Marlene Cummings

Speech-Language Pathologist & AAC Consultant

Courses

0.35

ASHA CEUs taught

About

Marlene is a SLP, former early childhood educator, and AAC Consultant. Her 40-year career is highlighted by her passion to create environments and change culture for students with complex communication needs in AAC, language and literacy. Marlene designed and implemented an AAC classroom program for students with severe apraxia and an accompanying AT Center. She specializes in designing innovative implementation systems utilizing cutting edge professional learning frameworks and dynamic service delivery models to build capacity and sustainability among teams and organizations. She currently influences others in the field through state, national and international conference presentations focused on AAC implementation frameworks, capacity building, shifting mindsets and job embedded learning models. Marlene teaches graduate students in AAC, contributes posts on PrAACtical AAC, blogs and newsletters and most recently collaborated with The Center for Literacy and Disability Studies.

Courses by Marlene

LiteracyOn Demand

Core Vocabulary Instructional Approach to Support Language and Literacy Learning for Students Using AAC

In this session, participants identified the significance of explicit core vocabulary instruction, exploring a 5-step methodology. Participants identified key instructional components and strategies for selecting core word phrases. Participants were provided a workbook and action plans to assist them in their core vocabulary instruction journey.

Marlene CummingsSpeech-Language Pathologist & AAC Consultant

1 Hour0.1 ASHA CEUs

AAC in Educational SettingsOn Demand

The IMPACT of Shifting Mindsets to Building Capacity Across Instructional Environments

The need to build capacity while supporting students with complex communication needs is critical. Having the knowledge in the hands of one expert is not a sustainable model of support for AAC. To ensure a larger impact, we must move to a model that builds capacity. In this presentation I will share the impact this model has on educational teams when a collaborative mindset is embraced while delivering professional learning to support implementation. The big question teams often ask is, "how do I get others to follow-through with the strategies presented?" The transfer of knowledge, strategies and skills to implement AAC in the communication environment can seem daunting. I will share the approach, self -reflection, outcome and next steps from several teams who participated in a capacity building initiative. Participants will leave with an action plan describing their current state, highlighted knowledge, application to their practice, and next steps.

Marlene CummingsSpeech-Language Pathologist & AAC Consultant

1.5 Hours0.15 ASHA CEUs

AAC ImplementationOn Demand

Build Capacity in AAC Implementation Across Environments by Shifting Mindsets

The need to build capacity while supporting students with complex communication needs is critical. SLP's and AAC teams need to deepen and expand their knowledge base in AAC implementation. Having the knowledge in the hands of one expert is not a sustainable model of support for AAC. To ensure a larger impact, we must move to a model that builds capacity. What tools and strategies can we use to shift the current expert mindset? Examples of how multiple district level teams embraced a capacity building model supported by a county level AAC team will be shared. Participants will be encouraged to consider their current state and determine what shifts can be made toward a capacity building model.

Marlene CummingsSpeech-Language Pathologist & AAC Consultant

1 Hour0.1 ASHA CEUs