Announcement Detail
CSHA Spring 2024 Conference
Date: Friday, May 10th
Time: 2:00 pm - 7:15 pm (included 30 min break; .25 CEUs)
Agenda: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: ACC vendors, Student Research Posters
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: 0.25 AAC CEU talk (with 30 minute AAC vendor break)
6:00 pm - 6:15 pm: Break
6:15 pm - 7:15 pm: Student Awards and Refreshments
Location: Southern Connecticut State University 501 Crescent Street, HHS 208 New Haven, CT
Learning Format: Live, in person
Cost: CSHA MEMBERS Professional Cost: $60
NON MEMBERS Professional Cost: $100
Student Cost: $10
CF SLP: $30
SLPAs: $25
Award Only guest fee: $15
Title of Presentation:
Unveiling Implicit Bias: Navigating Perceptions in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Practices
Description of Presentation:
In this presentation, we will delve into the often-overlooked realm of implicit bias in the selection and implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. While these devices play a pivotal role in enabling communication for individuals with disabilities across settings, the process of selecting and implementing the most suitable device is not immune to biases that can inadvertently hinder accessibility and equity. By shedding light on implicit biases inherent in AAC use through device exploration and group work, we aim to promote awareness, spark reflection, and offer actionable strategies to ensure fair and inclusive access to communication solutions across the continuum of care.
Speaker biographies:
Laura Silva M.S. CCC-SLP
Laura Silva M.S. CCC-SLP is presently serving as a clinical instructor at Southern Connecticut State University's Center for Communication Disorders, leveraging her background in Speech-Language Pathology spanning over 15 years to support graduate students develop their skills as growing clinicians. Specializing in Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), Laura devotes herself to empowering AAC users and their communication partners. Beyond her clinical practice, Laura engages in sharing resources, imparting professional and student training, and fostering a supportive environment conducive to AAC advancement.
Shannon McCabe
Shannon McCabe M.S. CCC-SLP is currently working as an outpatient pediatric speech language pathologist at Middlesex Mayer Center in Essex, CT. She graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2021. She currently serves patients as young as 9 months to as old as 16 years old. She has worked with patients with a variety of communication disorders though is passionate about working with Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) users. Since the Mayer Center opened in December 2022, she has created an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) program that assists patients and families obtaining speech generating devices through their insurance, as well as, providing parent education and coaching. In addition to obtaining an insurance-funded device, she supports other therapeutic staff to learn and use (AAC) within their sessions.
Disclosures: Guidelines exist whereby all speakers must disclose any relevant relationships.
- The speakers have no relevant financial disclosures.
- The speakers have no relevant non-financial disclosures.
Learner Outcomes:
Participants will be able to:
- Describe implicit biases related to AAC device selection and implementation
- Identify similarities and differences between AAC device selection and implementation across settings
- Identify barriers and implicit biases specific to AAC device selection and implementation
- Describe solutions/action plans aligned with AAC systems.
Time-ordered Agenda:
- Define implicit bias, AAC systems and the impact of environments and accessibility. (10 minutes)
- Review research on AAC device selection and implementation across settings (15 minutes)
- Group activity: identifying implicit biases regarding AAC (20 minutes)
- Discussion – comparisons across settings (15 minutes)
- AAC Practice Standards and client expectations across settings (15 minutes)
- Application: Setting AAC Users up for success: device exploration aligned to individual settings – developing action plans and solutions (45 minutes)
- Discussion: Breaking down biases across settings (15 minutes)
Statement of Learning: The above course will be provided in live (in person), group learning format. The course content may include lecture, video(s), case study review, group discussion and question and answer session. The course may be recorded for future use.
CEU statement: This program is offered for a maximum of 0.25 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level; Professional Area). No partial credit will be provided.
