Don't Just Customize, Personalize: Innovative Ipad APP Implementation For Unique Learners

Given that those with communication and behavioral impairments have such varying needs and abilities, how should we be personalizing assistive technology for each learner? With the introduction of the iPad and the proliferation of mobile technology, it is finally possible to customize your assistive technology to the life experience of each individual, thereby increasing their interaction, independence and self-determination. Come experience real life examples of how personalization and customization lead to improved outcomes and walk away with the best practices for applying these techniques in a variety of settings using the AutisMate app. This session will focus on advancing clinical outcomes through customization and personalization in implementing AAC and behavior learning technology. Research will be presented on topics including visual scene displays and just-in-time programming that demonstrates how specific customizations, allowed for by advancements in technology, can increase joint attention, turn taking, and language acquisition in learners. Practical applications of this research will then be presented using examples of the specific improvements such techniques have had on behavior and communication outcomes in home, school, community, and vocational environments. These examples will incorporate individuals at a variety of developmental levels and ages, including preschoolers, adolescents and adults. In particular, these examples will show how visual instructional tools, visual expressive tools and visual organizational tools were customized and personalized to meet the needs and abilities of individual learners.

Attendees will then be instructed on best practices for assessing individuals to determine the tools best suited to the learner and how to customize them towards their specific needs through the use of the AutisMate app. On the communication side, this will involve determining whether visual scenes or grid displays are appropriate for each individual. Demonstrations of implementation will be given in creating customized content including visual scenes, grid displays, visual schedules, video models, visual stories and more. Each of these areas will be illustrated through real life examples of successful implementations for learners with varying degrees of communication, behavioral and social abilities that have increased their independence and self-determination.

Lastly, the importance of communication between, and participation of, family members, educators and professionals is required to successfully personalize assistive technology to the specific needs of an individual, which will result in increased levels of independence. Effective tools and strategies for efficient collaboration of those involved in the development of the learner will be demonstrated, including specific examples of how this has been successfully accomplished in practice.