Reflections on PSHA, Part 1
Last time, I blogged about being a member of a state speech-language-hearing association. In
that blog I mentioned my state association's upcoming annual convention. Today's post is about some of my experiences at the
PSHA Convention. I'll write about the other presentations I attended in my next post.
My time at the convention was split among the usual convention-type activities: attending short courses and seminars, going to poster sessions, consuming food and clapping for recipients at the awards luncheon, and visiting exhibitor booths. (Who doesn't love the freebies?) I feel very fortunate that I was able to attend the convention (as I know professional leave often is limited in these times of school budget cuts) and listen to excellent presentations and speakers.
As school-based SLPs, we have diverse interests in the field and diverse caseloads. I tried to choose topics based on my areas of interest and areas in which I felt I needed to learn more. Between my two days at the convention, I attended a total of five different presentations. The three mentioned in this post all relate to technology. I've included the title, the presenter and a brief reflection of each.
M. Jeanne Wilcox, PhD, presented "Assistive Technology for Young Children with Communication and Language Needs." Although designed for SLPs working in early intervention (toddlers, preschoolers), I attended this presentation because of my high interest in assistive technology for communication and because, although my students are older, I thought some of the information presented would apply to my early language learners. It really made me think about thinking outside of the box more when making adaptations for my students. It also made me realize how much more AT my students with moderate-severe disabilities should be using. Dr. Wilcox also shared her excellent Tots N Tech website. I highly suggest checking out the wealth of information on this website if you work with students who use or could benefit from AT.
"Apps and the SLP: Assessment and Intervention" was presented by Beth Holland, MA, CCC-SLP. Although I still haven't received my iPad from my district, I look forward to the day that I'll be getting mine! It's amazing the number of apps that are out there! I can't wait to try out some of the ones we were shown at this seminar.
Stephanie Craven, MA, and Carrie Leonhart, MS, presented on "Don't Be Scared - Learning (and Teaching) About High-Tech Communication Supports." They discussed a summer program for young transitioning adults who use high-tech communication devices. One of the program attendees even helped give the presentation. Although I don't work with this age group, I love AAC and work with students who use high-tech devices who someday will become young, transitioning adults.
I'm thrilled that I was able to attend PSHA. I'm already excited for next year's convention - it's being held in a city that's a short drive for me! Did any of you attend PSHA? If so, did you attend any of the same presentations as I did? What were your thoughts? For non-PSHA attendees, if any of these topics spark your interest, feel free to let me know, and I'll gladly blog more in-depth about any one of these presentations. Comment below or on the ADVANCE Facebook page!