December 1, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
How can we help students who have complex communication needs be successful in the classroom? In today’s featured video, AAC expert Gail Van Tatenhove helps us think through various classroom practices and consider their implications for students who use AAC. The video is part of the Power AAC initiative at PaTTAN. Many thanks to their wonderful AT Team and to Gail for this wonderful presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.pattan.net/videos/poweraac-module-2-assess-classroom-practices
Filed under: Video of the Week
November 24, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Here in the US we’re preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. To get in the holiday mood, let’s join Dr. Cheri Dodge, of Super Power Speech, in reading a fun Thanksgiving book. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yefMCmcCQL4&ab_channel=CheriC Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Filed under: Video of the Week
November 10, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
A few months back, we invited Charlie Danger, an OT/ATP from The Children’s Trust, to introduce us to Google Action Blocks. (You can see that post here.) Today, we turn to an archived webinar from CALL Scotland at the University of Edinburgh to learn more about this and see Google Action Blocks in AACtion. This free resource is incredibly flexible and can support communication and independence for people with disabilities. Many thanks to Charlie and The Children’s Trust for making and sharing this helpful video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_-1rpQLjM8&ab_channel=callscotland1983
Filed under: Video of the Week
November 3, 2021
by Carole Zangari -
Parents and professionals often share an interest in helping students who use AAC learn to read and write. The book Comprehensive Literacy Instruction for All (Erickson & Koppenhaver, 2019) presents a framework for literacy instruction with students who have significant disabilities. In today’s video, we feature special educator and AT specialist Sharon Redmond who discusses her experiences in implementing this approach with students who use AAC. Many thanks to Sharon and to the Special Education Technology Center (SETC) at Central Washington University for this helpful presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg6CHWUT0XY&ab_channel=SETCSpecialEducationTechnologyCenter
Filed under: Video of the Week
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