Institute on Communication & Inclusion 2017 Events Update

For many of us, Summer Vacation includes a trip East to attend the Syracuse University Institute on Communication & Inclusion‘s Autism Summer Institute. This year, however, the ICI will not be hosting a conference on the East Coast. Instead, they will join forces with the University of Northern Iowa for the 2017 Midwest Summer Institute: Inclusion And Communication For All in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

However, the ICI will host a 2-day Introductory Workshop in Supporting Communication in April.

Below are details for both upcoming events.

2-DAY INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP IN SUPPORTING COMMUNICATION
Developing Frameworks for Support and Learning to be a Facilitator

This 2-day workshop takes place April 3-4, 2017 at the 201ABC Goldstein Student Center on Syracuse University’s South Campus, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. daily.

Facilitated Communication is one method used in accessing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) equipment. This two-day workshop provides the opportunity to learn the techniques of facilitated communication within the context of the principles common to all communication support approaches.

This is a learn-by-doing workshop packed with role-playing and simulations. Participants work with Institute on Communication Trainers, augmentative communication users and experienced facilitators in building facilitator skills. This workshop is designed to appeal to administrators, teachers, therapists, teaching assistants, adult care providers, as well as families. It is not necessary to be working directly with an established augmentative communication user or potential candidate to attend this workshop.

Day 1 introduces communication support for people with complex communication needs. Topics include:

• Seeing others — ALL others — as communicators
• Finding opportunities for communication and engagement
• Understanding communication as a dynamic process
• Developing access to equipment and environments
• Bringing new people into the communicator’s circle
• Supporting the communicator to gain credibility and take responsibility for his or her communication

Day 2 focuses on the skills necessary to become a facilitator for someone who is currently using facilitated communication, or for a prospective candidate. Topics include:

• The nature of support
• Giving physical support
• Feedback and monitoring
• Independence training
• Documentation of communication skills

To register for this training workshop, click here and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

The fee for this event is $125 per person, but you can contact the ICI to inquire about group or family rates. You will need to send a check (payable to Syracuse University) prior to the workshop to:
Institute for Communication and Inclusion
370 Huntington Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244-2340

2017 Midwest Summer Institute:
Inclusion And Communication For All

This year, the University of Northern Iowa, in partnership with the ICI and Inclusion Connection, will host the 2017 Midwest Summer Institute, “Inclusion and Communication for All” in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on June 22 and 23.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Patrick Schwarz, a dynamic and engaging professor, author, motivational speaker and leader in Education (Inclusive Education, Special Education, General Education, Educational Leadership) and Human Services. He is a professor at National Louis University in Chicago.

The cost for this conference is $250 for both days (less a $50 discount if you register by May 1,) however scholarships and group discount are available.

The weekend will include many tracks focused on inclusion and communication, perfect for teachers, principals, para-educators, therapists, family members, students, faculty and staff. Children and adults with disabilities are always welcome.

CLICK HERE for more information about 2017 Midwest Summer Institute, including speakers, schedules, lodging info, and how to register.