October 27, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
There has been a wonderful shift over the last few years highlighting an important foundational concept in supporting people who use AAC: Communication serves to connect us. Although in writing goals and planning therapy/instruction, we focus on component skills like communicating for a range of different purposes and expanding vocabulary, we can never lose sight of the role that AAC can play in helping build connections between people. In today’s featured video, Heather Prenovost and Brittany Toney remind us of that as discuss ways to support AAC learning in informal conversations designed for people to get to know each other. You can download their interactive background slide with clickable links here. Here are links to other resources mentioned in the recording: Manual Communication Board, Organization Tool, Reference Sheet Many thanks to Heather, Brittany, and PRC Saltillo for creating and sharing this helpful video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-VBMcXAp3g&ab_channel=Saltillo
Filed under: Video of the Week
October 20, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
“The lack of connection is by far the most difficult part of having a communication disability.” It is hard to overstate the value of learning from people who use AAC. Today, we are pleased to share an archived webinar from USSAAC and ISAAC featuring Lance McLemore, who began using AAC as a young adult. In this video, Lance shares his story and provides a unique perspective that is important for AAC service providers to hear. You can access the handout for this session here. Many thanks to USSAAC, ISAAC, and the presenters for making this important information available to all. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGdvWG1ySVI&t=10s&ab_channel=InternationalSocietyforAugmentativeandAlternativeCommunication%28ISAAC%29
Filed under: Video of the Week
October 13, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
In celebration of AAC Awareness Month and all those who communicate with the help of AAC, we’re pleased to feature a new video that is being released today. This Is Not About Me is the story of Jordyn Zimmerman, a college student with autism who uses AAC. While we’re only able to share a short snippet, we hope that it entices you to rent the full-length version to view. All proceeds go to Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), CommunicationFIRST, and Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism. Don’t miss this one, AAC friends. Direct Link to Video – https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thisisnotaboutme
Filed under: Video of the Week
October 6, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Since October is AAC Awareness Month, we thought it would be the perfect time to feature videos from AAC users. Today, we hear from Levi Parras. Born with Spina Bifida, Levi didn’t need AAC until a brain herniation that occurred when he was a teenager. That experience left him unable to eat, speak, see, or hear. Levi has a lot to say and has used several different communication devices, both low tech and high tech, over the years. You can check out Levi’s Youtube channel and his first two videos below. If you have a chance, subscribe to his channel and leave him a comment or two. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOfbBxUjHT4&t=5s&ab_channel=AACCREW Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQjylz26YhE&ab_channel=AACCREW
Filed under: Video of the Week
September 29, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
If you’ve been involved with AAC and AT for a while, chances are you’ve done your fair share of DIY projects. In today’s featured video, you’ll learn how to make eye gaze frames and stands for tablets with inexpensive materials from your local hardware store. Many thanks to David Jackson and the fine team at the Promoting Achievement through Technology and Instruction for all Students (PATINS) Project for this helpful video. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8V_cIX5EqU&list=PLFZe-wdPHOs4Ou_ICKwoF9GVoFB3463FT&index=6&ab_channel=PATINSProject
Filed under: Video of the Week
September 22, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Students who use AAC often need a good deal of support to develop their language skills and be able to communicate complex thoughts and ideas. In today’s featured video, we head to PRC Saltillo to learn from SLP Elyse Pycraft, who shares information that will be helpful to clinicians and therapists who support speaking, reading, and writing. Many thanks to Elyse and the team at PRC Saltillo for this helpful video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.prentrom.com/assets/articulate/Teaching_Lang_in_the_Classroom/index.html#/lessons/p3AcdbUD4V0zuGfoo0lauuUrsHRUgLP3
Filed under: Video of the Week
September 15, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
How can we support individuals who are literate and prefer a text-based communication app? In today’s video, we travel to Minnesota to learn from AT Specialists Terri Rosen and Elizabeth Barry from the Simon Technology Center at the Pacer Center. In this archived webinar, they discuss important aspects of text-based communication and review a number of helpful AAC apps. You can obtain the slide handout here and a supplemental resource document here. Many thanks to Terri, Elizabeth, and the Simon Technology Center for making this video available. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LEUNQk5cuo&ab_channel=SimonPacer!
Filed under: Video of the Week
September 8, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Interested in seeing how to model AAC during interactive book reading? Today, we’re thrilled to feature AAC SLP Jane Farrall reading a book with a very timely message. In the videos below, Jane reads and discusses the book using two different AAC options. Enjoy! Reading with PODD Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-AqzbGl-b4&ab_channel=JaneFarrall Reading with Proloquo2Go Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5VR-xgAO1I&ab_channel=JaneFarrall
Filed under: Video of the Week
September 1, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for some quick tips to make the return to school more successful? SLP Rebecca Eisenberg created this engaging video with some suggestions. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjkICRsQRds&ab_channel=LifeSkills2Learn —
Filed under: Video of the Week
August 25, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
As schools ramp up here in the US, many professionals and families are thinking about how to support the reading and writing development of students with AAC needs. In this video, AAC SLP Vicki Clarke covers some important concepts and shares lots of prAACtical suggestions. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2uSL_ymlNo&ab_channel=AACChicksatDynamicTherapyAssociatesInc. —
Filed under: Video of the Week