Registration
Participants must register to receive the webinar link.
About the Program
This session will provide an overview of symbolic communication development, and unique
considerations for developing multi-modal communication systems (alternative and augmentative
communication [AAC]) for learners with visual impairments and complex communication
needs. The emphasis will be on considerations for selecting, designing, and implementing
student-centered communication systems for a diverse group of learners.
Objectives. Participants will increase their knowledge and skills in:
- understanding the development of symbolism and iconicity, and unique considerations
for learners with visual impairments and complex communication needs
- using specialized concrete communication systems to expand receptive and expressive
language and communication
- unique design considerations for tactile and visual learners in the development of
concrete communication modalities.
About the Presenter
![Portrait of Chris Russell](/study/colleges_schools/medicine/images/scatp_images/list-scatp-presenter-chris-russell.jpg)
Chris Russell
Chris Russell is the Project Coordinator for the New York Deaf-Blind Collaborative,
and has experience as a classroom teacher and Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)
working with children who have visual impairments and additional disabilities including
deaf-blindness. He also serves as co-instructor for Perkins E-Learning’s online course,
Cortical Visual Impairment, and is adjunct faculty at Hunter College, CUNY, in the
graduate programs for Blindness/Visual Impairment, and Childhood Special Education:
Severe/Multiple Disabilities.