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
April 23, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Last week, we were delighted to have a post by Dr. Joan Murphy about a research-based approach called Talking Mats. In this post, we share a video of the implementation of this concept with Charlie, a preschooler who has considerable oral language but nonetheless benefits from making language visible. Take a look. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgPBHxxLerA
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Joan Murphy, Talking Mats
April 22, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Welcome to Teach Me Tuesday, featuring the ComLink from FRS-Solutions. The ComLink has different models and they can run two kinds of communication software, The Grid 2 (Standard) and Viking Communicator (Alternative). There are videos and resources for both models in this post. ComLink LT3G Quick Start Guide ComLink ST3G Quick Start Guide ComLink 3G Quick Start Guide Where to Go For Help ComLink Ultra Quick Start Guide Where to Go For Help If you know of any other helpful training resources, please let us know via the comments so that all can benefit.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: ComLink, Teach Me Tuesday, The Grid 2
April 19, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Sunday: Video of the Week – Video Demonstrations for Teaching New Concepts and PCS Monday: How We Teach Tuesday: Let’s Go Outside! Five PrAACtical Ideas Wednesday: Talking Mats: A PrAACtical Tool Thursday: AACtual Therapy: PECS to iPad with Jason Butcher Friday: You Might be an AAC Therapist If…
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
April 18, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
You peruse the dollar store muttering “What could I do with this?” You squeal in delight when Amazon puts personal laminators on deep discount. You find yourself wanting to point to symbols when you talk to friends and family. You buy velcro if you see a good deal, even if you don’t need it. You’ve seriously considered making a voodoo doll in the image of the insurance person who issued the most recent denial of coverage. You have an Allen wrench at the bottom of your purse. You have an un-natural fondness for clip art and Creative Commons. You’d rather sit in a great conference presentation than go to see the latest movie. You can think of a dozen ways to make page fluffers. You’re so ‘over’ goals for making eye contact. You’ve made friends with the guy who cuts Lexan at the home supply shop. You think of the... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC Therapist