Liz Loller works with children using augmentative and alternative communication devices.
Two professors from the College of Education and Health Professions who founded a lab to improve the lives of people with communication limitations are hosting free camps for children this summer.
Camps hosted by WE CARE are aimed at children ages 4 to 10 who are Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users or candidates. It will be held on campus from July 8th to 26th, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Participants do not need to be experienced AAC users. They may be new users or just children who would benefit from AAC support.
AAC devices allow people with limited speech to communicate by selecting pictures and words on a tablet. AAC can improve an individual's interactions with family, friends, and other communication partners in educational and social contexts.
Children will be paired with a non-AAC user for a STEM-themed camp experience. Families are encouraged to register for all three of her weeks, but must attend at least two of her weeks.
The camp will be staffed by students from the university's teacher education, communication disorders and occupational therapy programs.
Camp facilitators are Elizabeth Lollar, associate professor of special education and board-certified behavior analyst, and Kristin Holyfield, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders and speech-language pathologist. The two developed the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Laboratory at the University of California. The lab focuses on the development and evaluation of instructional strategies and techniques for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and language limitations, such as autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome.
For more information, contact Lorah at lorah@uark.edu or Holyfield at ceholyfi@uark.edu or apply for camp here.
