January 6, 2012
by Robin Parker -
Those of us who work with individuals who have hydrocephalus and other conditions in which a cerebral shunt may be used should follow the discussion about whether the magnets in the iPad2 could cause problems. The Pennsylvania Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation and others have been looking into concerns about use of the iPad2 around individuals with programmable shunts. People with programmable valves/shunts have to take precautions to minimize exposure to magnets. There is a possibility of interference with the programming, but it all depends on magnet strength, orientation, and distance from the valve/shunt.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Hydrocephalus
January 6, 2012
by Robin Parker -
Explore Janice Light and Kathy Drager’s site on AAC and early intervention. Great information and adorable kids: guaranteed to inspire. Take a look at the white paper on AAC and iDevices by the AAC-RERC. Advocate for full funding for IDEA to make it easier for schools to serve kids with AAC needs. SLPs can do it quickly and easily at this ASHA page. Mentally run through the people you work with who use AAC. Make a schedule to periodically back-up their SGDs and apps. (You’ll thank yourself later.) Check out an EBP map from the National Center for EBP in Communication Disorders
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: ASHA, iDevices
January 4, 2012
by Robin Parker -
2012 is here and we have been reflecting on some videos (just a few) that will remain in our PrAACtical tool box. These videos ‘say’ it better than any words, lecture, or article. They inspire active exploration into the topic as you think about AAC systems & inclusion at home and the community. About Core Words About Employment And the program expands For critics of technology
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC system, inclusion
January 4, 2012
by Robin Parker -
Mama always said that if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. – True enough, but sometimes people who mean to be nice, need a little bit of guidance. If you’ve ever cringed when someone said ‘Good pointing’ or ‘Nice talking,’ well, you know what I mean. Having SLPs in the classroom to support students who use AAC makes sense for many reasons. Among them is the opportunity to model appropriate interaction styles so that adults and non-disabled peers can learn by observation. With that in mind, we offer up some suggestions for great things to say to encourage communicative competence and self-esteem. “I like what you said.” “That’s a good way to say that!” “Can you teach that to ___ ?” “Here’s another way to say it.” “Take your time. I’m not in a hurry.” –
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: feedback, reinforcement
January 4, 2012
by Robin Parker -
We have been thinking about what we would love to do more of for 2012. We seem to be thinking in 5’s. So in getting organized and goal focused for the year we will spend the next 5 days discussing 5 goals. Our first goal is More Cooking. We love to cook with EVERYONE. Cooking is an activity that everyone needs to do for independence. Cooking can also be a leisure activity and it is often naturally motivating because of the end result (our personal favorite)- eating. 1. You can use any of the picture recipe directions that are already on common food products. The picture supports may need to be enlarged at the beginning but the idea is to use the picture directions on many packaged foods. These natural AAC supports were pointed out to me several years ago by Dr. Bridget Taylor. 2. Check out Your Special Chef which was... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: cooking, visual supports