Lauren Enders Gonzales, MA, CCC-SLP is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist working as a school-age Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks County, Pennsylvania). She has had a passion for using AAC and other forms of assistive technology to support students with complex needs since she began her career in 1995. Lauren presents regularly at national conferences, including Closing the Gap, ATIA, and ASHA, as well as more intimate conferences, speaking engagements, and webinars. She has shared her knowledge via blog posts on Praacticalaac.org as well as articles published in the ASHA Leader and Closing the Gap Solutions magazines. Lauren enjoys sharing resources and networking with others in the field via her professional social media accounts.
Workshop Description:
Words have power! As special education professionals, the language we use to describe and interact with our students matters…a lot. In this webinar, Lauren Enders Gonzales will explore the value and importance of declarative language in special education.
When working with students with disabilities, language frames perception. Deficit-based language focuses on what students cannot do, while strength-based language highlights their abilities. Declarative language explicitly states what we want students to do, rather than posing questions that they may not understand. Using real-world examples, Lauren will share how purposeful, positive language empowers students and improves outcomes (and invigorates teachers and other professionals).
You will learn:
• The difference between declarative and interrogative statements • The power of using students' names and speaking directly to them • How language directs attention and behavior • Strategies for framing instructions clearly and positively • Strategies for students that struggle with demands
Language is a powerful tool in any educator's kit. Join Lauren for this thought-provoking and practical session that explores how small shifts in our words can make a world of difference for special education students. You will leave with strategies that transform your language and uplift your students.
If you have questions regarding this training, please email our AT inbox.
Lauren Enders Gonzales, MA, CCC-SLP is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist working as a school-age Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks County, Pennsylvania). She has had a passion for using AAC and other forms of assistive technology to support students with complex needs since she began her career in 1995. Lauren presents regularly at national conferences, including Closing the Gap, ATIA, and ASHA, as well as more intimate conferences, speaking engagements, and webinars. She has shared her knowledge via blog posts on Praacticalaac.org as well as articles published in the ASHA Leader and Closing the Gap Solutions magazines. Lauren enjoys sharing resources and networking with others in the field via her professional social media accounts.
Workshop Description:
Unlock your students' communication potential by combining declarative language, AAC, and fun! In this energetic session, Lauren Enders Gonzales will demonstrate how declarative modeling and augmentative/alternative communication can be seamlessly integrated into fun, engaging activities. Declarative language explicitly states what we want students to do, while AAC devices give students the means to respond. By merging these two evidence-based strategies with motivating games and exercises, we scaffold students' understanding and facilitate two-way communication. Lauren will share videos that highlight the power of fusing modeling, AAC, and fun.
You will discover:
• The basics of declarative language and how to use it across activities • Steps for integrating declarative modeling and AAC into academic tasks or therapies • Using declarative language in student-led activities that excite and engage • Real-life success stories of students blooming with this multi-pronged approach
When students are highly motivated, given the right communication tools, and given a reason to communicate, exciting things happen! Join Lauren for a session that will recharge your therapy or teaching toolbox with engaging, new ideas to unlock students' potential. You will leave with practical strategies to get your students communicating and connecting through declarative language, AAC, and fun! Leave with a digital resource containing helpful tips and handouts.
If you have questions regarding this training, please email our AT inbox.
Overwhelmed by PD? Don’t have time for a 90-minute webinar? We got you! Please join the Arizona Department of Education/Exceptional Student Services/Assistive Technology Team for our fall series titled “Assistive Technology: Just One Thing” (JOT).
These fast, 30-minute sessions will showcase just one organizational or assistive technology tool or strategy that you can use in your classroom or teacher/therapist life. Are mornings or afternoons better for you? No worries—each JOT will be presented on Wednesdays at lunchtime and after school. Choose the time that works for you. Please see the details below for the next JOT session taking place in the spring.
The ADE AT Loan Library has over 5,000 items in its inventory, from old stand-bys to the latest and greatest. ADE’s AT Specialists and the Loan Library Program Coordinator will highlight new items; each will share some of their recent favorites and tell you why you might want to “check these out!”
