December 7, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for information to help with AAC implementation? In today’s featured video, Justin Sims, an AT Specialist from Louisiana’s Accessible Educational Materials program shares his ideas. The handouts for this session can be obtained here. Many thanks to Justin and the Louisiana AEM project for this helpful information. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=PhWIGWqiQZw&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=LouisianaAEM
Filed under: Video of the Week
November 30, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
How can school-based professionals facilitate AAC use at home? Katie Sample, AAC and AT Specialist with the Louisiana Accessible Educational Materials project, addresses this important issue in today’s featured video. She shares relevant policies and practices in Louisiana as well as practical ideas for supporting AAC at home. Although some of the examples are specific to her state, many of the issues Katie discusses are applicable to those who live in other places. Many thanks to Katie and the Lousiana AEM for making this webinar available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdCWXWRtZT4&ab_channel=LouisianaAEM
Filed under: Video of the Week
November 9, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
While friendships with classmates, neighbors, and other peers offer great richness to individuals who use AAC, there is often inadequate support to facilitate these relationships. In today’s video, we feature the work of Dr. Erna Alant who challenges us to re-think our AAC services and find better ways to support the development and maintenance of friend relationships. Many thanks to Dr. Alant and the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication for this important presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Ihh24p6lo&ab_channel=CentreforAugmentativeandAlternativeCommunication You can learn more from Dr. Alant in this prior post on social closeness.
Filed under: Video of the Week
October 26, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
New to AAC or know someone who is? Today’s video features Kate Ahern, AAC/AT specialist and special educator, and owner of AAC Voices. It covers foundational concepts in AAC with a focus on support for individuals with Angelman Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. We’re grateful to Kate and to the Angelman Academy for this wonderful video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LbtF3Ai-VU&ab_channel=AngelmanAcademy :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: If Angelman Syndrome is close to your heart, you’re invited to share AAC videos and action photos for an AAC parent resource that is under development. Click here to get started or on the images below for more information.
Filed under: Video of the Week
October 12, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Working with adolescents brings special joys and challenges. In today’s featured video, SLP Katie Threlkeld, of Forbes AAC, discusses some of the challenges they face and shares thoughts on intervention strategies that can help them in their AAC learning. Many thanks to Katie and Forbes AAC for addressing the AAC needs of this important group. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIZyw0Q0g80&ab_channel=ForbesAAC
Filed under: Video of the Week
October 5, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Although many people who experience post-stroke aphasia don’t regain much functional speech and language, only a small percentage are offered the opportunity to communicate with AAC. In today’s featured video, SLPs Michelle Retzlaff and Amanda Hettenhausen provide a wealth of information on supporting people with aphasia. We’re grateful to the presenters and to PRC Saltillo for creating this content and making it available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ySbtTk2xkk&ab_channel=TouchChatApp
Filed under: Video of the Week
September 14, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Eddie the Elephant Has Something to Say is a children’s book about a delightful elephant who happens to use AAC to communicate and his animal friends. The story was written by SLP Allison Johns and illustrated by SLP Tara Put. Today, we’re featuring a read-aloud of the story, hosted by the Thames Valley Children’s Centre in Canada. Enjoy! Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZJqLFOsCQI&ab_channel=TVChildrensCentre
Filed under: Video of the Week
August 31, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
If you work with individuals at the earliest stages of communicative development, the Communication Matrix can be a powerful addition to your AAC toolbox. It’s been more than a decade since we first wrote about this wonderful tool and it has been exciting to see its evolution. In today’s featured video, we learn about this from Deirdre Galvin-McLaughlin who first presented this session as part of the University of Central Florida’s Echo AAC for Adults initiative. Many thanks to Deirdre and the fine team at UCF School of Communication Sciences and Disorders for creating and sharing this helpful presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8_XlZDxTqw&ab_channel=UCFAACCollaborative
Filed under: Video of the Week
August 17, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month and to honor the occasion, we’re sharing a video featuring the late Michael Phillips. Enjoy. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ_DVnPdUf0&ab_channel=AshleyAnn
Filed under: Video of the Week
August 10, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Despite the large number of AAC devices and apps available for people with complex communication needs, there are only a handful of different approaches to organizing words and messages. Understanding the difference, advantages, and disadvantages of each is a critical part of doing a good assessment and making appropriate AAC recommendations. Today, we feature a presentation on this topic by AAC/AT experts Beth Poss and Kelly Fonner. Originally offered as part of the AAC in the Cloud Conference, hosted by CoughDrop, this is a helpful video that you won’t want to miss. Many thanks to Beth and Kelly for sharing their expertise and experience, and to the fine team at CoughDrop for making this archived presentation available. You can obtain the handout for the session here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef57eYip318&ab_channel=CoughDrop
Filed under: Video of the Week