December 5, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Interested to learn more about how AAC is implemented in classrooms at the elementary level? In today’s featured video, Colorado-based special educator Sarah Fischer shares thoughts, examples, resources, and reflection on her journey to support AAC learners. Many thanks to Sarah and to Saltillo for making this video available. In her presentation, Sarah refers to a video about another project that was implemented in her classroom. You can learn more about Twin Powers here. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZHchn6T1z0&t=231s
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: classroom, school
November 28, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Transitions usually seem a bit daunting, but the move from the school system to post-school life is one fraught with a great many challenges. For people who use AAC, a group with unemployment rates exceeding 90%, the path to a rich and fulfilling life in adulthood requires a great deal of support. In many cases, the systems and individuals who are in the position to provide that support lack the information, experience, training, and resources they need to be effective. In today’s video, we hear from Dr. Rackensperger, Vice President for Persons who Use AAC and Their Families at USSAAC, who has a unique perspective on these issues. She shares ways that we can address these challenges by using person-based panning and strengths-based approaches in our efforts to foster self-determination and build self-advocacy. This video is part of the USSAAC webinar series and is made possible with the support of... [Read More...]
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: adulthood, post-school, self-advocacy, self-determination, transition
November 21, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Today, we continue to learn from the AAC in the Cloud conference, hosted by CoughDrop AAC which organizes and runs this wonderful professional development event each spring as a service to the AAC community. In this post, former teacher and veteran AT and Education Consultant veteran Kelly Fonner gives us a variety of suggestions for creating and using alphabet books to build language and literacy skills in AAC learners. We are grateful for CoughDrop’s generosity is organizing their annual AAC in the Cloud Conference and offering it for free so that so many parents and professionals can advance their knowledge. Kelly’s engaging style and top-notch content in this session are not to be missed. Enjoy! You can obtain the handout for this session here. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTAfiW-pMKw
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: Books, Kelly Fonner, literacy
November 14, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
As AAC practitioners, we sometimes lose sight of how our prognostications impact the individuals we serve. In today’s featured video Rob Rummel-Hudson provides some perspective on this important issue. Many thanks to Mr. Rummel-Hudson, the AAC RERC, and the AAC team at Penn State for making this video available. Direct Link to Video – https://aac-learning-center.psu.edu/2018/10/14/the-folly-of-fortune-telling/
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: authentic relationships, inclusion, predictions
November 7, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Hearing the AAC stories of people with complex communication needs is always enlightening, but even more so when the narratives are told directly by those individuals. In today’s featured video, we hear from South African teenager Zainab Omar. Enjoy! Many thanks to Zainab for sharing her story and to ISAAC for making this available to all of us. Please consider supporting this wonderful international organization (here’s how). Communication is everyone’s birthright. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrAe7oc-Rjo
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: Faces of AAC, Zainab Omar
October 31, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Sometimes the internet brings unexpected smiles. When this one crossed my inbox, it was too good not to share. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAl6zZXyHUg&app=desktop
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: first person account, music
October 24, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Got data? One of the interesting developments in AAC technologies over the past 5 years has been the increased availability of data collection features in SGDs and tools for analysis. From deciding what language skills to target in therapy to determine what, if any, changes to make to the language set-up, having good data is indispensable. Today, we return to learn from Saltillo’s webinar series about some of the ways to use data logging. Many thanks to the presenter, Amanda Hettenhausen, and Saltillo for making this video available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sRxNIsLboM
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: data collection, data logging
October 17, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
While high-quality services for children with complex communication needs can be difficult to obtain, there is no doubt that it accessing appropriate AAC supports is infinitely more difficult for adults who need these services. Today, we return to the wonderful webinar series presented by USSAAC and hosted by ISAAC for some valuable information on a systematic approach to teaching AAC to adults with cognitive communication difficulties. Oregon-based SLP Aimee Mooney shares important principles and practical strategies that can help adults with AAC needs to be successful. We are grateful to Ms. Mooney, USSAAC, and ISAAC for making this information available to the AAC community. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z53lD-n5OeA
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: adult, cognitive communication difficulties, USSAAC
October 10, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
We ’re headed up to the clouds today, with another visit to the wonderful presentations made possible by CoughDrop AAC, a company that has been innovating from the start. Their free AAC in the Cloud conference, held each June, not only serves as an amazing source of support for the AAC community but has also served as a model for others who have the capacity to provide free online professional development in AAC. In today’s featured video, Erin Sheldon addresses a topic near and dear to our prAACtical hearts: Helping families support their AAC learners. Enjoy this session and if you’re interested in more on this and related topics, check out these posts featuring other work by AAC parent and professional Erin Sheldon here. You can obtain the handout for this session here or visit the conference page on this session here for more information. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ocbBdEy4V4
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: AAC family, Erin Sheldon, home
October 3, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Looking to strengthen your understanding of cortical visual impairment (CVI), specifically as it relates to the role of the SLP? Today, we turn to the Perkins School for the Blind to view a video that is part of their e-learning series. SLP Jenna Friedman reviews some important characteristics of children with CVI and their implications for our assessment and therapy. While you’re there, don’t forget to download the handout for this session and the resource document on phases of CVI.
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: CVI, Perkins, video, vision impairment