1. 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

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

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

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

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

6. 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.

7. 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

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

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

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

11. 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

12. Alternative Methods of Communication
emoji

13. Exploring Alternative Methods of Communication.
Texting, voice dictation, , 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.

14. 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.

15. Exploring AAC Systems: Low Tech to High Tech

16. Low Tech

17. High Tech .

18. 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

19. 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

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

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

22. 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

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

24. MARTIN
Video

25. 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

26. 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

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

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

29. 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.

30. The 3 Principles of UDL
Representation
Action/Expression
Engagement

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

32. 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?

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

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

35. 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

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

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

38. 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?

39. Basic Information/Knowledge is often incredibly powerful.

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

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

42. 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

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

44. CORE Words are not content specific

45. 80% of natural language is made up of Core Words.

46. The use of CORE WORDS increases the opportunities for communication exchanges

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

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

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

50. Children’s Museum of Art NYC

51. SAMPLE CORE BOARD
SAMPLE of eye gaze core board.

52. GIVE ME 20

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

54. Alternative Methods of Engaging in ART
Laser Art video
Video

55. INTRODUCE DEBORAH DAWSON

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

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

59. 3:30
4:36

61. 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.

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