Core vs Fringe: Aligning Vocabulary Prediction and Selection in AAC with Language Development

DESCRIPTION:

Core vocabulary lists are frequently referenced when Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and other
stakeholders are selecting vocabulary for early symbolic communicators who use augmentative and
alternative communication. But is core vocabulary appropriate for emerging communicators who use
AAC? This webinar will aim to align core vocabulary with typical language development through
understanding when the words on seven core vocabulary lists emerge in typical language
development. Further, we will discuss strategies that SLPs typically use to predict and select
vocabulary for early symbolic communicators who use AAC. Finally, we will discuss vocabulary
prediction for early symbolic communicators who use AAC. In each of these studies, we will attempt
to describe the role of core vocabulary, align findings with language development, and discuss the
clinical implications of the findings.

PRESENTED BY: Bethany J. Frick Semmler

MODERATED BY: Betsy Caporale, M.S., CCC-SLP

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Bethany Frick Semmler recently graduated from The Ohio State University with her PhD in Speech
and Hearing Science. She received her B.S. in Spanish and Communication Sciences and Disorders
from Missouri State University and an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from The Ohio State
University. During the Master’s program, Bethany was part of the Leadership in Education and
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program. Her research is focused on early language
learning on augmentative and alternative communication and features on speech generating
devices.

PARTICIPANTS WILL:

• Describe core vocabulary and how it contributes to a child’s overall language development.
• Summarize the findings of the studies described investigating vocabulary selection for early
  symbolic communicators who use AAC.
• Outline how the findings of these studies can impact their clinical practice.

TIME ORDERED AGENDA:

•  5 minutes: Introduction of speaker, USSAAC and topic
• 15 minutes: Introduction of core vocabulary, review of language development, discussion of early
• symbolic communicators who use AAC
• 15 minutes: Aligning core vocabulary with language development study methods, results, and
• conclusions
• 15 minutes: SLPs strategies used in vocabulary selection and implementation methods, results
• and conclusions
• 5 minutes: Summary
• 5 minutes: Q and A

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) CEUs in speech-language pathology and
audiology are awarded by the ASHA CE Registry upon receipt of the CEU Participant Form from the ASHA Approved CE Provider, USSAAC. CEU Participant Forms are available onsite at Registration. ASHA CEUs are provided to full registrations. This program is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs (Introductory Level, Professional Area)

ASHA Disclosures:

• Speakers
  • Financial:
    • Bethany J. Frick Semmler has no financial disclosures to report
  • Non-financial:
    • Bethany J. Frick Semmler has no non-financial disclosures to report

• Moderator
  • Financial
    • Betsy Caporale has no financial disclosures to report
  • Nonfinancial
    • Betsy Caporale is the Director, Professional Affairs for USSAAC

PLEASE NOTE: Only the first 150 attendees to log into
the webinar will be guaranteed spots.

USSAAC EDUCATION COMMITTEE:

Betsy Caporale, Richard Hurtig, Sharon Redmon, Wendy Quach

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