We are proud to introduce WEBINARS as a new option for your Continuing Education!

Web conferencing allows participants to enjoy real time interactions with TalkTools Instructors in the comfort of their own home or office.

As summer approaches, Continuing Education offers are going to thin out, but we have you covered.

We are starting with a choice of four one-day courses, each offered for ASHA & AOTA CEUs. Registration is open!

• June 9, 2017 - OPT to Improve Speech Clarity and Feeding Skills (0.5 CEUs)
• June 23, 2017 - Solving the Puzzle of Autism: Using Tactile Therapy Techniques (0.6 CEUs)
• July 13, 2017 - Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach (0.6 CEUs)
• Coming soon - Sensory Motor Approach to Apraxia of Speech (0.6 CEUs)

Early Bird Pricing is offered up to 15 days before each date for $120, then fee raises to $150. Group rates are available as well: buy 4 tickets get 1 free!

And here is the best part yet: we are giving away ONE webinar ticket this month! Enter below for a chance to win:

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

As we navigate together through this new experience, please let us know of any feedback you may have!

"A Systematic Approach to Teaching Speech to Non-Vocal Individuals with Autism" (1.2 CEUs)

Developing functional speech in non-vocal clients with Autism as well as those with challenging behaviors can be one of the biggest challenges when they do not respond to traditional verbal modeling approaches.

Developed by TalkTools Instructors Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP & Risca Solomon, MS, BCBA, this new course is a comprehensive program that combines principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with Oral Placement Therapy and is readily applicable to Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Behavior Analysts. It is available live since 2016, now online and in DVD.

For Behavior Analysts, the course demonstrates the importance of using specific techniques within hierarchies to develop the oral placement skills for speech and feeding. For Speech and Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, this course demonstrates techniques developed within the Applied Behavior Analysis field to maximize learning for functional speech using reinforcement based procedures. The course guides all participants through a complete program beginning with developing cooperation and ending with functional vocabulary. 

The course is offered for 1.2 ASHA & AOTA approved CEUs, or 12 Contact Hours.

Learning outcomes:

Participants will be able to: 

• Describe how the science of Applied Behavior Analysis in conjunction with oral placement and tactile therapies can be used to teach non-verbal or non-imitative clients with autism to speak.
• Identify the prerequisite skills necessary to teach vocal speech and apply 3-4 techniques in the applied behavior analysis research that have been used to develop vocalizations.
• Describe the sequential steps of developing functional communication beginning with motivation, reinforcement, motor imitation and specific shaping strategies that can be used to maximize learning of functional speech.
• Explain how many non-verbal clients with autism have underlying oral motor and motor planning deficits that should be addressed.
• Apply specific task analyzed techniques to assist the therapist in applying TalkTools hierarchies to individuals with autism.
• Identify the connection between oral placement skills and the motor aspects of speech
• Apply specific sequential techniques to transition oral placement skills to functional speech for those clients not responding to traditional verbal modeling and shaping techniques.

Learn more 

And here is the best part: we are giving away 1 FREE online course / month. Enter now to participate!

Who's excited for the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention next week? The convention is happening November 17-19 in Philadelphia, PA. We are ready to blow your mind both at presentations and at booth #423 and serve you the best we can!

At the booth, you will be able to view and handle all TalkTools' signature products, such as the Horn Kit, the Straw Kit, the Honey Bear, the Bite Blocks and more. Any order placed at the Convention will receive a 20% OFF discount and FREE shipping (most orders will even be fulfilled right there)!!!

Anyone visiting the booth can be entered for our raffle featuring Introduction to OPT Kits ($195 value), Online Courses ($30 to $220 value), Amazon gift cards ($250 value) and more! Just come and have your badge scanned. There will also be free bracelets, pens, chocolate and more for everyone ;) And you will be able to be photographed dressed as a super hero  at our super cool photo station to celebrate your successes in speech & feeding therapy.

Another reason to stop by our booth is to chat with TalkTools experts! Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP, Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP & Colette Ellis, M.ED., CCC-BCS-S will be on hand to answer your therapy questions and discuss your Continuing Education opportunities.

TalkTools is scheduled for two presentations that you don't want to miss, Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning.

"Diet-Shaping for Self–Limited Diets in Children With a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder"

Session Code: 1205 Thursday, November 17, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Room: Terrace Ballroom IV Presenters: Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP & Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT Instructional Level: Intermediate Abstract Type: Professional Education Speech-Language Pathology Topic Area: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Abstract: Presentation explores 1) the etiology of self-limited diets in autism; 2) the sensory-motor system as it relates to feeding; 3) sensory processing and how it affects the diet; 4) the importance of establishing home–base when conducting a feeding program and 4) diet–shaping based on a sensory-motor approach to feeding.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Improved understanding of the etiology of a self-limited diet 2. Demonstrate understanding of a home-based diet 3. Comprehend the concept of diet-shaping

"Careful Hand Feeding or Comfort Feeding Evaluations: Techniques in Palliative Dysphagia Management"

Session Code: 1689 Saturday, November 19, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Room: 204A Presenter: Colette Ellis, M.ED., CCC-BCS-S Instructional Level: Intermediate Abstract Type: Professional Education Speech-Language Pathology Topic Area: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Abstract: Review the speech-language pathologist’s role of traditional dysphagia management versus palliative and end of life care. Review primary and secondary recommendations made when there is known risk of aspiration. Address ethical questions SLPs face regarding dysphagia management. Instructing professionals or caregivers in careful hand feeding techniques will be introduced.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Describe the difference between traditional speech pathology services and those available during palliative care 2. Demonstrate the consultant role, service and communication needed during palliative care 3. Apply sensory motor techniques which can facilitate ‘careful hand-feeding’ if this is an option chosen by the patient with severe feeding difficulties and dysphagia

See you in Philadelphia!

We are happy to introduce our new Pre-Feeding Kit!

The goal of a pre-feeding program is to develop the oral sensory motor skills to support safe, effective and nutritive feeding. This kit was designed in response to therapist and family requests for a comprehensive kit appropriate across the ages and for a variety of feeding issues. It includes a DnZ-Vibe with a collection of tips, a replacement battery and a safe disinfectant, all in a sturdy travel case. Products are made in the USA out of medical grade materials that are FDA compliant and contain no lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex. Three colors are available for the Z-Vibe plastic handle: light grey, light blue and magenta.

The Pre-Feeding Kit is made of the following components at a discounted rate:

• 1 Z-Vibe
• 1 Blue Tip
• 1 Yellow Preefer Tip
• 2 Blue Soft Fine Tips
• 2 Mini Green Tips
• 1 Blue Soft Spoon Tip
• 1 Green Bite-n-Chew Tip
• 1 Blue Bite-n-Chew Tip XL
• 1 Purple Soft Mouse Tip
• 1 Replacement Battery
• 1 PureGreen24 - 4oz Spray Bottle

Additional tips are available here.

For detailed instructions of pre-feeding activities to implement with this kit, refer to the course “A Sensory-Motor Approach to ​Feeding” (Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT) and the book A Sensory-Motor Approach to Feeding (Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT & Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP).

And here is the best part: we are giving away 1 FREE Pre-Feeding Kit / month. Enter now to participate!

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