Transitioning from Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) 

Speaker: Lori Frost, M.S., CCC/SLP                          

Target Audience: Any school staff

Description: 

Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) were first introduced for people with motor difficulties like cerebral palsy and now these devices are being introduced to our learners with autism and other related communication difficulties. For these populations, language and cognition are often compromised and basic social and communication skills have not been mastered prior to the introduction of a device. Because of this, the way we teach the use of SGDs needs to be specifically tailored to fit the needs of each individual paying attention to devices capabilities vs. user capabilities.  This full day workshop will describe procedures for analyzing a learner’s current PECS skills to determine candidacy for transitioning to a SGD, choosing a device, and teaching functional use of the device, and why we must teach the basic principles of communication to our learner first to ensure positive outcomes are achieved.  ***All participants need to bring a SGD to the training for use during a variety of activities to get the full experience.**** 

Session Outcomes:

• Review of the PECS Protocol
• The unique challenges for learners with complex communication needs
• Procedures for analyzing current PECS skills
• Determining candidacy for transitioning from PECS to SGD
• The 5 criteria for appropriate  device selection
• Preparing the learner for the transition
• Using elements of the PECS protocol to teach functional SGD use
• Problem-solving during the use of SGD 

PGES Connections: 1b, 2a, 3a – 3e

EILA: Yes 

If you need ADA accommodations, please email Brandi Carroll at brandi@cksec.org.

PAYMENT POLICY

Please note that CKSEC accepts Purchase Orders and checks as forms of payment, for auditing purposes, we can not accept cash. 

Be sure to confirm with PO # prior to registration. 

GUESTS/UNREGISTERED POLICY

At CKSEC, we love kids and families! Unfortunately, due to liability issues and professional decorum, children and other family members or friends are not permitted to attend our trainings.

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Attendance Policy:

If you register to attend a session, but find you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration as early as possible. Space is limited and by canceling you will allow others to benefit from these highly qualified professional development opportunities. A fee could be assessed for no shows.

Districts will be notified of those who registered and did not attend or did not cancel prior to be session.