April 10, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
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
April 3, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
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
March 27, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
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
March 20, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
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
March 13, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
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
March 6, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
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
February 28, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
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
February 14, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
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
January 31, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
Today’s featured video, Finding Your Passion, will brighten your day. Karanveer Singh, winner of the 2024 Edwin and Esther Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture Award, shared thoughts on finding your passion in this witty, insightful presentation. Many thanks to PRC Saltillo for sponsoring this important award and to ATIA for livestreaming this event from their conference in Orlando and making it available for the AAC community. Our appreciation and hearty congratulations to this year’s awardee, Karanveer Singh. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWPiwPebPEI&ab_channel=ATIA
Filed under: Video of the Week
January 24, 2024
by Carole Zangari -
Many years ago AAC pioneer Dr. David Beukelman challenged us to write about our AAC work in his editorial aptly called “The weakest ink is stronger than the strongest memory.” Today, we turn to ISAAC and a panel discussion with important information for those who have considered submitting a manuscript to ISAAC’s AAC Journal. In this post, we learn from AAC Journal Editors Dr. Rose Sevcik and Dr. Mary Ann Romski, who are joined by AAC Editorial Assistant Jackie Brown and Melody Harris, the Taylor and Francis portfolio manager. Whether or not you would like to publish in the AAC Journal, this archived webinar will give you valuable insight into the process of manuscript preparation, submission, review, and publication. Many thanks to the presenters, the moderator (Dr. Sarah Blackstone), and to ISAAC for this helpful presentation. Direct link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7PEyguGGTs&ab_channel=InternationalSocietyforAugmentativeandAlternativeCommunication%28ISAAC%29
Filed under: Video of the Week