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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
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Universal Design for LearningExploring 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
MedievalHELPDESK 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 communicationImprove expectations of non-verbal communicatorsGain a greater understanding of solutions that may assist non verbal communicators in accessing the Arts.
What is the connection between Consumer Technology andAccess 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.
AlternativeMethods 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
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.
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, TobiiDynavox, Accent by PRC, Go Talk, Tech Speak etc. Commonly used AAC devices
What is still preventingpeople from experiencing a comfort level interacting with individuals that use Alternative Methods to Communicate if everyone is using something similar?
In many instances non-verbal communicators also have a physical disability or exhibit behaviors that are not seen as “Normal”
In many instances communication partners have had no exposure or experience interacting with individuals that utilize Alternative Methods to Communicate.
Misconception • All non-verbal communicators are cognitively impaired.
MARTIN Video
KEY POINTS by Martin Pistorious TEDTalk • 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
KEY POINTS by Martin Pistorious TEDTalk • 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.
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.
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
Rely on devices for voice-output and employ use of gestures, vocalizations and the use of picture symbols etc., to enhance their messages. Non-Verbal Communicators
Is it possible for Cultural Institutions to provide better access to communication?
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?
SUCH AS:Receptive language/comprehension are not directly related to the ability to speak.
Martin Would the average person know that Martin is intelligent? Would they know his device is for communication?
COMMUNICATIONfor 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 LANGUAGEa set of words that can be used in a variety of settings to communicate and respond quickly and effectively
The use ofCORE WORDSincreases the opportunitiesfor communication exchanges
Could this enhance the experiences that clearly focus on effective means of expression?