Workshop Content/Course Overview:

• To introduce theoretical models and processes of literacy and their relationship to individuals with cognitive disabilities and/or complex communication needs.
• To address the principle components of successful literacy instruction (i.e., phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, reading comprehension strategies, spelling, and writing) as they relate to students with cognitive disabilities and/or complex communication needs.
• To describe a range of assessment and intervention strategies that can be used with individuals with cognitive disabilities and/or complex communication needs.
• To familiarize participants with a range of technologies, and a variety of materials and classroom modifications, that support literacy learning and use by students with cognitive disabilities and/or complex communication needs.
• To share a range of resources and strategies for continuing self-education as well as parent and professional support.