Supporting Students With Complex Needs Through Better Tools and Processes - 854-684

This day is designed to share tools and strategies that support students with cognitive challenges and complex communication needs in typical school environments. We will look at one specific tool in the morning that provides access to curriculum. In the afternoon we will look at a research-based communication matrix used with students with complex communication needs. Also, an implementation strategy for staff to increase communication opportunities for these students will be shared.
 

Morning Focus: Introduction to Unique Learning System®
Assessing students with significant disabilities can be a challenge.  How do you make it happen?  What is the objective? What is the data telling you?  Come join us as we explore the assessments, both Benchmark Assessments and Monthly Checkpoints, within the Unique Learning System® and share ideas for making it a meaningful and valuable experience. We’ll also look at ways to adapt the assessments for students who need to access them in a different way.

Unique Learning System® is an award-winning (2015 SIIA CODiE Awards), online, standards-based set of interactive tools specifically designed for students with special needs to access the general curriculum. Used daily in school districts and classrooms across the country, Unique Learning System provides preschool through transition students with rigorous, standards-based materials specifically designed to meet their instructional needs. 

The participants who bring their own device will have the opportunity to login and experience the features and components of Unique Learning System. Tablets, iPads and laptops are welcome!

About the presenter: Scott Marfilius | MA.Ed, Unique Systems Trainer
Scott has been working with individuals with disabilities for 30+ years, and has has extensive experience successfully implementing curriculum and utilizing the necessary assistive technology supports to help all students be successful. His teaching certifications are in Early Childhood Handicap, Cognitive Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities, and Learning Disabilities. His M.A. is in Curriculum and Instruction. 
 

Afternoon Focus: How to assess and provide meaningful instruction for students with complex communication needs
During this session we will explore how teams across the country are using the researched-based Communication Matrix. Kelly will explain how using the resulting data, along with an instructional technique called Compatible Communication Enhancement Process (CCP), can impact both student integration and targeted skill development for learners with significant and complex communication needs.

About the presenter: Kelly Fonner | Assistive and Educational Technology Consultant
Kelly is a self-employed consultant in assistive and educational technology. She is a Special Educator and has a Masters in Educational Technology with emphasis in Rehabilitation/Special Education. Since 1986 Kelly has presented at schools, conferences, and to families in 48 states and internationally (Australia, Canada, South Africa). She speaks on a wide-range of topics including augmentative communication, computer access, electronic literacy, study skills, AT assessment & implementation strategies. Each year, she works with approximately 50 school-based teams supporting students’ implementation of AAC & literacy implementation in the classroom. 
 

Investment: AT Academy members free; AT member districts $45; all other districts/agencies $75
Lunch is included!

Content questions? 
Contact Jill Gierach, CESA 2 Assistive Technology Services Director
jill.gierach@cesa2.org

Cancellation Policy: Registered participants will receive a refund if they cancel prior to 3 working days before an event, minus any material costs that have already been incurred. Cancellations must either be made on MyQuickReg or by emailing cancel@cesa2.org. Because of our commitment to the presenter and the food vendor, participants who cancel less than 3 working days prior to the event or who do not attend the event, will be billed the full fee. CESA 2 reserves the right to cancel any event. Registered participants will be notified via phone and email if a cancellation occurs and will receive a full refund. 

Inclement Weather Policy: Every effort will be made to hold an event. CESA 2 will notify participants via email as soon as possible if an event has been cancelled due to weather conditions.

Disclaimer: CESA 2 will do its best to accommodate general dietary requests; if your dietary need is very specific or severe, you may want to bring your own lunch to ensure your comfort and health. CESA 2 does not assume liability for adverse reactions to food consumed or items one may come into contact with while eating at a CESA 2 event. If you have a dietary need or food allergy, please go into your MyQuickReg profile and update the special accommodations section. Notice of a special dietary need must be made 2 weeks in advance of the event.

By registering for an event with CESA 2, participants agree to grant to CESA 2 and its authorized representatives permission to record digital photos and/or video, of their participation. Participants further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote CESA 2, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation. If you do not wish to have your photo or image used, please contact us at info@cesa2.org.

In-Person Events: Restrictions on our in-person events due to COVID-19 have been lifted. We will be responsive to what's happening within our communities, and guidelines from the CDC and local health agencies for future offerings and will update guidelines when necessary.