How can teachers incorporate robust AAC use during shared reading lessons? AAC SLP Vicki Clarke of Dynamic Therapy Associates has some helpful thoughts and tips. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSHCvO9OFhQ&ab_channel=VickiClarke%26AACChicksatDTASchools
Filed under: Video of the Week
In today’s featured video, we hear from Michaela Sullivan and Lindsay Dougherty as they give us a sneak peek of what is in store for the activities that correspond to the May words in the Year of Core Vocabulary Words for older students. Take a look. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzgo36TKf1c
Filed under: Video of the Week
Looking for a tool to boost self-determination and supported decision-making? Today, we learn about a very helpful tool, Talking Mats, from Speech Language Therapist Fin O’Driscol. In the featured video, she discusses how Talking Mats are used at the Pace School in the UK. Many thanks to Fin and The Pace Centre for this informative video. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxnRaWiFOGY&ab_channel=ThePACECentre
Filed under: Video of the Week
As we age, our communication needs often change. In today’s featured video, AAC advocate Anthony Arnold shares his thoughts on this with John Halloran of the Center for AAC and Autism. Many thanks to Anthony and John for this insightful conversation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zdEPgoC_DI&ab_channel=CenterforAACandAutism
Filed under: Video of the Week
While it is not necessary to begin your AAC journey with paper-based communication tools, this is a route many people take. In today’s featured video, we learn from Keira Fewtrell of Smartbox Assistive Technology, who addresses some of the myths and realities of transitioning from no-tech to high-tech AAC. Many thanks to Keira and Smartbox for this helpful presentation. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMxpP1jpWas&ab_channel=SmartboxAssistiveTechnology
Filed under: Video of the Week
Do you work with older students who are learning to use core words in their AAC systems? In today’s post, Michaela Sullivan and Lindsay Dougherty provide a preview of things to come with their post on April resources for the wonderful School Year of Core Vocabulary – Older Student Lessons series. Take a look. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0a9QVneu5M&ab_channel=SchoolYearofCore
Filed under: Video of the Week
Sometimes, you need a quick video on aided options in AAC to share with someone who is brand new to the concept of communicating with technology. Today, we feature one by Dr. Jennifer Bergstrom from Salus University. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bGnZHVW5fg&ab_channel=SalusUniversity
Filed under: Video of the Week
Recently, the International Journal of Qualitative Methods published a special issue entitled Accessibility and Inclusion: Advancing the Use of Qualitative Research Methods for All. Today, we feature a video by Megan Walsh, of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, who was the lead author of one of those articles, Including People Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Qualitative Research: Can You Hear Us? Many thanks to Dr. Walsh for this plain language overview of this research. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdjP6LUMbDc&ab_channel=CP-Achieve
Filed under: Video of the Week
What happens when creative OTs and SLPs team up to jointly plan and conduct therapy sessions that support communication and literacy in individuals who are learning to use AAC? In today’s featured video, we learn from SLP Melissa Petersen and OTs Mackenzie Hess and Mackenzie Light about their approach to developing functional and engaging lessons. Many thanks to the presenters and the AbleNet for this fun presentation. You can obtain the handout for this session, with links to each 7 downloadable lesson plans, here. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp5rFeVfOOY&ab_channel=ableUOn-demandProfessionalDevelopment
Filed under: Video of the Week
How can we better support students with AAC needs in inclusive learning environments? Today, we learn about this important topic from Dr. Elizabeth Biggs and Erin Turner as they are interviewed by special educator and inclusion advocate Tim Villegas. This podcast and recording was sponsored by the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. Listen in for an interesting perspective on how to go beyond academics in inclusive educational environments to support peer relationships. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyRGSMuUpus&ab_channel=MarylandCoalitionforInclusiveEducation
Filed under: Video of the Week