Join the Speaker Initiative

Many non-verbal children are not provided with an alternative method of speaking and participate in instruction or behavior therapy 'solely as a listener'. Others are provided with an alternative method, such as picture exchange or an electronic tablet, that is not portable or requires multiple responses to make simple requests. These methods are often abandoned by the children, resulting in young adults with problem behavior 'when they want to make requests'. Essential for Living will help you select and confirm an alternative, method of speaking that meets the CAFE criteria -- Continuously Available, Frequently used, and Effortless -- and is much less likely to be abandoned later.

Learn More About the Speaker Initiative →
72 New Speakers

Upcoming Online Training Sessions and Workshops

Due to overwhelming interest and a limited number of available slots, please contact us if you register and are unable to attend. This will permit others to register. Thank You.


Online Trainings

Online trainings are generally one-hour events which occur severyal times each month. They include one more components of Essential for Living or are a general Q&A session. There is no fee for Online Trainings / Q&As.
Date Title Details + Registration
There are currently no upcoming online trainings, please check back soon!

Online Workshops

Online Workshops are generally three-hour or six-hour events which occur several times each year. Online Workshops include one, several, or all of the components of Essential for Living. There is a fee for Online Workshops.
Date Title Details + Registration
There are currently no upcoming online workshops, please check back soon!

If you’ve missed an Online Training or Workshop and don’t see one that you can attend coming up, don’t worry, we list new events frequently, just keep an eye on this page.