speech-pathology-2017-scientifictracks-abstracts

16 / 16

Volume 2, Issue 3 (Suppl) J Speech Pathol Ther
ISSN: 2472-5005, an open access journal ISLPC 2017
May 22-23, 2017
Page 49
Notes:
conferenceseries.com
May 22-23, 2017 Las Vegas, USA
International Conference on
Speech Language Pathology
z, J Speech Pathol Ther 2017, 2:3,(Suppl)
Functional considerations and approaches to assessing and treating communication challenges in
individuals with severe disabilities
This presentation will highlight functional assessment (e.g., circles of communication partners, ecological inventories and
discrepancy analysis) and intervention strategies (e.g., vision statements, skill clusters and instructional matrices) that
have been found to be highly useful in fostering communication, educational and related skills in individuals with severe
disabilities. Particular emphasis will be placed on those with accompanying severe intellectual challenges. Limitations
of standardized testing will be discussed and viable alternatives (i.e., non-standardized approaches) presented. While the
greatest emphasis will be placed on the role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication and that of the speech-language
pathologist, content will be readily applicable to other related services as well as overall instruction. Authentic assessment
and intervention will be discussed with multiple practical examples of how these principles can be applied to foster functional
and meaningful abilities. Overarching themes of the workshop will be participation, membership and inclusion. Rather than
examining communication (i.e., AAC) as an isolated skill, this presentation will frame it as an essential component of an
integrated program in which the broader objectives relate to functional life skills and quality of life. Strategies discussed will
be those found to contribute to individuals’ establishment and maintenance of relationships with others (i.e., friendships)
as well as increased levels of participation in educational, vocational, leisure and other events. Emphasis will be placed on
practices that foster, rather than hinder individuals’ self-determination and independence. Practical considerations for selecting
and then addressing instructional goals will be reviewed, once again emphasizing approaches that target communication skills
in broader contexts. These include school and other community settings that support inclusive practices.
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