Lunch and Learn

Lunch and Learn Education Sessions

Sessions will resume in Fall 2021.

2020-2021 Lunch and Learn Sessions

Communication, AAC and the IEP

Children use an array of ​modalities to communicate. Vocalizations, gestures, expressions, and body language all add to spoken language.  Children with disabilities may require ​even more options (or modalities) to communicate and get their message across.  Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC) ​includes all modalities, from non-verbals to communication symbols to high-tech speech-generating devices as part of their ​unique multi-modal communication system.

This session will discuss common IEP concerns that arise when children rely on AAC ​to communicate, procedural safeguards (parent rights) within special education to ensure students receive a free and appropriate public education, and strategies to include individualized educational services and supports within the IEP that are necessary for authentic and meaningful communication between students, peers, teachers, and others.

Presenters: Dr. Elizabeth Hanson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Professor, Dept. of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of South Dakota; Theresa Baldry, parent of an accomplished AAC user, Project Coordinator for Transition and Employment Projects & Montana Deaf-Blind Projects, Rural Institute For Inclusive Communities, University of Montana; and Lisa Sanderson, Family to Family Health Information Center Project Director, South Dakota Parent Connection.

Communication Resources     /     ECHO AAC Family Flyer     /   Presentation Slides

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): Transition in Action
Vocational Rehabilitation Program offered by the Divisions of Rehabilitation Services and Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired work with South Dakota's transition-age students with disabilities to assist them in transitioning from school to work. This session will focus on many of the services provided to those students and the collaborative relationship VR has with local school districts, employers, parents and students to achieve their career goals.  Presenters Katie Gran, Transition Specialist, Division of Rehabilitation Services and Ronda Williams, Assistant Director, Service to the Blind & Visually Impaired.  Presentation Handouts

Assistive Technology Tips to Help Level the Playing Field
This presentation is an overview of Assistive Technology and how to integrate various tools to increase independence in the areas of communication, reading and writing. Several tips on how to utilize/adapt materials toprovide increased accessibility options will be shared. Presented by: Terri Noldner, MA CCC-SLP, Assistive Technology Coordinator at Teachwell

Telehealth: Stories from the Field
During this pandemic, telehealth has been more than just convenient — it’s been a necessity.  Looking ahead, telehealth will likely remain a viable, even preferred, option for some families when seeking medical care, mental health care, and therapeutic services when those services can effectively be received at a distance.  Presenters Dr. Carolyn Kippes, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Sanford Children’s Specialty Clinic;  Robyn Shores Foster, CSW-PIP, Burroughs Counseling; Vanessa Anderson-Smith MA CCC-SLP COM® Owner/Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist®; and parent Amber Finnesand  share their telehealth experiences, successes, and tips on how families can make the most of telehealth or teletherapy visits.

Preparing For A Successful Telehealth Visit 
Whether a video visit with the doctor or a remote therapy session, join us to learn tips and tools that will help your family be successful receiving services at a distance.  Presented by Lisa Sanderson, Family to Family Health Information Center Coordinator, CDC's Act Early Ambassador to South Dakota.
Presentation Slides 
Preparing for a Successful Telehealth Visit
I Can’t Do My Telemedicine Visit Because My Child Won’t Participate
I Can’t Do My Telemedicine Visit Because I Can’t Find A Private or Quiet Place For My Appointment
I Can’t Do My Telemedicine Visit Because My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Telemedicine

Available for viewing at anytime. Training categories include:
Behavior Interventions / Strategies  ::    Education / School Issue    ::  Legal / Life Planning  ::  Parenting Topics 

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In Person Training

Information on Parenting Classes Can Found Here

Information on Workshops Delivered by SDPC Can Be Found Here