Have you ever wondered how to help older children, teenagers and adults learn to make the most of their cochlear implant(s)? 

Auditory Skills Training (AST) is a form of client/family-centred aural rehabilitation that's provided to older children, teenagers and adults with cochlear implant(s) and their families. AST is the application of techniques, strategies, conditions and procedures that promote the optimal acquisition of listening skills. 

The Sound Training Academy of SoundIntuition is excited to offer Level 1 Certification in Auditory Skills Training. The Level 1 Certification in Auditory Skills Training (AST) Training Program will introduce the professional to Auditory Skills Training (AST) and following successful completion of all 3 portions (see further down the page to view full description) of the Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program, the participant will receive  Level 1 Certification in AST. 

The Instructional Portion of the Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program (the first of three portions of the Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program), is a 3-day workshop  (July 31-August 2, 2019) that will be provided in Toronto, Canada.

We hope to see you gain increased confidence and certification in AST! 

Applicants living in Canada or USA REGISTER HERE CANADIANS AND AMERICANS

Applicants living  OUTSIDE Canada/USA  REGISTER HERE INTERNATIONALS

See learner outcomes; portions of Level 1 AST Training Program & FAQs further down the page .

Primary Level 1 AST Course Instructor
Karen MacIver-Lux, MA, Aud(C), Reg. CASLPO, LSLS Cert. AVT,  is an audiologist, a LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist. She is the Director of Clinical Services at MacIver-Lux Auditory Learning Services, where she  provides auditory learning services for individuals with hearing loss of all ages and their families. Karen and Warren Estabrooks developed the AST Approach and the Principles of AST Practice in 2013. She has been providing Auditory Skills Training (AST) for over 20 years and has written and presented extensively on the topic. As President of SoundIntuition, she oversees the development of online courses, learning experiences, and products for professionals and families who dedicate their lives to helping individuals with communication disorders reach their highest listening and communication potential. Karen has held the position of Lecturer in the School of Human Communication Disorders at Dalhousie University and has lectured at numerous universities across Canada and United States. Karen is a grateful cochlear implant user (2009) and is able to offer a personal perspective of the AST intervention and CI adjustment and MAPping process.  


Primary Level 1 AST Course Instructor 
Amy Ng, M.Sc., Reg CASLPO  is an audiologist and aural rehabilitationist at the CI Program of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Program. Amy has been working as a cochlear implant audiologist for more than 25 years. The cochlear implant program at Sunnybrook is the largest such program for adults in Canada, and amongst the largest in North America. As the designated coordinating site for the province of Ontario, the Ontario Cochlear Implant Program (OCIP) has the mandate of establishing quality metrics and deliverables in the provisional of care in this area. The program is affiliated with the University of Toronto and partnered, through the university, with the pediatric cochlear implant program at the Hospital for Sick Children. The cochlear implant program at Sunnybook is currently the only site for auditory brainstem implant surgery in English Canada. Since 1984, the program activities have held many first-in-class claims in Canada. Amy's clinical interests are in speech perception and aural rehabiltiation following cochlear implantation in adults. Amy has co-authored a number of publications for reserach journals in the area of cochlear implantation in adults and has been instrumental in the development of rehabilitation apps for adults with CIs.



Early bird registration draw
The first group of registrants will be entered in a draw for a chance to WIN free admission to one mentoring session and free online exam (valued at $135 USD)  register today. The draw will be held on July 1, 2019 which is Canada Day!
 
Sound Academy Training is in a beautiful venue
The Level 1 Certification in AST Course will be convened at the Centennial College Conference Centre in Scarborough, a short and convenient 20-30 minute drive east of Toronto's airport. Enjoy beautiful views of Toronto, gourmet foods/snacks, a spacious lounge perfect for networking conversations, free WI-FI, and close proximity to restaurants. 

Sound Academy Training is a great place to get Continuing Education (CEUs)
SoundIntuition is an approval CEU provider for AGBell and ASHA. Due to the quality content of our events, we have been authorized for 7  hours worth of CEUs  for past conferences.

Network with colleagues from across the world
Not only do we bring you fantastic speakers but our conferences  also attract attendees from across our great country and beyond. At past conferences, we have had professionals from Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland & Labrador and the USA. Bring your business cards, work the room and make lasting relationships with colleagues from coast to coast.




July 31-August 2, 2019    Centennial College Conference Centre

Abstracts

Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program: Instructional Portion

Auditory Skills Training (AST) is a form of client/family-centred aural rehabilitation that's provided to older children, teenagers and adults with newly acquired cochlear implant(s) and their families. AST is the application of techniques, strategies, conditions and procedures that promote the optimal acquisition of listening skills. The Level 1 Certification in Auditory Skills Training (AST) Training Program will introduce the professional to Auditory Skills Training (AST) and following successful completion of all 3 parts of the Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program, the participant will receive Level 1 Certification in AST. This 3-day workshop is the Instructional Portion of the Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program. During the workshop, the participant will learn: the science behind aural rehabilitation; hierarchy of auditory skills development following cochlear implantation; expected rates of progress and auditory performance of various cohorts of cochlear implant recipients; the selection and execution of strategies and management of conditions that will facilitate listening skills development; and the collaborative process between Auditory Skills Training practitioner, the CI recipient, family member(s), audiologist and/or other members of the CI team. Video and live demonstrations of AST will be presented throughout the course for therapy analysis, goal setting and charting practice. Participants will be expected to work in groups to execute mock AST sessions for practice. The participant will be required to take an online exam within the three-week period following completion of the instructional portion of the Level 1 AST Training Program to assess achievement of the course's learner outcomes.

LEARNER OUTCOMES 
  • Identify the variables that influence outcomes of cochlear implantation in teenagers and adults with cochlear implant(s).
  • Discuss the research relating to neuroplasticity of the auditory centers of the brain and the changes following cochlear implantation; variables that influence successful adaptation to and integration of cochlear implant(s), and benefits of aural rehabilitation following activation of cochlear implant(s).
  • Describe the Auditory Brain Change Stage (ABCS) following activation of cochlear implant(s) and activation of various features offered by cochlear implant devices/manufacturers.
  • Define Auditory Skills Training (AST) and the principles of the AST.
  • Describe the collaborative relationship between the primary members of the post CI activation intervention process: the CI audiologist, the aural rehabilitation practitioner (therapist), the adults with CI(s) and his/her family member(s) and the secondary members of the CI intervention process such as the social worker/psychologist and CI surgeon.
  • Provide a review of speech acoustics as it relates to auditory acess and/or functioning.
  • Describe the process of programming a cochlear implant and the parameters that affect detection, discrimination and sound quality using real life examples.
  • Discuss the information a therapist, audiologist (and when necessary, the managing physician) would exchange during collaboration that will assist development and execution of AST.
  • Identify the science behind the evidence-informed/based strategies that are used to facilitate positive listening experiences for the new CI user in audition-only conditions.
  • Describe the hierarchy of listening skills development with a new cochlear implant from activation and on.
  • Set appropriate short-term and long-term goals for Auditory Skills Training.
  • Design and execute interactive Auditory Skills Training Sessions that are auditory stage, life-style and culturally appropriate.
  • Describe the Auditory Competencies Checklist in Everyday Settings and Situations (ACCESS).
  • Set goals and provide eport on functional auditory skills using the ACCESS.
  • Identify and describe other auditory checklists that can be used with older children, teenagers and adults for goal setting and diagnostic purposes.
  • Identify red flags in auditory skills development and functioning and describe the differential diagnostic process in AST. 
  • Determine whether poorer than expected auditory skills functioning/development is related to auditory access,  auditory experience, medical exceptionalities, or external/internal device failure.
  • Identify and/or provide appropriate emotional support (or referral services) in a timely manner for the patient.
  • Describe speech perception tests commonly used by adult implant centers.
  • Describe role of online auditory training programs in AST and when and how they can be used in AST.
LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION IN AST TRAINING PROGRAM PORTIONS 
There are three parts to the Level 1 Certification in Auditory Skills Training (AST) Training Program:

1) INSTRUCTIONAL PORTION of Level 1 AST Certification Training Program to take place in Toronto, Canada (includes 20 question instructional online exam to be taken within 3 weeks following completion of the Instructional Portion (3-day course)) to assess achievement of learner outcomes for instructional portion of course only. This portion will allow the participant to seek 24+ hours of CEUs from ASHA and AAA.
     
2)  MENTORING PORTION of Level 1 AST Certification Training Program to take place via Teleconference; a total of 3 one-day mentoring workshops where participants will present and show 10-minute video clips of their AST sessions for observation, analysis and group discussion. The teleconference mentoring sessions will take place in December 2019; April 2020 and August 2020. The mentoring portion of the course must be purchased separately. Upon completion of all 3 Mentoring Portions, the participant will be eligible to seek 21+ hours of CEUs from ASHA and AAA (see further down the page to view full description of mentoring portion of the Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program).

3)  ONLINE AST CERTIFICATION EXAM will take place online in July of 2020  and is mandatory for attainment of Level 1 Certification in AST. This comprehensive exam must be purchased separately. The online exam portion will contain 75 questions to assess the participant's level of knowledge, skills set and comfort with Level 1 AST (see further down the page to view full description of the Level 1 Certification in AST Online Exam). Once the exam is successfully completed, the participant will be eligible to seek 2+ hours of CEUs from ASHA and AAA.

In order to receive Level 1 Certification in AST, successful completion of all three portions of the Level 1 Certification in AST Program is mandatory. The participant  reserves the right to take the Instructional and/or Mentoring portions of the course without taking the exam. In this case, the participant will receive a Certificate of {Portion} Completion instead of Level 1 AST Certification.
 
LEVEL 1 AST MENTORING PROCESS
Following the instructional portion of this training program, the learner will be eligible to begin the LEVEL 1 AST Mentoring Process. The Level 1 AST Mentoring Process is designed to provide guidance to the new practitioner in: the selection and writing of goals; selection and execution of activites; selection, execution and management of strategies and conditions that facilitate listening skils development; and the charting of an AST session. The mentoring process requires all workshop participants seeking Level 1 AST Certification to sucessfully complete ALL three days of mentoring; the first of which to take place in December of 2019; the second to take place in April of 2020; and the third to take place in August of 2020. The Mentoring process will take place through tele-conference (Zoom), and participation is mandatory. Each learner will provide a 10-minute clip of their AST session and the course instructor will provide feedback and guidance, and discussion with other course participants will take place. These mentoring sessions are to provide consistent guidance, consultation services and support for new AST practitioner. Following completion of all mentoring sessions, the participant will be eligible to take an online exam for Level 1 AST Certification. Level One Mentoring Tele-conference sessions must be purchased separately.

LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION IN AST ONLINE EXAM
Following successful completion of the  Instructional and Mentoring portions of the Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program, the participant will take an online exam (75 questions) to assess achievement of learner outcomes during the 3 days of learning.  The exam will consist of questions pertaining to instructional portion to ensure achievement of learner outcomes and increased comfort with AST practice. The learner will need to demonstrate 80% pass rate to be eligible to receive the certification.  The learner will have three weeks (and 3 attempts) to pass the exam.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's the fee Schedule for Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program?
1. Instructional Portion of Level 1 Certfication in AST (in Toronto)= $650.00 USD
2. Mentoring Portion of Level 1 Certification in AST Training Program= $75.00 USD
3. Online Exam Portion of Level 1 Certification in AST= $50.00 USD

I live outside Canada and the USA. Can I still register?
Yes, you can still register for this course if you live oustide of Canada and the USA. There are two options: 1) If your organization has a Canadian or American billing address, you can use it to register your account with SoundIntuition; at www.soundintuition.com or 2) If you do not have a Canadian or American billing address you can register  HERE.

How long will it take to complete all requirements for the Level 1 Certification in AST?
Although the majority of the training is provided over the three days, it will take one year for the participant to fully complete the requirements for Level 1 Certification in AST. Level 1 Certification in AST will not only provide the clinician with the requisite skills to provide the basics of Auditory Skills Training to individuals with cochlear implant(s) and their families, but also confidence in management of conditions and strategies that will facilitate the development of listening skills and optimal CI auditory outcomes. 

What is your refund policy?
No refunds will be offered once the participant begins the course. Partial refunds (minus $75.00 administration fee) for the Level One Certification in AST Trianing Program: Instructional Portion will be offered if the participant cancels registration 15 days prior to start of course.

Who can take the Level 1 AST Certification Training Program?
The Level 1 AST Certification Training Program is only open to Audiologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Educators of the Deaf and those professionals who are LSLS Certified in Auditory-Verbal Therapy/Education; these professionals have the pre-requisite knowledge to learn and apply AST in the manner it is intended to be used. 

How many levels of certification are there for AST? 
There are three levels of certification for Auditory Skills Training:
  • Level One Certification in AST demonstrates that the clinician has received introductory level training and mentoring in Auditory Skills Training.
  • Level Two Certification in AST demonstrates that the clinician has received intermediate level training and mentoring in Auditory Skills Training. The clinician is able to manage complex cases with CIs with ease, and will manage clients with other implantable technologies such as middle ear implants and auditory brainstem implants. 
  • Level Three Certification in AST demonstrates that the clinical has received advanced level training and mentoring in Auditory Skills Training. Those with Level Three Certification can provide instructional support and mentoring services in AST training programs.
The clinician is encouraged to successfully complete and pass ALL three certification levels to fully understand Auditory Skills Training and the strategies, techniques and collaborative family-centered care as it applies to CI users. Practitioners have the choice to choose the level of AST Training and Certification they wish to achieve.

How do I maintain certification in AST?
To maintain Level 1 AST Certification, the following conditions must be met:
1.    Twelve hours of continuing education in AST must be obtained over a 12- month period. Proof of continuing education must be provided in September of every year and can be completed online.
2.    Payment of an annual membership fee of $35.00 USD (approx. $50.00 CAD).
3.    Adherence to the Principles of AST and the Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct.

Who is the certifying body/organization for AST?
SoundIntution is the certifying body/organization for all levels of AST Certification.

Who else offers training in AST?
Training at this time, is offered exclusively by SoundIntuition.

Who are the course instructors?
A number of course instructors will be presenting on their area of expertise in the field of adult rehabilitation. The primary course instructors, however, are Karen MacIver-Lux and Amy Ng.


 





SoundIntuition is an approved provider of continuing education activities from the AGBell Academy of Listening and Spoken Language and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Approval for 24 hours of Continuing Education Units with ASHA is pending.



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