Training Descriptions
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
Functional ABA: Pyramid Approach to Education® Training
This is a workshop on implementing the Pyramid Approach to Education® designed for cross-disciplinary teams. This training will help professionals and parents alike to understand the critical components that ensure successful teaching and learning. The straightforward teaching methods of the Pyramid Approach can be used to encourage independence and cooperation, improve behavior, and reinforce learning across home, school, and the community. Participants will be trained in Applied Behavior Analysis as applied by Dr. Bondy in the Pyramid Approach to Education®. This application of ABA allows the establishment of effective teaching environments which permanently support the motivation and favor the initiation from the part of the student. This ABA approach emphasizes the functionality of what is being taught as well as the teaching in the natural environment. Functional communication training is of primary importance and is discussed according to the principles of Verbal Behavior as described and defined by Skinner. The Pyramid Approach to Education® does not depend on the communication modality chosen for a person (speech, pictures or signs). Participants will be trained in teaching strategies of a functional ABA approach.
Participants Will Learn:
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How to identify components of an effective learning environment
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How to incorporate effective visual reinforcement strategies for all learners
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How to identify and describe functional activities across domains
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How to define functional communication and identify the conditions under which it occurs
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How to identify appropriate lesson formats across a variety of skills
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How to identify effective teaching strategies to promote skills across domains
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How to implement effective error correction strategies to promote skills across domains
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How to create lesson plans incorporating all aspects of the Pyramid Approach to Education®
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How to operationally define behavior
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How to identify equivalent alternative behaviors to contextually inappropriate behaviors
PECS® Level 1 Training
This intense two-day training is designed to teach participants the theory behind the Picture Exchange Communication System®and the protocols for how to appropriately implement the six phases of PECS®. The Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS) is used to rapidly teach communication skills to those with limited functional speech. PECS® promotes communication within a social context, without lengthy prerequisite training. Training in PECS® begins by teaching a spontaneous request and goes on to teach additional communicative functions such as responding to questions and commenting. An added attraction for preschool children with autism and related disabilities is the high proportion of children who acquire independent speech. The training will begin with an overview of the Pyramid Approach to Education® to explore the key components of designing effective educational environments. A historical overview of language training programs used with non-verbal individuals is discussed along with how to set the stage for an abundance of communication opportunities. Participants will learn how to implement the six Phases of PECS®, including attributes, through presenter demonstrations, video examples and role-play opportunities. Participants will leave the workshop with a basic understanding of how to implement PECS® with individuals with autism, related developmental disabilities, and/or limited communication skills.
