July 14: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
August 18: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Free
Description
Please note: Registration is not yet open for this event. It will open in May 2026.
The Communication Matrix is an assessment tool designed specifically for children who are communicating at early, pre-language levels. While many other assessment tools measure formal language development, the Matrix assesses early communication behaviors such as body movements, facial expressions, gestures, and other simple symbolic communication for children who are not using formal language.
This two-part training will focus on using the Communication Matrix with children ages 0-3 who are deaf or hard of hearing with additional complex needs.
Part One will focus on the design and administration of the Matrix, including the online version. Part Two will focus on using the Matrix results to inform intervention and develop strategies to promote communication development. Case studies will be reviewed to help participants practice applying the tool in real-word early intervention settings. To fully understand how to move from assessment to intervention planning, attendance at both sessions is recommended.
The Communication Matrix is a Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Michigan recommended assessment.
Audience
This two-part workshop is intended for Michigan early intervention and school personnel who work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, ages 0-3. Those working with children ages 4-5 may also find this workshop helpful.
Credits
SCECHs are pending for this workshop.
Additional Workshops
Interested in trainings for other LEAD-K Michigan recommended assessments? Check out the events below.
May 15: Confidently Administering the American Sign Language Receptive Skills Test (ASL-RST)
May 19: Making Sense of MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDIs)
Required Technology
To access this event, participants must have reliable internet access and a computer with a camera.
Online Event Expectations
This live webinar will be held via Zoom. Participants do not need to have a Zoom account to participate in the webinar, although you might be prompted to download a plugin when joining. Please review Zoom Tips and Shortcuts for Participants [PDF] before the event.
Participants are expected to be respectful and courteous to others during this event. MDE RDHH reserves the right to mute, turn off video, and/or remove participants who do not adhere to this expectation.
AI bots (e.g., transcribers/notetakers) and similar unapproved services pose privacy and security risks and violate the State of Michigan Data Classification Standard (1340.00.150.02) and Acceptable Use of Information Technology Standard (1340.00.130.02). Unapproved attendees, including bots, will be removed from MDE-hosted meetings that require registration.
Accessibility Accommodations
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and live captioning will be provided during this event. It is important for participants to notify us of any additional accessibility, communication, or other accommodation needs at least three weeks prior to the event. Outside agencies we contract with to provide accommodations cannot guarantee services if requests are made after June 23, 2026.