Video of the Week: Making the Environment Communicatively Accessible

If, as Dr. Katherine Nelson, posited many years ago, “Language is not imitation and repetition but creative construction based on language experiences,” then paying attention to the environment is necessary and important (Nelson 2007). In today’s featured video, we consider the development of AAC as a form of language learning and explore the necessity of creating environments that are communicatively accessible for children with AAC needs. Through the efforts of Dr. Kathy Howery (kATe Consulting, Inc) and the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium, we are able to view this archived webinar learn from renowned psychologist Dr. Stephen Von Tetzchner from the University of Oslo. In this presentation, Dr. Von Tetzchner challenges us to consider AAC through a language learning lens with a goal of building personal autonomy and authentic communication.

Click on the image to view the video.

Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1Dl7YYiL3g&feature=emb_logo 

Nelson K. (2007). Young Minds in Social Worlds: Experience, Meaning, and Memory. Cambridge MA: Harvard University Press.