Integrating Technology into Education Plans in Meaningful and Functional Ways

Technology has a huge impact on the way we teach and intervene with individuals with autism and other developmental, learning, and communication disabilities. This is especially true in the area of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices. The number of options has grown tremendously over the past 10 or 15 years, but how do you know what the best device is for your child or student? For that matter, is your child or student even a candidate for an AAC device? This conference will explore these questions and more. Specifically, it will cover:

• The AAC assessment process including what a good assessment should look like, what it should contain, and who should be doing it
• Obtaining a device including various funding options and sources
• Implementation of the intervention plan including evidence-based practices and models for training and competency

Participants will leave with resources and strategies that they can begin implementing immediately. This full day conference includes breakfast and lunch. Register early for best rates. 

About the presenter:

Jennifer Cristiano M.A., CCC-SLP

Jennifer Drenchek-Cristiano received her masters degree in speech pathology from the University of Buffalo, where she worked at the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer focusing on AAC systems. She began her career working in a private school for students with special needs. Jennifer then went to work with the Technology for Life and Learning Center ATEAM performing AT evaluations throughout the state of New Jersey. Jennifer founded Technology for Education and Communication Consulting, Inc. and for the past 15 years she has been working as a private consultant in New Jersey schools performing AAC and AT evaluations as well as speech and language services. She has experience with students birth to 21 and specializes in integrating technology solutions into their educational plan. Jennifer has extensive experience working with students with complex communication needs, including Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, and Autism. She has provided numerous trainings across the country on assistive technology and augmentative communication. Jennifer is an adjunct faculty member at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in the Speech Pathology and Audiology department where she has worked as a professor and clinical supervisor for the past ten years. Jennifer created a certificate program at Stockton for practicing SLP’s looking to specialize in AAC.