January 21, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
This is an updated version of a post originally authored by Dr. Robin Parker in 2013. We hope you find something of value in the resources that were shared. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: To integrate reading and writing into communication and language learning we need to have lots of books that are easily accessible. Books should be accessible physically as well as through content and interest. This holds true for ALL learners even those that don’t like books but do like…… wheels. We have made literacy accessible for a young girl who only liked elevators, and a boy who only liked balls, and a young adult who liked Barney books but not much else. It holds true for ALL disabilities and ALL levels of reading and writing. Today, we share resources for making and using adapted books to make literacy more accessible. Check out these awesome resources for making your own adapted books... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: accessible materials, adapted books, robin parker
January 20, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Well, hello, AAC friends! If you’re looking to catch up on some AAC content, you’re in the right place. Here’s what we’ve been up to. Monday – Core Boards in the Classroom: 3 Ways to Individualize to Meet Student Needs Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: Language Development Across the School Day Thursday – PrAACtical Resources: Social Stories and Narratives :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: While you’re here, could you do us a favor? We’re trying to get input on AAC terminology from the people who use it most. Click here to complete a quick survey. It’s all multiple choice (checkboxes) and shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. No names or emails are collected. Thank you! :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Still have an appetite for some AAC reading? These posts from the archives may be of interest. Reducing Prompt Dependence in AAC Learners: 5 Things to Try When Helping Isn’t Helping: Prompt Awareness... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: prompting, social narratives, summary post
January 17, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Social narratives are a promising intervention for people with autism and others who need assistance in understanding the expectations for various situations. The term Social Story, coined by Dr. Carol Gray, refers to one specific type of social narrative that has particular rules for its structure and development. Social narratives, a broader term, includes other kinds of stories that help AAC learners and others better understand the expectations of various situations. They are often used when building an understanding of various life experiences, such as how to respond in a fire drill or what to expect on a trip to the doctor. Here are some helpful resources with more information on social stories and social narratives. AFIRM Module for Learning About Social Narratives (comprehensive tutorial) Carol Gray: What are Social Stories? Overview of Social Stories About Social Stories Social Stories and Behavioral Issues Making Social Narratives with iMovie Sample Social Narratives and... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Carol Gray, social narratives, social stories
January 14, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
In the US, poster-sized core boards are displayed in a growing number of special education classrooms. In some cases, the displays match the AAC systems that were selected for the students following a comprehensive AAC evaluation. In others, they are more of a compromise measure which are used in order to get communication teaching started while the AAC evaluation process is still in progress. Either way, we eventually want to move from a one-size-fits-all approach to one where there are more individualized communication tools. Here are some of the key areas to consider in that process. Vocabulary: While there are many benefits of modeling and eliciting a starter set of core vocabulary throughout the day, there is no denying that specific words are very powerful. What other words (fringe or core), would make a difference in his/her/their learning trajectory? For some, we may consider adding things like the names of... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: classroom, core boards, poster
January 13, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. Here are some posts from our prAACtical week. Monday – PrAACtical Resources: Explore AAC Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: Raising a Child Who Uses Eye Gaze AAC Technology Thursday – Throwback Thursday: Engaging AACtivities for AAC Learning :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Ready for a few more posts to browse? Here’s a sampling that you might enjoy. Does AAC Really Work with Infants and Toddlers? Research Tuesday: Photos Versus PCS – Babies Weigh In AAC & AT Supports in Early Intervention AAC Mythology v2.0: A Few Misconceptions About AAC Intervention PrAACtical Intervention Ideas: AAC Learning with the Toys, Websites, and Apps You Love
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: babies, early intervention, summary post
January 10, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Today we’re digging through the archives and revisiting some posts on activities that your AAC learners may find engaging. Enjoy! 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 Intervention: 5 Activities with PrAACtical Potential Vocabulary Activities: 5 Sites for Learning with Avatars PrAACtical Teaching in the Autism Classroom: Instructional Activities for Core Vocabulary Why We Love AAC Language Experience Activities
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: activities, engagement, therapy
January 7, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for a clear way to introduce people to AAC? Check out the Explore AAC website developed by Prentke Romich and Saltillo. You can access the first learning module here. Browse the site for information, downloadable communication boards, videos, and more. Have fun, AAC explorers!
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: PRC, Saltillo, website
January 6, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Happy 2019, AAC friends! If you were busy celebrating and then returning to work this week, you might have missed a few of these posts. Monday – Top AAC Posts of 2018 Tuesday – Ringing in a New Year of AAC Wednesday – Video of the Week: Ian & the Struggle for Inclusive Societies Thursday – PrAACtical Research: Meta-synthesis of AAC Team Members’ Voices ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Ready for a few more suggestions? Here are some past posts that you might enjoy. PrAACtical Ideas for Repurposing Older AAC Technology 5 AAC Downloads to Use and Share 5 Ways to Make Semantic Maps More Effective in AAC Therapy PrAACtical Resources on Language Development When Helping Isn’t Helping: Prompt Awareness in AAC Instruction Interested in AAC for the little ones? We’d love to see you at this full-day AAC session in Orlando later this month. On the graphic below, use the slider on the right to... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: preschool, prompting, research, semantic instruction, semantic map, vocabulary intervention
January 3, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
We are delighted to start off the New Year by welcoming back Dr. Kathy Howery for another wonderful review of an AAC research article. Dr. Howery has worked in the field of assistive technology and special education for over three decades. Her research uses phenomenological methods to seek understanding of the lived experience of speaking with/through a speech-generating device. She is currently on contract with the Ministry of Education low incidence team, and as a consultant to schools and school districts across Alberta focusing primarily on children and youth with complex communication needs. In today’s post, she discusses a research study that sheds light on the ways that we can better support students with AAC needs. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Chung, Y-C. & Stoner, J. B. (2016). A meta-synthesis of team members’ voices: what we need and what we do to support students who use AAC. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 32 (3), 175-186.... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC teams, Kathy Howery, meta-analysis, research
January 1, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Wishing you a healthy New Year full of joy, growth, and strength for your AAC journey. “Let our New Year’s resolution be this: That we will be there for one another as finest members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.” (G. Persson) Happy AAC journeying!
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: journey, new year