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Shelley Moore
Under the Table -
The Importance of Presuming Competence
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Alt+Shift Update
Alt+Shift presented Foundations of Communication training with early childhood special education staff members in Marquette, including classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and the special education coordinator. The goal of the training is to improve communication opportunities for students with complex communication needs and improve instructional methods for teachers and paraprofessionals who work with the students. We will obtain feedback from staff regularly on implementation progress and will provide additional implementation support as needed.
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Summer Institute Highlight
Alt+Shift is excited to have nationally known assistive technology (AT) consultant Mike Marotta at this year’s summer institute. Mike will be presenting on The Journey to Assistive Technology (AT) Success: From Consideration to Implementation.
In Mike’s two-day workshop, participants will explore AT from start to finish; consideration to implementation. They will evaluate their organization’s process and develop an action plan for effective consideration of assistive technology. Once technology has been identified, the process is not complete! In fact, we are only halfway to success. Successful implementation strategies will be identified to include trial periods, roles and responsibilities, and planning for follow-up. Participants will have an opportunity to bring their policies and procedures that are currently in use; there will be opportunities to share and learn from others. Whatever your role on the team— case manager, therapist, teacher, director of special services—we can all make a difference to break the cycle of mismatched technology and device abandonment. Through activities and collegial sharing, participants will leave with concrete steps to take in their organization to effectively meet the diverse needs of all students.
Register now for the Alt+Shift Summer Institute!
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New Alt+Shift Website
The Alt+Shift website is now live. Check out the latest events that are happening in our state. Stay up to date with the news section, and visit the resources pages to learn more about communication, assistive technology, accessibility, and math.
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Partnership Update
Alt+Shift is partnering with the Upper Peninsula Autism Network (UPAN) to provide professional development activities in the areas of communication and literacy for UPAN members. The network comprises seven intermediate school districts (ISDs) in the Upper Peninsula. UPAN representatives meet regularly and focus on local district supports, school-wide supports, a parent support group, professional development, and providing resources.
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Resources
Praacticalaac.com is a blog created by Carole Zangari and the late Robin Parker due to a shared interest in helping children with significant communication difficulties. Their mission statement identifies a determination to help students with significant communication difficulties improve their communication and literacy. The blog includes:
- Posts focusing on an array of different Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) topics
- Strategy of the Month
- Video of the Week
- AAC Tool Box
- Contact Information
The blog was a finalist in the “Best Educational Use of Media” category for the 2014 Edublog Awards.
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Funding Tips: What You Need to Know!
Navigating the funding process for an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device can be an overwhelming task. Let our Funding Tips: What You Need to Know! section help you along the way.
Did you know?
Representatives from the AAC manufacturer can assist you to ensure that your funding paperwork is complete. Contact the funding department of the AAC company you are seeking to purchase the device from and they can help you through the process.
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Upcoming Events: Michigan
Alt+Shift Summer Institute: Rethink Possibilities
June 20–22
Hagerty Center, Traverse City
EdCon 2017 - The Secondary Education Conference
(Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals)
June 26–28
Grand Traverse Resort, Acme
2017 MCTM Conference
(Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
July 25–27
Traverse City West Senior High School, Traverse City
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