8. Communication Skills Workshop

This workshop will provide an overview on understanding and enhancing communication, especially for individuals with severe disabilities. It covers the fundamentals of communication, including its features, modes, and the distinction between pre-intentional and intentional communication. The course emphasizes the Communication Bill of Rights, which ensures individuals' rights to express themselves and receive respectful interactions. It discusses current practices and strategies in communication instruction, highlighting the importance of functional communication interventions and the use of both formal and informal assessments. Additionally, it outlines the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and the need for ongoing monitoring and adjustment of instructional methods to support effective communication. Finally, it ensures instructors find a way for the student to show what they know in a way that is effective and efficient.