May 31, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
How does AAC intersect with issues related to mental health? In today’s featured video, hosted by SmartBox, a group of AAC stakeholders discuss this important topic. Many thanks to Chris Gibbons, Melanie Gylling, Alicia Alverson, and Ashley Mohesky for a helpful presentation on a topic of great significance. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acq4D9LOPL0&ab_channel=SmartboxAssistiveTechnology
Filed under: Video of the Week
May 24, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Communication plays a vital role in self-advocacy for all individuals, including those who use AAC. In today’s featured video, Melonie Melton and Heather Patton share thoughts on ways professionals and families can facilitate self-determination and build skills in self-advocacy. Their practical suggestions include activities and intervention tools for students with AAC needs. This is an archived presentation hosted by ECHO Voices of the Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP). We are grateful to OTAP and the speakers, Melonie and Heather, for this presentation. You can obtain the handouts for this session here. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFRX4A4MG4I&ab_channel=OTAP-RSOI
Filed under: Video of the Week
May 17, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Calling all animal lovers! Whether caring for pets, visiting a farm or zoo, or just watching funny critter videos together, the animal kingdom offers many ways to gain language and AAC skills. In today’s featured video, Courtney Maholtz and Heather Prenovost from PRC Saltillo share thoughts on how to capitalize on experiences with animals in building communication skills. Here are the links to the handouts they discuss in this presentation. Stepping Stones to AAC Organization Tool Stepping Stones to AAC Reference Tool WordPower 96 location Board Unity 84 Sequenced Board LAMP Words for Life Board Many thanks to Courtney and Heather for these great ideas and for the support of PRC Saltillo in hosting this fun session. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FRpra4jyVc&ab_channel=Saltillo
Filed under: Video of the Week
May 3, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Learning from the lived experiences of people who use AAC is informative, insightful, and enjoyable. Today, we hear from Krista Howard, an AAC mentor from We Speak AAC, who was a featured speaker for ECHO Voices. ECHO Voices is a part of the Oregon Technology Access Program. You can obtain the handout for this session here. Many thanks to Krista and ECHO Voices for this wonderful session. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Faly16OjkCE&ab_channel=OTAP-RSOI
Filed under: Video of the Week
April 26, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Curious about the role that artificial intelligence (AI) can play in AAC? In today’s featured video, we learn about a Google Research project on this topic conducted by Stephanie Valencia, Richard Cave, Krystal Kallarackal, Katie Seaver, Michael Terry, and Shaun Kane. This session was part of the Association for Computing Machinery Computer-Human Interaction (ACM CHI) Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Many thanks to the presenter, Stephanie Valencia, and ACM CHI for this intriguing session. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbbU68156K0&ab_channel=ACMSIGCHI
Filed under: Video of the Week
April 19, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
How can we support students with AAC needs who also have visual impairments? Today, we feature a recorded session on this topic from the 2023 Wisconsin Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (WCBVI) Preschool and Elementary Conference. In this presentation, AAC SLP Jennifer Schubring, of Building AAC, provides important information and many helpful resources. Many thanks to Jennifer and WCBVI for making this archived session available. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72EVkUvzdKg&ab_channel=WCBVIVIDEOS
Filed under: Video of the Week
March 29, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Experience is a wonderful teacher that inspires us to grow and evolve. In today’s video, we feature AAC and AT specialist Lauren Enders Gonzales, who shares some important lessons about our mindsets that either inhibit or support AAC learning. You can access the slide handouts for this presentation here. Many thanks to Lauren for sharing this recording of her session at the Inclusive Classroom Conference with us. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIsWwj_9ySc&ab_channel=LaurenS.%28Enders%29Gonzales%2CM.A.%2CCCC-SLP You can learn more from Lauren here.
Filed under: Video of the Week
March 8, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for ways to support families who are strengthening their AAC practices? There’s no one better than Jill Senner and Matt Baud to guide us with research-supported strategies and prAACtical tips. Thank you to Jill, Matt, and the Oregon Technology Access Program ECHO Voices for this informative presentation. You can obtain the handouts for the session here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGK0JzjInOg&ab_channel=OTAP-RSOI
Filed under: Video of the Week
February 22, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Many AAC learners benefit from assistive technology for things beyond communication. Today, we turn to the Pacer Center’s Simon Technology Center and hear about ways to support the writing process from the director Paul Sanft. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Zq0IX8zW0&t=90s&ab_channel=SimonTechnologyCenter Many thanks to Paul and the Simon Technology Center for these great suggestions.
Filed under: Video of the Week
February 15, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
In recent years, SGDs and AAC apps have had a wider range of voices available, offering greater variety relative to age, gender, regional accents, and more. In today’s featured video, we hear about this from Becky Martin of Smartbox Technology and Alice Smith of SpeakUnique. Many thanks to the presenters and Smartbox Assistive Technology for this informative presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-IGwok9E5c&ab_channel=SmartboxAssistiveTechnology
Filed under: Video of the Week