Overview
 There are limited training opportunities for professionals to gain hands-on experience working with children using AAC systems. To address the need for more clinical training, the Educational Technology Department of Children's Specialized Hospital operates an AAC Professional Training program, offered in conjunction with Camp Chatterbox. The program targets speech-language pathologists and other professionals who have some experience with AAC systems yet are seeking to enhance their skills in the application of technology for children. The number of professional's accepted into the program depends on the projected camper registration .
Participants will learn to: 1) customize devices for a range of activities, 2) facilitate functional device throughout the range of camp activities, and 3) differentiate between communicators needing topic vs. interactive systems.
Typical Schedule
The training program includes 1 1/2 days of instruction prior to the arrival of the campers. The 1st day of training begins Saturday morning with registration at 8:30 a.m. During training sessions, interns become familiar with camper goals, abilities, the daily program and are instructed in the programming and operation of the devices utilized by campers. During the week, camp sessions start at approximately 9:30 a.m. and end at 2:00. Interns are encouraged to participate in the evening recreational activity organized by our camp counselors. Evening activities end at 8 PM. Interns are expected to help plan therapy sessions with the CSH camp staff and will co-treat for all sessions. Interns will be mentored as they take a lead role in designated camp activities.
Housing
Interns live in cabins designated exclusively for staff. They share bathroom facilities. Meals are provided and are offered in the camp's dining facility. Housing costs are included within the Registration Fee.. Transportation to and from the camp is the responsibility of the intern.
Accreditation
Children's Specialized Hospital is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to sponsor continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. Professionals may earn up to 5.0 CEU's (Intermediate, Professional Area). ASHA approval of CE Provider Status does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures. All participants receive a certificate of completion verifying their attendance.
Dates - Application - Fees
June 19 - 27, 2009
 The cost of the internship program is $300.00. This includes all training sessions, meals, and a camp t-shirt. Interested individuals (e.g., speech-language pathologists, teachers, assistive technology specialists) will be able to download the Letter of Explanation and the Intern Application Form in November 2008. Both of these are PDF files and you need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer. If you would like to have an application sent to you via regular mail, please send an e-mail that provides your name and mailing address to Info@CampChatterbox.org. Interested professionals are encouraged to apply early since registration is limited. Preference will be given to speech-language pathologists or special educators who have had some experience in working with AAC systems with children with physical disabilities. Participants should be flexible, have lots of stamina, and possess a sense of humor and adventure
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