March 5, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
SLPs tend to love (good, relevant) professional development. We flock to conferences (15,000+ ASHA attendees this past November), sign up for workshops, and attend webinars. But for some reason, we are reluctant to request training as part of the IEP process, even when we’re not very confident in our work with the student. Maybe we don’t want to acknowledge our need for it, or admit that there is something we don’t know (gasp!). Perhaps we’d just rather not make waves. We may ask for training informally, but it doesn’t always get tied to specific students’ IEPs, and that may mean that our requests get overlooked. Here are a few reasons why you may want to put staff training into IEPs when needed. We need it. The complexity of the AAC field, diversity of this clinical population, and the rapid pace of change in technology make it very unlikely that any... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: abandonment, IEP, parent training, Training
March 4, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
In this Teach Me Tuesday post, we feature a versatile and popular SGD, the NOVA Chat (Saltillo). Come along and learn with us! Product Information for NOVA Chat 10, 7, and 5 Video Tutorials Webinars Facebook – Users Group Knowledge Base Where to Go for Help More Interactive Support for NOVA Chat Free live online product training https://www.prentrom.com/onlinetraining/products Free interactive self-study courses https://www.prentrom.com/training/courses Current PRC product tutorials: Accent Line and Eco2 http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeOTpEi0oXbhmtDfAHFZvGPkxFuoUSUuv
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: NOVA Chat, Saltillo, Teach Me Tuesday
March 1, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Sunday: Video of the Week – Direct Selection Using Laser Pointers Monday: Strategy of the Month – The Power of Positive Reinforcement Tuesday: A PrAACtical Look at Access YouTube Wednesday: Understanding Rett Syndrome bySally-Ann Garrett Thursday: A Day in the Life of an AAC Chick SLP Friday: Make it PrAACtical – DIY Cellphone Stand
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
February 28, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
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
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AT in NH, cellphone stand, DIY, mount, New Hampshire AT Project, phone
February 27, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Today we have a return appearance by Vicki Clarke, CEO of Dynamic Therapy Associates. In this fun post, Vicki let’s us peek over her shoulder on a busy, prAACtical day.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Dynamic Therapy Associates, Vicki Clarke
February 26, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
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...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Rett syndrome, Sally-, Sally-Ann Garrett
February 25, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
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.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: access, accessibility
February 22, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
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
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
February 21, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
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.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: adapted writing, alternative pencil, DIY, writing
February 20, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
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
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: intelligibility, research, SGD, speech intelligibility, technology, ViviVoca