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SETT = Student, Environment, Tasks, and Tools. If you aren’t already using this framework to guide your AAC Assessments and service provision, get ready to learn about something really, really exciting!

If you’ve listened to our podcasts, you know we are such powernerds that certain people in the field are sort of like professional celebrities for us, the nerd equivalent of a movie star if you will. In this episode we had the lovely experience of interviewing one of these people, Joy Zabala. If you aren’t familiar with Joy’s work, you are in for a treat! She has achieved her professional “movie star” status for a couple of reasons. She developed the SETT Framework, has consistently been open and willing to share this tool with educators and allied health providers free of charge, and is by far one of the best speakers we have ever had the pleasure of seeing.

We initially reached out to Joy, because we both work in the field of AAC, and utilize her framework on a daily basis. We also both did not learn about the SETT framework as undergraduates or graduate students - but later in our professional careers. It revolutionized our practice in such a positive way that we really wanted to get the word out to others - particularly those working in the field of AAC. SETT is a way of thinking about assistive technology (and quite possibly, life). Since AAC is a type of assistive technology the SETT Framework applied to AAC in schools is a perfect fit. But regardless of your work environment, we’d encourage you to consider the positive impact a SETT approach can have on your assessment and ongoing services.

Having worked in outpatient and private practice settings for years, our AAC assessment and feature matching process was weighed very heavily in “Patient/Client” and “Tools” parameters. Two inputs of data. What is this individual currently doing expressively, pragmatically, receptively, what is happening with their sensory system, their motor system, what features do they need in a device, etc.? What tool has these features? While all of this data is important, and should definitely be factored into the equation, the reality is, it is not enough information. Particularly when we are thinking about pediatric clients who will also be using these tools across a range of environments to do a number of different tasks. The environment and the tasks must also be considered.

Tune in to this episode and learn all about the SETT Framework - from the creator of the framework herself! Find out about important considerations within the environment and tasks that should be considered before you even get to feature matching tools. Be reminded that tools are only one piece of successful AT implementation, and that related strategies and environmental modifications should be given equal emphasis. Learn about the importance of a collaborative process that involves multiple stakeholders, and get ready to realize the benefits for your students, clients, patients, and teams!

This is by far our favorite episode yet. Thank you Dr. Zabala!

ASHA professional development hours are offered for this course (1 CMH, equal to .1 ASHA CEU). Visit our ASHA Professional Development page for more information. Joy Smiley Zabala, Ed.D., is a general and special educator who has spent over 25 years conducting professional development and training for students, families, education agencies, organizations, companies, and others across the U.S.A. and abroad to expand the use of assistive technology (AT) as a means to increase the communication, participation and productivity of people with disabilities. You can learn more about her here or on her website, http://joyzabala.com/.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the origins of the SETT Framework

2. Describe the different components of the SETT Framework and how the framework is used

3. Describe how to use the SETT Framework in a collaborative setting

Online Resources

In this episode Dr. Zabala references a google drive with resources for the SETT Framework. Check our website for access to this resource.

Disclosures:

Financial: Joy Zabala is a member of the QIAT Leadership Team, is co-author of both Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology: A Comprehensive Guide to AT Services and The QIAT Companion, both published by CAST Publishing. She receives proceeds from the sale of the publications. Joy Zabala is an employee of CAST. Kate Grandbois is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.

Non-financial: Kate and Amy are both members of ASHA, SIG 12, and both serve on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Kate is a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Descriptions of the origins of the SETT Framework

15 minutes: Descriptions of how to use the SETT Framework in a collaborative setting 10 minutes: Descriptions of food chaining techniques

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

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SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

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