2008 Grant Proposal Details

Speech-Language Pathologists   District 4J

Total: $625

Description:  We are proposing the purchase of a library of products for Eugene 4J Speech-Language Pathologists to learn the most effective ways to evaluate, intervene and instruct children with autism. It is the 4J SLP's goal to improve our skills in the area of autism and to support our students' inclusion in general education. We have been offered a limited time opportunity to purchase $1,000 of the most current instructional materials on autism at half the price from Future Horizons. It is a company dedicated to providing professionals with evidence-based information on instructing students with autism from world-wide experts, including. Carol Grey, Tony Attwood, PhD and Jed Baker, PhD.

Why is this important?  Students with autism have major problems pragmatic (social) communication skills. It is the most challenging area for this population. Good communication skills are vital for success. not only at school, but the workplace, and home. SLP's have to use effective materials and techniques to help these students that are on all of our caseloads. There is very little training in university programs to prepare professionals for working with students with autism. Our group is dedicated to study together and use these materials on training days to further our collective abilities and knowledge.

Who will be served?  Currently in Oregon the incidence of autism is 1 in 86. Most of the students with autism in 4J are served by speech-language pathologists. There are 19 SLP's in 4J who will benefit from this library of training, reference, and teaching materials. Additionally, the SLP's could use the training to further support staff and parents.

How will this be evaluated?  The District SLP's were given a survey in Spring 2008 to determine the skill areas they most needed to improve. The majority of SLP's indicated that the area was autism. This is our baseline information. To evaluate the success of this project we will track professional development hours earned using the SLP Autism Library DVD's during the school year 2008-2009.

Does this build on existing programs?  The SLP group has been committed to learning about the area of autism for the past two years. The first year we had a book club, recognized by our professional organization, American Speech Hearing Association, where each member had to individually purchase materials. The second year, on professional days we borrowed training DVD's or paid for expensive online seminars. Our group would like access throughout the year to study by having an extensive supply of learning materials that can be used everyday by check-out. It would be considerably more cost effective.

Budget:  *$595 - Future Horizon's special offer for an autism library of 33 educational items plus $30 shipping. All of this money will be used for supplies - DVDs, books, manuals. If we are chosen for the $500 grant we would use $125 of our personal money to supplement the grant money to make this purchase.

Proposal #:  124