Episode 192: TWT Live: Closing the Gap - Part 3

This week, we hear from Part 3 of TWT Live - Closing the Gap 2020. This weeks portion of the presentation has lots of helpful ideas for communication with families, coaching, motivating students, and more! 

Before the interview, Chris shares about his recent experience as “Shadow the Labrador”, a mascot at a local school. He and Rachel discuss why we need to be the zaniest person in the room sometimes to get people motivated to talk. They also discuss a situation Chris was in recently where he wasn’t sure if he should ask for compensation for consulting with a company about their newest new technology tool. Rachel gives Chris some tips about asking for compensation and strategies she uses in negotiations.

If you would like to listen to Part 2 of this presentation, you can listen at talkingwithtech.org/episodes/twt-live-ctg-2

Key ideas this week:

🔑 If you have limited enthusiasm in your district for AAC, try finding teachers and/or staff who are excited about using technology in their curriculum and start working with them first. 

🔑 What motivates a person can change over time. Periodically, do a preference assessment with your students to maximize motivation.

🔑 Have students give you directions on what to do (e.g. drink water) using their device - a lot of times, students are told what to do all day, and turning the tables can be motivating