Recent News

UCPN Represented at Prestigious Conference

Mary Jean Dyczko Represents ucpn at Prestigious Conferences in the Assistive Technology Arena

Mary Jean Dyczko recently represented the ucpn at two major conferences for professionals in the Assistive Technology arena.  "Accessing Assistive Technology: Beyond Simply Using Your Hands" was presented April 12th to the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NYSSLHA) in Saratoga Springs, New York.     Mary Jean submitted her presentation proposal & abstract for consideration by the review board of NYSSLHA and was honored to have her proposal selected for presentation to the conference of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

The second presentation, "Individuals with ALS: Exploring AAC Assessment and Intervention” was made to the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) on June 28th. The conference was held in Virginia, right outside of Washington, D.C.  This is a very large, international annual conference with attendees from throughout the world who work within the field of Assistive Technology, including Speech Language Pathologists, Assistive Technology Practitioners, Assistive Technology Suppliers, Rehab Engineers, Rehab Technicians, OTs, PTs , Program Managers and Administrators as well as consumers and  caretakers. The RESNA conference committee selected Mary Jean’s presentation proposal and abstract from more than a hundred proposals.

Accessing Assistive Technology: Beyond Simply Using Your Hands

When an individual has difficulty using his/her hands or is unable to use them at all, that person may need alternative methods to access an augmentative communication device or computer.  The use of a touch screen, standard keyboard and mouse may no longer be feasible, effective or reliable.  This short course introduces a variety of alternative methods of access.  Direct and indirect access to vocabulary items, icons and computer software programs will be discussed.

Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Exploring Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment and Intervention Needs

This session will define and introduce participants to the nature and progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and its impact on communication (oral and written).  Traditional and Specialized (augmentative alternative communication, AAC) Speech Therapeutic intervention will be discussed.  Specific psychosocial issues unique to persons/people with ALS (PALS) that influence assessment, intervention and AAC acceptance will be explored.  Selection and administration of AAC evaluation procedures for PALS will be discussed.  Fluctuating access issues and how to address them will be explored through pictorial support and actual access methods being used during the session.  Identification of funding sources will be reviewed.