Name: Teaching Communication to Replace Challenging Behavior
Start: 2026-07-16T09:45:00-0600
End: 2026-07-16T12:10:00-0600

Welcome to URSA 2026 at Southern Utah University! All sessions will be in buildings on the upper campus (east end). Here’s the Campus Map (PDF) if needed.

Teaching Communication to Replace Challenging Behavior

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

🛝 Format Alert: This is a fluid, 2-hour "drop-in" playground where you can stop by anytime to explore small-group activities at your own pace.

This hands-on session gives educators practical ways to support students with challenging behavior by teaching communication (including AAC) as a replacement skill. You’ll learn to think about the “why” behind behavior and use that information to choose and teach simple, functional communication responses that fit your setting.We will use a Behavior Skills Training format (teach, model, practice, feedback) so you can try out strategies during the session and get feedback. You’ll leave with ready-to-use tools, including behavior observation sheets, function-based communication planning guides, AAC-friendly examples, and simple data sheets designed with rural schools in mind.This session is designed for general and special education teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and administrators. No behavior analysis background is needed—everything will be explained in plain, classroom-focused language with real examples.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; iPad / iPhone; Android Tablet / Smartphone; Windows Tablet / Smartphone; Chromebook

Speakers

Rhea Rayomand Palkhiwala

Doctoral Student, USU - Utah State University

Rhea Rayomand Palkhiwala, MSE, LBA (UT), is a doctoral student in Disability Disciplines with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis at Utah State University. She works as a school-based behavior consultant, supporting rural school teams with conducting function-based assessments... Read More →

Dr. Audrey N. Hoffmann

Assistant Professor - Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling, USU - Utah State University

Dr. Audrey N. Hoffmann is an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at Utah State University. Dr. Hoffmann provides services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or challenging behavior. She specializes... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Assessment & Data Management, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Other, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 2 hour Playground - hands on activities and discussions with various small groups during a 2-hour window
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, Teachers
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health

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2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Rhea Rayomand Palkhiwala

Dr. Audrey N. Hoffmann

Attendees (4)

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Success you have shared X tickets.

2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Rhea Rayomand Palkhiwala

Dr. Audrey N. Hoffmann

Attendees (4)

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