Karen Gorman, MS, CCC-SLP Universal Design for Learning Exploring Communication and the Relationship of Communication in Accessing the ARTS Karen Gorman, MS, CCC-SLP AT Evaluation/UDL Team Coordinator, D 75, NYCDOE David Carroca, OTR/L - AT Evaluator / UDL Team Jordan Ignacio, PT, ATP - AT Evaluator / UDL Team Hayley Levenson, MS, CCC-SLP - AT Evaluator / UDL Team

Medieval HELPDESK Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQHX-SjgQvQ 2:44 Video

The Times… They are a Changin’ Technology has opened doors wider for those with communication impairments.

TV Video Gaming Camera Phone Smart Phone Radio Music Mic Calculator File Storage Speaker

Obstacles that affect learning and communicating with others have more options than ever through the development of consumer technology.

Objectives: Increase awareness of alternative methods of communication Improve expectations of non-verbal communicators Gain a greater understanding of solutions that may assist non verbal communicators in accessing the Arts.

What is the connection between Consumer Technology and Access To Communication? Commonly used media tools are being developed to meet a multitude of needs, BUT they primarily exist to meet the larger population of consumers. This makes these tools… Culturally acceptable Socially acceptable Affordably priced Accessible

Understanding the tools Of Alternative Communication is easier now that these tools are beginning to look familiar.

The number one tool that supports students using Alternative Communication now is the iPAD

What is AAC? Augmentative, Alternative Communication is a method used to communicate using a method other than ones voice.

Alternative Methods of Communication The things that set alternative communicators apart from the norm are now what’s being used by everyone… Picture symbol systems (emoji) Abbreviation expansion ( use of acronyms, LOL, SMH, BRB) Pre-stored messages for fast responses Text-to-speech systems

Alternative Methods of Communication emoji

Exploring Alternative Methods of Communication. Texting, voice dictation, email, Instagram, Facebook and video chat are all commonly used methods to communicate now. For Some, these alternative methods (non-verbal methods) are the only way. Picture based communication systems and Text to Speech devices provide a voice to those that cannot naturally use theirs.

Commonly used AAC devices iPads and Mobile devices with apps for communication Text to speech software programs or apps (think audio books) Dedicated devices that are designed specifically for access to Communication, Tobii Dynavox, Accent by PRC, Go Talk, Tech Speak etc.

Exploring AAC Systems: Low Tech to High Tech

Low Tech

High Tech .

What is still preventing people from experiencing a comfort level interacting with individuals that use Alternative Methods to Communicate if everyone is using something similar? Move up to after AAC

In many instances non-verbal communicators also have a physical disability or exhibit behaviors that are not seen as “Normal” Move up to after AAC

The Different and Unfamiliar make people uncomfortable. Move up to after AAC

Knowledge is understanding. Knowledge is power. Move up to after AAC

In many instances communication partners have had no exposure or experience interacting with individuals that utilize Alternative Methods to Communicate. Move up to after AAC

All non-verbal communicators are cognitively impaired. Misconception All non-verbal communicators are cognitively impaired. Move up to after AAC

MARTIN Video

TED Talk KEY POINTS by Martin Pistorious Being able to communicate changed the course of his life. Having an effective communication system gave him a chance to build relationships. If you have a disability combined with a communication disorder, it is incredibly hard to become who you want to become. In real-time he would not be able to keep the pace of typical conversation

TED Talk KEY POINTS by Martin Pistorious Being able to communicate is a huge part of who you are as a person, it is what identifies you are an individual. Other people are often a significant part of the equation for successful AAC users. Your participation will change lives. Not everyone would connect that his system is for talking Not everyone looking at him would give his intelligence the appropriate credibility

How can public institutions improve overall access for non-verbal communicators?

Connecting Universal Design and Access to Communication for improved cultural experiences for Alternative Communication Users. REMOVE????

Universal Design for Learning UDL is a philosophy that uses learning models, methods, and tools to enhance the educational experience of diverse learners whether or not they have learning disabilities.

The 3 Principles of UDL Representation Action/Expression Engagement

Universal Design is prevalent in the physical environment in most public cultural institutions, however opportunities for communication are often not included. Add examples

If cultural institutions promote exposure, experience and learning then… Can alternative methods of receiving and EXPRESSING information be more available for those that need it?

UDL Supports Engagement Promotes Independence Develops improved Self-Esteem by offering alternatives Supports Self-Advocacy Can Reduce Frustration

UDL Engagement (Participation), Independence, Self-Esteem, being a self-advocate and not feeling frustrated are directly related to being able to EXPRESS ONESELF

Non-Verbal Communicators Rely on devices for voice-output and employ use of gestures, vocalizations and the use of picture symbols etc., to enhance their messages. Fix this slide

Is it possible for Cultural Institutions to provide better access to communication?

If you cannot speak you do not understand Misconception If you cannot speak you do not understand

Staff Training Can an increased awareness of Alternative Methods of Communication (AAC) help employees that work in cultural institutions improve the overall experience for non-verbal communicators?

Basic Information/Knowledge is often incredibly powerful.

SUCH AS: Receptive language/comprehension are not directly related to the ability to speak. FIX slide

Martin Would the average person know that Martin is intelligent? Would they know his device is for communication? Fix slide

COMMUNICATION for AAC users During real-time experiences capitalize on the receptive language skills and use succinct communication exchanges (Core) to avoid interruption in the flow of the experience

CORE LANGUAGE a set of words that can be used in a variety of settings to communicate and respond quickly and effectively

CORE Words are not content specific

80% of natural language is made up of Core Words.

The use of CORE WORDS increases the opportunities for communication exchanges

Examples of Core Words yes, no, finished, more, help FRINGE vs CORE

Could a Core Communication Board be easily incorporated? FRINGE vs CORE

Could this enhance the experiences that clearly focus on effective means of expression? FRINGE vs CORE

Children’s Museum of Art NYC

SAMPLE CORE BOARD SAMPLE of eye gaze core board.

GIVE ME 20

Two switch user Case Studies www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFyUB7pKiXc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFyUB7pKiXc  www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFyUB7pKiXc

Alternative Methods of Engaging in ART Laser Art video Video

INTRODUCE DEBORAH DAWSON

Are there specific affordable Technologies that can be incorporated into environments that improve access to expression and representation? Video

Exploring Access to Expression Prose Show slide apple store Introduce ANREAS FORSELAND

3:30 4:36

Setting up successful methods of communication will Build relationships with the students we are educating which is paramount to successful teaching and learning. Helps us to recognize obstacles, create awareness and improve expectations for those that present with communication impairments Increases awareness that communication and self expression go hand in hand.

THANK YOU! district75udlteam@gmail.com For questions or comments related to this presentation or to UDL, email us at: district75udlteam@gmail.com THANK YOU!