Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
PATINS Specialists
David Jackson
David is a Speech-Language Pathologist (ASHA Certified and member of SIG #12) by training and a tech lover by genes! He wants all students to realize success through access to the supports, tools, and materials that they deserve. AAC and AT are two potential solutions in a toolbox. In addition to his specialty areas listed below, he can support eye gaze, head control, switches, and mounts.
Specialty Areas:
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AAC
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Orthopedic Impairment (OI) and Access
Contact Information:
Email: djackson@patinsproject.org
Phone: 765-426-0220
Twitter: @djackson1991
Jessica Conrad
Jessica has been a PATINS Specialist since 2016. She has her B.A. and M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology and an M.Ed. in Learning and Technology. Jessica has a passion for literacy and language. She is the Past-President of the Indiana Division for Early Childhood, a member of ASHA SIG 12 (AAC), a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, and a novice stained glass artist.
Specialty Areas:
- AAC
- Communication Disorders
- Early Intervention
Contact Information:
Email: jconrad@patinsproject.org
Phone: 317-694-5317
Twitter: @jconradslp
Genevieve Barnes
Genevieve has her B.A in Communication Disorders and M.A. in Special Education, Intense Interventions. Her experience spans from the UK to Uganda, to Indiana; including public, private, and international schools. Genevieve believes in encouraging all forms of communication using a child-centered approach. She is an enthusiastic ASL signer and UEB braillist, specializing in accessibility for children with deafblindness.
Specialty Areas:
- AAC
- Apple Accessibility & Integration
- Blind/Low Vision
Contact Information:
Email: gbarnes@patinsproject.org
Phone: 317-340-3005
Resources
No-cost PATINS AAC Consultations
AAC Consultation Request Form for Indiana public PreK-12 staff members to request our services for consultation and support for a specific student case. This 2-minute video is a brief overview of our process.
Continuous Learning Resources for Students using AAC
Compiled by PATINS Project Staff and local educators, this page free resources such as printable boards, core word lessons, and more.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Terms and Descriptions
Training
All of the trainings below can be requested by contacting the corresponding specialist at any time. You can find additional training sessions provided by the PATINS team on our Professional Development Guide.
Did you finish a recorded webinar and want the slides and resources? Be sure to fill out the evaluation and then email the presenter to let them know the evaluation has been filled out.
Recording: Use It Tomorrow AAC: Data Ideas with Jessica Conrad
How do you know and how do you show progress and intervention opportunities for students with complex communication needs? We'll discuss and review several simple and free/low-cost tools to support teams in knowing "where are we? and where are we going?" in the world of AAC.
Recording: Welcome to the Jungle! Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication with Jessica Conrad
AAC, Communication vs. Language, what is a "system" anyway? This 40 minute webinar drills down on some of the key terms and helps team members walk away with a shared understanding (and debunking some misconceptions!) that can also assist in creating better IEPs to inform the team and protect student's communication environments.
Upcoming Statewide Trainings
