November 1, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Gaining the perspective of people who use AAC is a joyful responsibility of all AAC practitioners. In today’s video, we feature the voice of Ömer Güney. His presentation was made possible by the Centre for AAC (CAAC) at the University of Pretoria. We are grateful to Ömer and CAAC for making this accessible to us all. Enjoy! Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU0ZQAVuIL8&ab_channel=CentreforAugmentativeandAlternativeCommunication
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
October 18, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for more ways to build awareness about AAC in your community? Abdi Omar, a consultant with CENMAC, shares his top tips in this week’s featured video. Many thanks to Abdi and CENMAC for this helpful presentation. Abdi Omar’s Top Tips for AAC Awareness Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TWtOpYPl70&ab_channel=CENMACAssistiveTechnologyinEducation
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking, Video of the Week
October 5, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Our two series of monthly resources for core vocabulary teaching, Year of Core Vocabulary Words and School Year of Core Vocabulary Words, continue to be used by therapists, educators, and families. The initial series was based on a small set of core words for each month (see that post here). We followed that with a second set of Year of Core Vocabulary Word resources for a new list of words (click here for that post). Among the many resources are the activity calendars created by AAC SLP and co-founder of Talking AAC, Rachael Langley. There were many other contributors over the years who added to these efforts. The School Year of Core Vocabulary Words, authored by guest contributors Michaela Sullivan, Alisa Lego, and Beth Lytle, was first published in 2020. We’re reprising those posts for anyone interested in following along and utilizing the resources developed by quite a few people... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
September 28, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for information on scanning, eye gaze, and other forms of alternative access? Here are some posts from the past that may be of interest. Articles Alternative Access for AAC PrAACtical Research: Improving Accessibility for People with Significant Speech Disabilities Make It PrAACtical: DIY Switch-accessible Scanner AAC Assessment Corner with Vicki Clarke: The Eyes Have It-Assessment Considerations for High Tech Eye Gaze Access Videos Methods of Accessing AAC Systems Stepping Stones to Switch Access, Part 1 Stepping Stones to Switch Access, Part 2 Alternative Access for AT & AAC Deep Dive into the Hardware for iPad Switch Accessibility AAC Access for Individuals with Significant Motor Limitations Through Partner Assisted Scanning Getting Familiar with Partner-Assisted Scanning Partner Assisted Scanning to Spell Messages Partner Assisted Scanning + Eye Gaze Alternative Access for AAC on the iPad
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
September 26, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Happy Tuesday, AAC friends! Once a week, we invite you to share your own AAC-related content, product news, or anything else that you’d like others in the AAC community to know about. It may be a recent post you’ve written, a slide deck from your AAC presentation, a handout, video, or meme that you’ve posted online, an AAC product you’ve created, an announcement for an AAC course or conference, or any other prAACtical content you developed and want to share with the AAC community. To post your own link, scroll all the way down to the bottom of this post and complete the form. Enter the URL and the name/title in the boxes provided below. If you are on a mobile device, click over to the full website version to do this. The AAC Link Up is moderated to keep us from being spammed, so it may take a little... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
September 21, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
When budgets are low but creative energy is high, it’s time to consider a new project. Check out these AAC-related do-it-yourself ideas. Make It PrAACtical: DIY Adapted Toys Make It PrAACtical: DIY Switch-accessible Scanner Make It PrAACtical: DIY Customizable Stylus Make It PrAACtical: Cell Phone Stand Make It PrAACtical: Adapted Writing Tool Make it PrAACtical: Make Your Own Battery Interrupters (without Soldering!) DIY Stand for Mobile Devices Make Your Own Communication Book Stand Building PVC Stands for Eye Gaze & Tablets AT Makers Magic Moments with a Crafty Flashlight Make a Core Vocabulary Folder How I Do It: Building & Using Language Kits How We Do It: Making AAC Videos for Core Word Learning DIY Keyguards for AAC DIY Magnetic Communication Board
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
September 18, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
In memory of Christine Wright-Ott (1951-2023), we are reprising her guest posts on the importance of effective mobility strategies for young AAC users. Christine was an Occupational Therapist and consultant at The Bridge School in Hillsborough California. She authored the chapter, Mobility, in several editions of the book, Occupational Therapy for Children. Christine lectured at universities and conferences including ATIA, Closing the Gap, ISAAC, ISS, and AAC by the Bay. From Wheelchair to Walker: The Cascading Benefit of Hands-Free Mobility How We Do It: AAC Strategies & Adaptations for Students in Support Walkers, Assessment & Funding From Wheelchair to Hands-free Walker for Preschool Children with AAC Needs How We Do It: A Support Walker Mobility Program for Elementary Students with AAC Needs We are grateful to Christine for her contributions to the AAC community and the powerful legacy she leaves behind.
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
September 13, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
When people with significant motor challenges use AAC apps on a mobile device, there can be several stumbling blocks related to physical access. In today’s featured video, we learn how to address them from Joanna Courtney, a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist from CALL Scotland. Many thanks to Joanna and to CALL Scotland for this helpful presentation. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSYD4In02bI&ab_channel=callscotland1983
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
August 13, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. Here are some posts you might enjoy. Tuesday-AAC Link Up Wednesday-Video of the Week: The Power of Play Thursday-Throwback Thursday: AAC in Adolescence :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: In the mood for a little more? Here are some selections for you to browse. 10 Tips for Starting AAC with the Little Ones How I Do It: A Framework for Success-Getting Started in the Exciting World of Communication and AAC PrAACtical Suggestions: How to Get Started with A New AAC Client How We Do It: AAC Training for Educational Assistants Visual Support for Places Around School
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
July 17, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Cell phones are ubiquitous these days, and almost all of them have a camera. In today’s post, we share some ideas for how to use that for AAC and language learning. If you’re looking for no-prep activities, this post is for you. Create a Collage: Pick a target word or language concept, and walk around looking for things that are associated with it. Snap pictures of a handful of things, then use a free app like PicCollage to create a collage. You’ll find a lot of opportunities to say and practice the target word, both in taking the photos and making the collage. Fun with Filters: Use Snapchat or another app to take photos with playful filters. The discussion about which filter to use and what accessories to add will offer multiple opportunities for you to model and elicit some of the words, phrases, sentences, and questions that are relevant... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking