
- Create a variety of low-tech communication materials, including: communication books and boards, visual supports, and voice-output communication aid overlays
- Model specific interventions and use of relevant communication tools for Team members
- Program digitized and synthesized voice-output communication aids
Support teachers, para-educators, parents and therapists in executing communication programs - Foster the carryover of appropriate system features to new environments (e.g. home, work)
- Provide all instructional support necessary for programming and maintaining dedicated devices and other communication software
Documentation
- Generate comprehensive, clear reports of observations, findings and recommendations
- Share results of consultations at formal or informal Team meetings
- Maintain data on communication interventions to monitor success and need for adjustments
- Arrange for rental of high-tech voice-output devices, record their effectiveness, and submit necessary documentation for procurement
- Communicate with administrators regarding equipment, services, and staffing needs
Augmentative Communication Specialist, 1993-present
Certified, Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Easter Seals of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
Provide on-site support for individuals with significant communication challenges so that they may achieve meaningful participation, maximum independence, and consistent success in social, educational, and vocational situations.
Program Director - Extended School Year, 1997-2003
Winthrop Public Schools, Winthrop, MA
Coordinated summer service delivery for more than 100 students, including hiring over 40 staff, maintaining accurate educational, payroll, and expense records, and overseeing the daily functioning of the full-day and tutoring programs.
PRESENTATIONS
Topics
Augmentative Communication
"Augmentative and Alternative Communication" 15-hour course
"Communicating in Natural Settings: Techniques in Assessment and Intervention"
"Assessment of Communication Skills for AAC Supports"
"Language Characteristics and Intervention for Children with PDD/Autism"
"Low Tech, Low Cost: Devices to Enhance Communication and Language"
"AAC for Persons with Developmental Disabilities"
"Learning to Communicate with Non-Speakers"
"The Role of the Occupational Therapist on the AAC Team"
"Communication Guide: Assessing Student's Skills in the Area of Communication"
"AAC Supports: Choosing Supports to Help Students Address the Standards"
Visual Supports
"Practical Classroom Supports: Promote Participation, Independence and Success"
"Creating and Using Visual Supports in the Classroom"
"Visual Supports: Personal and Classroom Based Supports"
"Enhancing Communication Using Visual Strategies"
Social
"Social Props and Books"
Home/Early Intervention
"Successful Communication at Home"
"Augmentative Communication: Let's Get Started!"
Software Programs
"BoardMaker for Beginners"
"Advanced BoardMaker"
"Make-It Take-It with BoardMaker"
"Speaking Dynamically Pro: Programming for Communication"
Assistive Technology
"A Morning of Assistive Technology"
"Student Access Map: A Guide to Accessing the Curriculum"
"Student Access Map: Format for Access to the Standards Using AT Supports"
"Facilitating Participation with and without Technology"
"Adaptive Technology"
Audiences - National, Regional and Local
Speech-Language Pathologists
Behavior Specialists
Para-educators
Assistive Technology Specialists
Occupational Therapists
Regular Educators
Parents
Undergraduate Students
Physical Therapists
Special Educators
Administrators
Graduate Students
