While focusing solely on picture exchange is certainly beneficial for many children, successful outcomes using this approach still leave children unable to communicate in sentences and unable to say what they want to say when they want to say it. Parents and educators often say things like “he is stuck at requesting”, “she is only asking for things”, “we can’t have a conversation beyond I want or I see.” And most often it is “I want to know what he is thinking” or “how can she tell me if something is wrong?” The challenge still remains on how to transition children to a more comprehensive communication system.
Recently gaining momentum is the notion that it could be beneficial to incorporate picture exchange with core vocabulary in a low-tech AAC system for non-verbal children who are not functional communicators. This seminar will introduce the Core Vocabulary Exchange System™ (CVES™). Participants will learn how CVES™ addresses these concerns of parents, educators and therapists by providing a means for children to transition to a more comprehensive communication system. Participants will leave this seminar with the knowledge and an approach to successfully implement a comprehensive, low-tech AAC program.
Those attending this seminar will learn how to:
This presentation will focus exclusively on the Core Vocabulary Exchange System™ (CVES™). Other treatment approaches will receive limited or no coverage during this lecture. Presenter financial and non-financial disclosures may be found in the Presenter & Disclosures area.
7:30am – 7:55am
Check In and Onsite Registration (Coffee & Tea)
7:55am – 8:00am
Welcome and General Seminar Information
8:00am – 8:30am
Background, History and Overview of CVES™
Addressing the Need and Rationale for Implementing a Pragmatic AAC Communication Program
8:30am – 9:00am
Typical Language Development and Core Vocabulary
9:00am – 9:30am
Practice Establishing Functional Communication Skills
9:30am – 10:00am
Spontaneous Novel Utterance Generation (SNUG)
Using the Core Communication Card To Elicit Conversational Exchange
10:00am – 10:15am
Break
10:15am – 11:30am
Evidence-Based CVES™ Principles:
• Multisensory Learning
• Consistent Motor Planning for Removable and Returnable Icons
• Backward Chaining
• Aided Language Input and the Use of Core Adapted Visual Schedules and First-Then Schedules To Facilitate Language Learning
11:30am – 12:30pm
Lunch on Own
12:30pm – 1:00pm
Traditional Language Facilitation Techniques and Hands On Practice
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Getting Started with CVES™ Intervention: Data Collection and Icon Selection
1:30pm – 1:45pm
Break
1:45pm – 3:30pm
CVES™ Case Studies and Implementation
3:30pm
Adjourn, Sign Out and Certificates
Megan Brazas, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, credentialed early intervention provider, and holds a State of Illinois teaching license. She has extensive experience in working with children with complex communication needs, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, rare medical conditions, and complex orthopedic impairments. Additionally, Megan has experience evaluating and treating a variety of speech and language conditions including apraxia of speech and she is PROMPT Trained.
Megan speaks locally and nationally on topics such as core vocabulary, low-tech communication systems, functional communication, supporting communication in the special education setting, curriculum adaptations, behavior management for autism spectrum disorder, and typical language development. Megan’s contributions include presentations at the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), Infintec, Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, and local school districts. Megan is the creator of the Core Vocabulary Exchange System™ (CVES™), a low-tech core vocabulary based communication system which aligns with typical language development, published by Northern Speech Services.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial — Megan Brazas is presenter of CE seminars sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives honorarium.
Financial — Megan Brazas is author and creator of the Core Vocabulary Exchange System™ (CVES™) published by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.
Nonfinancial — Megan Brazas has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Phone:
630-799-5900
Click for Directions
Complimentary onsite parking.
This program is offered for 0.6 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level; Professional area).
Speech-language pathologists and other professionals who evaluate and treat non-verbal children or children who speak but are unintelligible.
ASHA CEUs: Attendees must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to be eligible to earn ASHA CEUs:
If an attendee is not an ASHA member or CCC holder but meets any of the above criteria, they may provide their eligibility on the ASHA CEU Participant Form or inform the ASHA CE Registry of their eligibility by visiting this site.
"Loved the videos and how often we were given video examples."
"Megan is very knowledgeable."
"I liked how Megan used the tools in her private practice and could show their use through video clips."
"I enjoyed the hands-on with the actual item!"
"Seeing what Megan does, along with having video demonstrations on the approaches and across levels of using this system, was GREAT!"