There is an art and a science to supporting families who are getting started with AAC or rebooting their AAC plan. In today’s featured video, we learn from veteran AAC/AT specialist and special educator Kate Ahern. Many thanks to Kate and The Angelman Academy for this helpful presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50M-DQOSVa4
Looking for some tips on implementing eye gaze AAC? In today’s featured video Katelyn Oeser and Brenda Del Monte from the Special Education Technology Center (SETC) cover really useful information in this short video. Many thanks to SETC and the presenters – Katelyn and Brenda – for this helpful presentation. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eGMnaFkptc&ab_channel=SETCSpecialEducationTechnologyCenter
The Communication Matrix is a powerful and popular tool for assessing early communication skills. In today’s featured video, AAC SLP Vicki Clarke, known here for her AAC Assessment Corner series, discusses this important tool and provides helpful information on implementing it. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djNQVSXaF-g&ab_channel=AACChicksatDynamicTherapyAssociatesInc.
Looking for information on doing AAC assessments? Today, we turn to Saltillo to an archived webinar by SLP Heather Miller Schwarz that covers some of the things you’ll need to know to get started. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyhCerq6SAY
Although readers of this site are generally quite familiar with the basics of AAC, most of us encounter families who are new to the AAC journey fairly often. In today’s video, we turn to SLP and AAC mom Dana Nieder who covers this topic from a very prAACtical perspective. Many thanks to Dana and to the Center on Technology and Disability for creating and sharing this archived presentation. This is a good one to enjoy and share with families who are just beginning to use AAC with their child. You can learn more from Dana at her wonderful blog, Uncommon Sense. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=CmvJSM3QFJk
Looking for a video to help families get started (or restarted) on their AAC Journey. In today’s featured video, The Center on Technology and Disabilities brings us a wonderful webinar presented by Dana Nieder, author of the popular blog, Uncommon Sense. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmvJSM3QFJk
An increasing number of professionals and families have considered using PODD books with children and adults who have significant communication challenges. In today’s video, we return to the the Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) to view another archived webinar in their amazing series on building communication skills. The presenter, Mary-Louise Bertram, provides a prAACtical overview of the approach with a focus on the logistics of getting started in creating and using PODD books. A highly experienced interventionist, Mary-Louise has supported a great many families and PODD users in her native Australia and around the world. The information she shares in this video is applicable to a wide range of people with AAC needs, and is not limited to children or adults with Angelman Syndrome. Kudos and much gratitude to the ASF for creating the wonderful videos in this series and making them available to all of us. Direct Link to webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_mc6AWQOM0
One of the most challenging parts of providing AAC services is to do a good assessment. Today, we turn to Dr. Rae Sonnenmier of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire for thoughts on how to approach this important task. Link to the Communication Success Screening Tool Direct link to video: http://vimeo.com/88019903
We couldn’t be more excited to have a return visit from Marlene Cummings, a wonderful SLP who is currently serving as an AAC Consultant to the AAC Team at Oakland Schools. In her first post, Marlene talked about strategies for cultivating the right mindset for AAC teaching. In this post, Marlene continues sharing elements of her Framework for Success in discussing the Knowledge Toolbox, developed with the Oakland Schools AAC Team. 5 Things in Your “Knowledge Toolbox” What is already in my “knowledge toolbox” of communication, language and learning? Yes, you do have a full toolbox. You just don’t realize it. And of course there are always new and exciting things to add. You already know this stuff!! REMEMBER??? It is important to step back and think broadly about communication and what it really does. Sometimes we get caught in the details of our work and can’t see the forest through the... [Read More...]
The focus this month is on core word vocabulary and effective teaching strategies. Most core vocabulary is represented through abstract symbols that range from translucent (i.e., makes sense after it is explained) to opaque (i.e., doesn’t have any resemblance to the word or concept) which makes the need for effective teaching all the more important. It also makes it more fun because meaningful language experiences, emotional language experiences, and repetition with variety experiences are going to be the platform for teaching. Within the platform of authentic language experiences, layers of teaching strategies can be applied. The more strategies we apply to learning, the more we assure ALL learners will benefit from our teaching. Core word vocabulary teaching begins with a few premises that underlie the process. These are not new ideas but ones that should be reaffirmed as you begin teaching. It is important, as always, to presume competence. All learners... [Read More...]