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Volume 2, Issue 3 (Suppl) J Speech Pathol Ther
ISSN: 2472-5005, an open access journal ISLPC 2017
May 22-23, 2017
Page 40
Notes:
conferenceseries.com
May 22-23, 2017 Las Vegas, USA
International Conference on
Speech Language Pathology
Stephen Calculator, J Speech Pathol Ther 2017, 2:3,(Suppl)
Fostering communication skills in individuals with severe disabilities through enhanced natural
gestures: Research to practice
Individuals with severe disabilities, particularly those identified as Beginning Communicators, present special challenges to
speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in terms of the severity and breadth of their communication challenges. This is related
in part to the numerous factors (e.g., intellectual, communication, language, motor, sensory and behavioral) underlying these
disabilities. Given the fact that many of these individuals are unable to use speech as a primary method of communication and
various forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) become the method of choice. These often include
combinations of aided (e.g., speech generating devices) and unaided (e.g., natural gestures and sign language) forms of
communication. This presentation will focus on unaided methods of communication. More specifically, it will describe and
then explore the efficacy of a system found to be useful in developing inventories of communicative behaviors, Enhanced
Natural Gestures (ENGs). Unlike other unaided forms of communication such as natural gestures and sign language, ENGs
are by their nature easily taught to individuals and readily understood by unfamiliar communication partners. They build upon
behaviors individuals are already demonstrating in their interactions with objects and participation in events. This workshop
will begin with a brief overview of enhanced natural gestures. It will then focus on the steps used to teach them. Two primary
instructional methods, mand-model with time delay and molding-shaping will be described. The workshop will conclude with
a review of recently published studies that have validated the efficacy of this approach. Implications for future research and
practice will be described.
Biography
Stephen Calculator is a consulting Speech-Language Pathologist and Emeritus Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the
University of New Hampshire, USA. Since earning his Doctorate in Communicative Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1980, he has published
and lectured extensively in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and inclusive services for individuals with severe disabilities, drawing
upon his ongoing experiences as a consultant to numerous schools and other agencies in the USA and beyond. His greatest contributions have been devoted to
enhancing our understanding of the role communication and assistive technology can play in fostering the participation of individuals with severe disabilities in their
communities.
Stephen Calculator
University of New Hampshire, USA