May 7, 2014
by Robin Parker -
We believe all months and days should be dedicated to better speech (communication) and hearing. However, May is the official Better Speech and Hearing Month. With that in mind, no-tech visual supports help us all have better understanding and expressive communication. Watch the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University- Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) webinar by Maricarmen Saleta as she gives great explanations and examples of ‘Visuals Everyday’. Direct Link: http://umnsucard.adobeconnect.com/p59bqo69epm/
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: visual supports
May 6, 2014
by Robin Parker -
Welcome back to Teach Me Tuesday, featuring the free AAC app- Sounding Board from AbleNet. Here are the learning resources we will be using. Be sure to watch the fantastic AbleNet webinar by Mo Buti. Sounding Board Operating Instructions Where to Go for Help: About Sounding Board Videos– under Additional Information tab or Technical Support AbleNet Webinar. Go to AbleNet University. Click on . Then scroll down and find and view: Title: SoundingBoard app – Bigger and Better! – 60 Minutes Presenter: Mo Buti, M.Ed-BD, M.Ed-ADMIN Description: This awesome free app has gotten a makeover! This free app is a communication system that is simple to program and use. Some of the new options include better graphics, screen rotation, new lay-outs, larger message board, and much more. I will go through and demonstrate this great app! Session Level: Beginner
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC app, ablenet, Sounding Board
May 3, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Sunday – Video of the Week: Apps for Autism Monday – About Difference Tuesday – A Little AAC Reading Wednesday – Watch It Wednesday: Seating and Positioning for AT Access Thursday – AACtual Therapy: Positive Behavior Management with Gail Bennell Friday – PrAACtical Questions: Does Word Prediction Really Make Communication Faster?
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
May 2, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Word prediction is a rate enhancement strategy available in many high tech AAC devices. Which of the following is true about word prediction in longer words? It always saves time. It always saves time and keystrokes. It always saves keystrokes, and sometimes saves time. It always saves time, and sometimes saves keystrokes. It never saves time. In longer words, word prediction always saves keystrokes because the user is inputting only a portion of the word. This is helpful in that it reduces fatigue. It can also save time for some users, but that is not always the case. Some users have difficulty shifting back and forth between inputting letters and reviewing the options that are predicted by the device or computer. This slows the communication process. For users like this, there may not be a time savings. So #3 is the correct answer. For more information on the variables that... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: rate, word prediction
May 1, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Today we’re welcoming back Australian SLP Gail Bennell, from Raising Nonverbal Children. Gail has a private practice and works tirelessly to disseminate AAC information through social media. You can see Gail’s previous guest post, on empowering parents, here. In this post, Gail talks about her approach to addressing behaviors that are challenging for us or the AAC learners with whom we work. We love the positive and prAACtical approach she uses.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Gail Bennell, positive behavior support
April 30, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
We take so many things for granted. Turning on a laptop. Reaching across a desk. Standing up to turn on the lights. When bodies work well, things like this seem to happen without us even thinking about them. But when someone has a movement disorder, little things can make a big difference. In this video, we hear from OT Aileen Costigan who teaches us the basics of seating and positioning for AT access. Thanks to the AAC-RERC for making this available on their website.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Aileen Costigan, positioning, seating
April 29, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for a way to learn more about AAC issues and have a limited budget? Be sure to check out the back issues of Augmentative Communication News (ACN) and Augmentatively Speaking (AS). AAC pioneer Sarah Blackstone wrote and published ACN, which distilled research and practice information into a quarterly publication that was both engaging and enlightening. Dr. Blackstone published ACN for 21 years (1988-2009) and has since made each of these newsletters available on her website. You can download them as PDFs here. She also collaborated with Michael Williams on the publication of AS. This was a unique newsletter in that it was written by (and for) individuals who use AAC and was published for 15 years. The back issues are available here. Both publications have information useful to clinicians, educators, families, and people who use AAC. Happy reading!
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: ACN, AS, free, Michael Williams, newsletter, Sarah Blackstone
April 26, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Sunday: Video of the Week – AAC Evidence-based Principles & Practices Monday: Becoming A Proficient Communicator Tuesday: Teach Me Tuesday – ComLink Wednesday: Watch It Wednesday – “How Do You Feel About…?” Thursday: Throwback Thursday – 5 AAC Teaching Blog Posts We Love Friday: PrAACtical Buzz: Have You Heard?
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
April 25, 2014
by Robin Parker -
There is a lot of prAACtical buzz around 2 AAC apps that have recently released free/lite versions Check them out: Avaz Lite Version- AAC App for Autism (Augmentative Picture Communication Software for Children with Special Needs)- Try out Avaz AAC app with the lite version and a 7-day promotional subscription period to the symbols and voices which can be used for decision making options. Learn more about the full version at Avaz Support. Dynavox Compass (try for 30 days or full version for ASHA Certified Professionals)- A full version for professionals with weekly resource emails with videos and tips to help learn the full potential of the app. Other long standing free and lite versions: 133 Free or Lite Versions of AAC Apps
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: communication, lite
April 24, 2014
by Robin Parker -
We love so many blogs, websites, and videos. Parents and professionals take their own time and effort (and often money) to share AAC strategies that have worked for them and their children and students. Here are just a few great ones that we use often when working with graduate students and other professionals to help demonstrate a variety of ways AAC strategies make a difference. Enjoy! Beach Trip (and on the Road) by Dana Nieder at Uncommon Sense Helping an AAC User Learn New Vocabulary by Deanne Shoyer at Small but Kinda Mighty AAC Tips at Kreeds World Complex Needs and Switches: It Could Be You! by Ian Bean at SENICT- Special Education Needs ICS How AAC and Assistive Tech Make Classrooms Better for All by Paula Kluth at Paula Kluth Toward Inclusive Classrooms and Communities
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: teaching strategies