STAT, Inc. 501(c)3 Public Charity Tax ID# 26-0146359
TAKING STRIDES TO COMMUNICATE
There is considerable evidence that the inability to communicate contributes to the development of challenging and problem behaviors...not to mention the frustration for the individual.
We all need to communicate and to connect with each other. It is a basic need, a basic human right. It is estimated that 35% of children with Autism never develop functional speech due to the lack of opportunity to receive critical training.
>> Increase a child’s social-pragmatic language skills
>> Increase a child’s social communication interactions with others, naturally increasing language learning, improving literacy skills, and increasing a child’s confidence to utilize their AAC device across all settings (social, academic, at home).
>> Teach both the child and the parent how to effectively use and implement a speech-generating device by initiating learning practices in a unique, meaningful and highly motivational setting -- on horseback!!
STRIDES Program Team :
Tina Caswell, MS, CCC-SLP
Ithaca College (intership)
United Way Broome
The Community Foundation for SCNY
Tina Caswell, MS, CCC-SLP
OWNER & THERAPEUTIC INSTRUCTOR, FARGNOLI FARMS
Tina Caswell has dedicated her professional career to the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She is a member of the faculty in the Speech-Language Pathology Department at Ithaca College, supervising the Assistive Technology (AT) Lab and teaching Graduate level Speech-Language Pathology. Tina also operates a successful SLP private practice in the Southern Tier, primarily serving and teaching children and adults to utilize speech-generating devices (AAC) and consults with school districts, therapists and support staff regarding programming and implementing AAC strategies to maximize success academically, personally, and socially.
CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR, Sir Alexander Ewing Speech and Hearing Clinic (Ithaca College)
1 in 88 children are being diagnosed with Autism
Early intervention is key!
Help support a child with Autism, Donate to STAT!
As a result of learning how to create communication opportunities in the barn, kids and their parents can take what they learn and use these skills at home and in the community.
We anticipate improvement in social communication for these riders!
The success of the child during a riding session is determined wholly by their personal experience. If a child is motivated to communicate throughout a session, both the parent and the child have experienced success. The child builds self-confidence, learns new social skills, learns new ways to communicate, provide feedback, initiates, responds…. and everyone has fun!
Making the AAC device available throughout equine sessions, prompting use, as well as reinforcing accordingly, will be both a goal and a result of this project.
Teaching parents how to create teachable communication moments utilizing an AAC device will result in learning how to create communication opportunities.
11 year old Mason utilizes his Dynavox during his Hippotherapy session at Fargnoil Farms (Apalachin, NY)
FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF STAT, INC., FOUNDER OF STRIDES
P.O. Box 1567, Binghamton, NY 13902
P.O. Box 527, Ligonier, PA 15658