Registration for Live Webinar
Switch Placement Tips: EMG Edition
Description: Surface Electromyography (sEMG or just EMG) is a tool that has been used for research, biofeedback, and switch access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for many years. For some individuals with ALS/MND, stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and other conditions, it has provided access to communication when traditional switches or eye gaze were not successful. Despite its usefulness, however, some clinicians, family members, and AAC users may not be familiar with EMG technology. Even if they are familiar, they may not be comfortable with placing the technology for optimal use. Join us as we discuss common electrode placements for EMG access to AAC. Using case study and demonstration we will dive deep into access and provide resources you can use at home or work!
Content Disclosure: This session will discuss placement for the electrodes needed to use an EMG sensor for AAC access. Several EMG sensors exist but only the NeuroNode from Control Bionics will be used for demonstrations, and no other products will be discussed during this course.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to:
- List three key factors for electrode placement for EMG access to an AAC device.
- Describe at least three different common electrode placements for EMG switching and the accompanying movement required.
- Identify at least one resource to learn more about electrode placement for EMG access to an AAC device.
Agenda:
10 minutes: Welcome and introduction to EMG switches
35 minutes: Case studies and demonstration/video
5 minutes: Electrode placement resources
10 minutes: Discussion and wrap-up
Date and Time: June 4th, 2026 from 2:00-3:00 PM Eastern Time US (The class will be recorded and posted for viewing at a later time for individuals who cannot make this time.)
Cost: Free!
Presenter Bios and Disclosures
Kristin Whitfield, MA, CCC-SLP is the Clinical Education Specialist for Control Bionics. She has worked as a speech-language pathologist in multiple different settings, specializing in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for most of her career. Kristin has presented on various AAC topics at local, national, international, and online conferences/workshops. Her desire is to help others love AAC, and the people who use it, as much as she does.
Relevant Financial Disclosures: Kristin is employed by Control Bionics and receives a salary for her work.
Relevant Non-financial Disclosures: Kristin has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Participant Information
Course Format: This will be a live, online course presented via Microsoft Teams. Interaction will be encouraged and time for questions incorporated into the session. If you are not familiar with Microsoft Teams, please visit www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app to download the application and learn more.
Target Audience: This session is designed for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, assistive technology professionals, users, family members, and others interested in AAC solutions!
Completion Requirements: In order to receive a certificate of completion or ASHA CEUs, participants must:
- Attend the full course. Login and logout times will be recorded automatically by the meeting software (Microsoft Teams). Partial credit for attending less than the whole class is not allowed.
- Pass an online exam with 80% accuracy or greater. Exams are multiple choice with 10 or fewer questions and can be taken as many times as needed to pass.
- Complete an online course evaluation.
Links for the exam and evaluation will be emailed to participants and must be completed within 7 days of receiving the email. Certificates of attendance and ASHA CEU documentation will be sent/submitted within 15 days of completion.
Accommodations: Please email [email protected] with any special requests at least 72 hours before the course starts.
Cancellations/Refunds: If you are unable to attend, we completely understand! Check back to see if this course will be offered again or as a recorded session. This is a free course, so no payments or refunds are necessary.
Complaints: Please email [email protected] with concerns or complaints within 60-days of this course. Click here for our complaint policy.
Register Here
Participants must provide their name, address, and email address to register for the class. Phone numbers and membership numbers (e.g., ASHA or AOTA) are optional. Please click here for information on how Control Bionics will handle this information.