Make It PrAACtical: Cell Phone Stand

February 28, 2014 by - Leave your thoughts


AAC professionals are generally big proponents of multimodal communication. These days, it seems like almost everyone has a cell phone and many of the AAC learners with whom we work use them for texting. If you need a low-cost stand for a cell phone, take a look at this video from the New Hampshire AT Project. With a little stabilization, this might be just the ticket for some of our prAACtical friends. Direct Link to Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQhRhKFWklo&feature=share&list=UUOhlN8JnAwdYrhWEdWpmE3g&index=3

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Understanding Rett Syndrome by Sally-Ann Garrett

February 26, 2014 by - 5 Comments


Understanding Rett Syndrome by Sally-Ann Garrett

When we did our graduate training, there was little or no mention of Rett Syndrome, a genetic disorder involving a mutation of the MECP2 (Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2) gene on the long arm of the X chromosome. It is a complex disorder and the abilities of those who are affected by it are generally masked by the motor challenges that are a part of Rett. We’ve asked some professionals experienced in Rett and AAC to help us use this space to help us gain a better understanding of the disorder and its implications for AAC intervention. Sally-Ann Garrett (Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist; Reg. HCPC; MRCSLPT, Reg. ASLTIP) is one who agreed to do so and we are grateful for her perspective. Sally-Ann is semi-retired now but has worked with girls affected by Rett Syndrome for 30 of her 42 years as an SLT. She lived in Canada for a number... [Read More...]

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A PrAACtical Look at Access YouTube

February 25, 2014 by - Leave your thoughts


A PrAACtical Look at Access YouTube

As we all know, there are many prAACtical ways to use YouTube videos to support AAC learning. When we’re looking to extend the learning outside of therapy, we sometimes use it to watch videos that demonstrate or further explain a target concept, like scarcity. Navigating YouTube can be a challenge for individuals with intellectual or physical difficulties. We can use Access Tube to make that a bit easier. The simplified layout and clear buttons make searching and playing YouTube videos easy. You can also access it with switches and touch screens. You can try it out by clicking on the image below.    

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AAC Posts from PrAACtical Week 8, February 2014

February 22, 2014 by - 1 Comment


AAC Week # 8: A PrAACtical Summary

Such a great week of prAACtical fun at the 31rst Annual Conference of the North Carolina Augmentative Communication Association. Inspiring to be with so many great therapists, educators, students, and parents! Hope you had an AAC-filled week, too!  Sunday: Video of the Week – Dealing with Feelings Monday: Strategy of the Month – More Thoughts About Reinforcement in AAC Therapy Tuesday: Teach Me Tuesday – Go Talk Now Wednesday: 5 Ways to Build Awareness of the Power of Communication Thursday:  Converting Disordered Natural Speech to Clear Synthetic Speech Friday: Make It PrAACtical –  Adapted Writing Tool  

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Make It PrAACtical: Adapted Writing Tool

February 21, 2014 by - Leave your thoughts


Make It PrAACtical: Adapted Writing Tool

It seems like we’re always looking for the ‘perfect’ tool to help some of our prAACtical friends. Yes, we have several varieties but it always seems like the person we are working with at the moment needs something a little different. And, of course, there’s no budget to buy one. Here’s a nice little tutorial for making an adapted writing tool. Hope there are some Do-It-Yourselfers out there who will appreciate this as much as we did.  

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Converting Disordered Natural Speech to Clear Synthetic Speech

February 20, 2014 by - Leave your thoughts


Converting Disordered Natural Speech to Clear Synthetic Speech

One of the exciting things about being in an AT-related field, is watching new developments  in technology. Many of us have worked with individuals who have intact language and severely impaired speech. When we last wrote about ViVoca (Voice-Input, Voice-Output Communication Aid), it generated a lot of interest as a potential support for some individuals who struggle with face-to-face communication. The research efforts are lead by Dr. Mark Hawley, Professor of Health Services Research at the University of Sheffield, in the UK. We’re pleased to be able to share a video showing this emerging technology in aaction. Direct Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTyjlM2jYMs  

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5 Ways to Build Awareness of the Power of Communication

February 19, 2014 by - 1 Comment


5 Ways to Build Awareness of the Power of Communication

Awhile back I helped a graduate student clinician lead a session with some children who do not yet have AAC systems in place. Communicating with pictures is hard for them and doesn’t yet make sense. They haven’t connected the dots to see that when they use these picture-based materials, they can influence the environment in a way that makes their lives more interesting and fun.   Our first step was to help them begin to understand that they could control aspects of their environment. Here are some things we did to help the AAC learners feel the power of communication. 1. Made communication easy: Talking switches and sequential communicators are great ways for learners to get a big payoff with little effort. In classrooms where there was no functioning technology, we used free apps for mobile devices and paper-based communication boards. 2. Made the response big and fun: Think silly,... [Read More...]

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Teach Me Tuesday: Go Talk Now

February 18, 2014 by - 3 Comments


Teach Me Tuesday: Go Talk Now

Go Talk Now by Attainment is a comprehensive customizable AAC app for the iPad, appropriate for both the beginner and experienced communicator. Come learn more about this AAC app with these resources:  Product Page User Guide Tutorial Video Where to Go for Help– 800-327-4269 Go Talk Now Free (Try Before You Buy)

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