September 18, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Educational consultant Linda Burkhart helps us better understand the needs of AAC users with motor challenges in this featured video. Hosted by the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium and moderated by Dr. Kathy Howery, this archived webinar is based on an article, Stepping Stones to Switch Access, published in 2018. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INLeGswwUZY&list=PL6P1FySUgEPTn4VCfpiDhrtFIOZbW69mf&index=2 Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series next week.
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: access, Linda Burkhart, Switch Access, switches
August 31, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Today, we go back to the resources at PaTTAN, this time to learn about switches from OT Karen Kangas. These two videos are from a full day workshop, which is a lot to get through, but if you need information on this topic, this is a great resource. You can view Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: alternative access, Karen Kangas, PaTTAN, switches
July 17, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
Professionals of a certain age (ahem) may remember when the only switch-accessible toys we had to work with were the ones we adapted ourselves. Now, of course, there are a wide range of battery-operated toys that are already switch-accessible and we can buy as many as the budget will allow. The problem is that most of us have pretty limited resources for purchasing these toys, and a quick search yielded adapted toys in a wide price range ($45.00-$250.00 USD). Buying regular (non-adapted) battery-operated toys and then adapting them yourself is another option. This video explains the principles. “Me?? Adapt a toy for switches?! But I’m not handy.” “That’s okay. You don’t have to be.” The easiest way is to use an inexpensive battery interrupter. You can purchase them in various sizes (e.g. AAA, AA, C, D) or make your own. You can learn more about battery interrupters and how to... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: battery adapter, DIY, switch accessible, switches, toys
May 7, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
We continue our celebration of Better Hearing and Speech Month (#BHSM) with our Fresh Look series. In this post, we are delighted to share the insights of SLP Amy Roman, whose expertise in AAC supports for people with ALS is well-known. During the past 13 years, Amy has been a member of the multidisciplinary care team at San Francisco’s Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center. The AAC Program she developed at the Norris Center was awarded Program of the Year by the California Speech and Hearing Association in 2010. Through her private practice, she also provides AAC direct services and phone/skype consultations to individuals, caregivers and therapists. In addition, Amy is the Director of the Golden West ALS Association’s AAC Lending Library. She is also the author of AlphaCore© communication software available on DynaVox speech generating devices. Amy has presents workshops and at conferences on clinical and research topics in AAC.... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: access, alerting system, ALS, Amy Roman, BHSM, call chime, Fresh Look, laser pointer, pALS, switch, switches
February 19, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
This week’s featured video is about helping individuals with significant motor impairments begin to use switches to access AAC and other AT. Hosted by SET BC, this is actually a series of 3 videos by Kelly Fonner. All three videos, and their supporting documents can be viewed here. –
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: access, switches