Elena Dukhovny is an Associate Professor at California State University, East Bay. Her research and clinical interests revolve around Augmentative and Alternative Communication, focusing most recently on developing effective support systems for para-educators and caregivers of SGD users.  Previously, she has also researched the effects of interface design on procedural learning and therefore on fluency of language production via speech-generating devices (SGDs). Prior to coming to CSUEB, Elena worked as a speech-language pathologist and technology consultant, with a focus on children with severe-profound communicative disorders. She is certified in a variety of intervention programs and strategies, including Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (Center for AAC and Autism) and It Takes Two to Talk (a Hanen Program).

Learning Objectives: Participants listening to this interview will be able to:

1. List three evidence-based practices in AAC-supported language intervention. 

2. Describe the relationship between motor learning and AAC.

3. Discuss how to create allied professional buy in when using AAC.

This course will describe the structure and benefits of a community-based outreach program for persons with aphasia and other communication challenges, which is housed within a university clinic setting. Additionally, the benefits of a 2-week summer aphasia arts program involving choir, theater, and visual art activities will be discussed.

Learning Outcomes/Objectives: 

Participants listening to this interview will be able to:

1. Describe the structure of a community-based outreach program for persons with aphasia and other related communication disorders.

2. List two benefits of a community arts program for persons with aphasia.

3. Identify two possible group activities to try in a variety of settings for persons with aphasia.

Nich Brock has been a speech-language pathologist for the past 9 years, working in preschool, K-8, middle school, and high school public school settings.  Additionally, he has worked as the Clinic Director for a private university, establishing on-campus clinical experiences for graduate students. His presentation will discuss the importance of adopting a workload approach to manage the increasing demands placed on us professionally. We will adopt strategies to work with our districts, looking beyond caseload numbers to create a more equitable and professional environment…and dare I say obtain the elusive work-life balance?  Simple strategies will be provided for scheduling students, and several service delivery options will be discussed.   

Learning Objectives: Participants listening to this interview will be able to:

1.  Summarize the workload approach and provide three discussion points/tools to advocate for adopting a workload approach while working in the public school setting

2.  Identify three evidence-based service delivery models that can be implemented when utilizing a workload approach

3.  Identify three scheduling strategies that can be implemented when utilizing a workload approach