Registration
Participants must register to receive the webinar link.
About the Program
This session will provide an overview of symbolic communication development, and unique
considerations for developing multi-modal communication systems (alternative and augmentative
communication [AAC]) for learners with visual impairments and complex communication
needs. The emphasis will be on considerations for selecting, designing, and implementing
student-centered communication systems for a diverse group of learners.
Objectives. Participants will increase their knowledge and skills in:
- understanding the development of symbolism and iconicity, and unique considerations
for learners with visual impairments and complex communication needs
- using specialized concrete communication systems to expand receptive and expressive
language and communication
- unique design considerations for tactile and visual learners in the development of
concrete communication modalities.
About the Presenter
Chris Russell
Chris Russell is the Project Coordinator for the New York Deaf-Blind Collaborative,
and has experience as a classroom teacher and Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)
working with children who have visual impairments and additional disabilities including
deaf-blindness. He also serves as co-instructor for Perkins E-Learning’s online course,
Cortical Visual Impairment, and is adjunct faculty at Hunter College, CUNY, in the
graduate programs for Blindness/Visual Impairment, and Childhood Special Education:
Severe/Multiple Disabilities.