Language Modeling in Action

Date: This training will be offered monthly. You can choose the ones you want when you register

  • September 18th

  • October 30th

  • November 20th

Time: 1-3pm

Location: Montpelier, VT (location will be provided following registration)

Price: $50 for each month

This workshop is appropriate for: Parents, family members, caregivers, classroom teachers, special educators, paraeducators, BIs, BCBAs, SLPs, and anyone else who is supporting an AAC communicator at home or in an educational setting

Description: Language modeling (a.k.a. aided language input or aided language stimulation) is a foundational skill for supporting an AAC communicator. Their language and overall communication growth is hugely dependent on how their communication partners show them what AAC based communication looks like, sounds like, when to do, how to combine it with gestures, speech or vocalizations, and above all else - that it is valued and heard by those around them. This training is an opportunity to learn about language modeling and then practice it! The goal is for you to leave feeling comfortable modeling on your student’s or child’s communication system AND clear about how to do that in real life moments (that’s usually the tricky part). This training is open to parents and others supporting AAC communicators both at home and at school. You can sign up for one month at a time, all of them at once, or whatever works for you. This is not a training series. Each month will offer something slightly different so there’s variety for those who decide to join more than once.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will

  1. Increase their understanding of the purpose of language modeling.

  2. Practice at least 2 specific strategies for providing language modeling at home or at school.

  3. Create a simple language modeling plan for based on their child’s/student specific communication profile and needs.

  4. Learn to identify and troubleshoot access barriers to embedding AAC into daily life.

Important Information:

  • Do NOT bring your student’s AAC system or tools. If you have an extra system or tool, you are welcome to bring these. You will be asked about this information when registering. We will provide a variety of AAC systems and tools for those who do not have access to extras.

  • This workshop will include the use of speech generating devices as well as other AAC tools and materials. Your student does not need to be using a high tech AAC system (like an iPad or other speech generating device) for you to attend.

  • CEUs will NOT be provided. However, we will provide certificates of completion to all participants present for the entire day.

  • Cancellation & Refund Policy:

    • Cancellation more than 30 days prior to the event will receive an 80% refund.

    • Cancellation within 30 days of the event will not be refunded. However, the registration can be transferred to another individual from the same organization free of charge.