July 8, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
What are the language learning priorities for the AAC users in your life? Expanding vocabulary? Increasing sentence length and complexity? Using a greater range of communicative functions? Applying morphological markers? Given the heterogeneity of our AAC learners, it’s no surprise that the language goals we address are just as diverse. Today, we dig through the archives to highlight activities that can be used to target an array of language learning objectives. Browse through the list to see if you can find some that are of use in your AAC work. Concept Sorts Using Surveys to Support Language Learning Magic Moments with Tellagami New Word Teaching: A Look Inside Some PrAACtical Therapy Sessions Teaming Up to Build Communication with a Treat Cart: Part 1, Part 2 AACtual Therapy: Use Your Best Spud to Teach Vocabulary With Tanna Neufeld PrAACtical Supports for AAC Learners: AT Recipes for Success – Sensorimotor Activities AAC... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
July 4, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. And Happy Independence Day to those here in the US. We have some posts that you may have missed in your busy week. Monday – PrAACtically July – AAC Resources for A Year of Core Words Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: Breaking Down Ableism in AAC Thursday – Growing AAC Professionals: Resources for Self-Advocacy, Reducing Abandonment, Medical Encounters, & More Friday – PráctiCAAmente Conectados Con Links – Julio 2021 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: In the mood for some more AAC browsing? We have a few suggestions for you. 5 Ways to Support Self-Advocacy in AAC Learners How We Do It: Using AAC to Repair Communication Breakdowns PrAACtically SLPs: Hungry for Bilingual AAC 5 Kinds of Pre-stored Messages That Put the AAC Learner in Control PrAACtical Perspectives: Randomness & AAC
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
July 2, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
AAC friends, if you’re interested in AAC materials in Spanish, please check out the content in this list and feel free to add your own. In addition to these resources, you may also enjoy learning about the work of Wendy Moreno, a parent of an AAC user in Mexico. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Estamos comenzando Julio compartiendo links en español, continuamos nuestro recorrido por el mundo conociendo experiencias de CAA en español, esta vez llegamos a México donde Wendy Moreno, nos comparte sus reflexiones y vivencias. PREGUNTAS AUMENTATIVAS Y RESPUESTAS ALTERNATIVAS ¿Qué pasaría si un día, tan sólo un día, nuestra comunicación se limitará a responder preguntas cerradas sin hacer uso de nuestra voz? Seguramente algo se nos ocurrirá para darnos a entender. Pero ¿qué pasa cuando la misma pregunta se la hacemos a una persona que, por su discapacidad, presenta necesidades complejas de comunicación? Muchos, podríamos conformarnos con: “responde a un sí ... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
July 1, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
It’s always exciting to see how university programs are inspiring future professionals to enter the world of AAC. Today, AAC SLP Vicki Haddix, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis, is back to share some of the work completed by her SLP graduate students. With her guidance, they create videos, handouts, and other materials that can be used by families, clinicians, and educators. Kudos to Vicki and her students for their fine work! ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: When I designed the AAC course, I tried to incorporate elements of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) within the class. One of the elements I’m particularly proud of is allowing the students to choose their own final projects, which are worth 50% of their grade. I give them the following guidelines: Your final project should: Collect information from a variety of sources (i.e.: not only a survey or only research articles); Ground itself within the... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
June 28, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Do you know anyone who has access to AAC tools but doesn’t yet use them throughout the day? Keiran has a new AAC app that is well-populated with core vocabulary. Gabbie has had an SGD for a while but doesn’t use it as frequently as her team had hoped. Hudson is transitioning from PECS to an AAC device with more robust language. While different in many ways, each of these learners has a common need: frequent opportunities to learn about and use core vocabulary. To accomplish this, their SLPs, teachers, and families select a dozen or so core words and pay special attention to those each month. That allows them to highlight this small group of words using focused language stimulation, aided language input, and specific activities designed to teach or practice them. In previous years, we shared lists of some core words to help you do just that. ... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
June 27, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. We have some posts that you might have missed. Monday – AAC in Secondary School: AACcessibility during Community Based Instruction Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: AAC Apps for Visual Scene Displays Thursday – PrAACtically Reading: Books Featuring Children & Youth with Disabilities (Updated) :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Before you go, take a look and see if any of these are of interest. AAC Assessment Forms AAC Printables & Downloads AAC Assessment for People with Aphasia Book Adaptations: Resources and Materials 5 Ways to Use Books to Build Interaction with AAC Learners
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
June 24, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Looking to freshen up your library of books that include characters with disabilities? This updated list has a few that you may want to check out. The books in these lists vary in terms of their subject, target audience, and reading level. As with any book that you consider providing to children and youth, be sure to review it first to determine its appropriateness for the individual reader. Some of the books, particularly those for teens, have scenes that are intense and may contain mature content, and/or strong language. Note: If you have others that you would recommend, please reach out to us and we will update the list. Books Featuring Children & Youth with Disabilities AAC Dancing Daisies (2013) by Sara Pyszka Fur Cubs Present First Day of School (2010) by C. Lynne Luster How Katie Got a Voice (And A Cool New Nickname) (2012) by Pat Mervine Inside... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
June 21, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Many students who use AAC spend some time in community-based instruction during their teenage years. In today’s post, AAC SLP Ashley Larisey discusses this topic in a continuation of the AAC in Secondary School series. Ashley is an SLP at Community High School District 218 in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Supervisor and Instructor at Saint Xavier University. Additionally, Ashley presents on AAC topics at professional conferences. Enjoy! :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: AACcessibility During Community Based Instruction Community-Based Instruction (CBI) is a meaningful, engaging, and highly motivating experience for many students with disabilities, particularly those students who are high-school-aged and beyond. For AAC users, CBI provides opportunities to communicate with unfamiliar communication partners for many different purposes. However, when students are out and about, it can be easy to overlook the ease of access that can exist within the educational environment. However, it is just as important for AAC... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
June 20, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. Here are some posts that may be of interest. Monday – TELL ME About It: AAC Learning with ‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie’! Tuesday – AAC Link Up Saturday – AACtual Celebrations: Juneteenth We’re celebrating Father’s Day in the US and are sharing a few past posts on that topic here. These were authored by PrAACtical AAC co-founder Robin Parker. Fun Father’s Day AAC Activities It’s PrAACtically Fathers Day PrAACtical Reflections About Father’s Day Father’s Day Language Facilitation Activities and Gifts ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Are you looking for some AACtivity suggestions? Here are a few from past posts. Sometimes I Feel Sunny: AT Recipes for Success from CHoR PrAACtical Supports for AAC Learners: AT Recipes for Success – Sensorimotor Activities Pete the Cat, Rockin’ in My School Shoes: AT Recipes for Success PrAACtical Supports for the Young AAC Learner: Recipes for Success (Bubbles, Cars) PrAACtical Supports... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
June 19, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Whether you are relatively new to an understanding of Juneteenth or have been celebrating it for decades, we hope today’s post has some ideas for integrating it into the AAC work you do. It became a federal holiday this week and we thought you might enjoy this reprise. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: PrAACtically Juneteenth In the US, June 19th is a day that commemorates the ending of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation became effective on January 1, 1863, it took an additional two and half years for it to take root in all of the states. It wasn’t until June 19th, 1865 that Texas became the final state to uphold the proclamation. There are other days that memorialize the freedom of enslaved people, but Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration. Traditionally marked primarily by African Americans, there is a growing awareness of Juneteenth across a broad spectrum of people. In modern times, it... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking