Challenge:
• Traditional conference presentations and publications do not reach all AAC stake-
holders.
• Web-based materials provide access to information in a way that minimizes financial
and travel constraints.
Goals:
Develop free video webcasts on a variety of topics of interest to the AAC community. This information will be produced in three formats:
(1) Introductory – a series of short (3-5 minute) videos demonstrating the positive impact of AAC for specific populations ;
(2) Developing Skills – a series of 20- minute skill-focused streamed webcasts for pre-service professionals, parents, rehabilitation engineers, SLPs, etc; and
(3) Focused Competencies – 45 minute streamed webcasts detailing AAC-RERC project results, technology transfer activities, and important AAC emerging issues for experienced AAC stakeholders.
Webcast information will be in multiple formats (video, audio, transcriptions) to support accessibility
Activities:
We have completed production and posted a webcast detailing Pamela Kennedy's description of her experiences as an individual with complex communication needs and as a survivor of the Grand Forks flood of 1997. She describes seven steps for emergency preparation that are critical for all individuals with complex communication needs. (July, 2009).
We have developed an interactive blog site to support communication on webcasts. Beth Anne Luciani, an individual with complex communication needs who attends university, will be available to discuss her webcast, AAC and College Life - Just Do It! This will be used on a trial basis with Penn State University undergraduates in fall semester, 2009. (August, 2009)
Knowledge transfer:
We continue to provide support for all of the webcasts developed by the AAC-RERC.
Available webcasts include
Consumer Perspectives:
Michael Williams,
Colin Portuff,
Beth Anne Luciani,
Pamela Kennedy
Research Summaries:
Janice Light (Literacy),
David Beukelman (Aphasia),
Howard Shane (Autism),
Janice Light (AAC and young children),
Professional Training:
Lew Golinker (Funding),
Aileen Costigan (Seating and positioning),
David McNaughton (AAC and transition),
Kevin Caves (Engineering design projects) These webcasts received over 8,500 views in 2008, and have been enjoyed by individuals around the world, as well as adopted for use in undergraduate and graduate level classes. A complete list is available here. |
