January 20, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
The research base for using video modeling as a tool to help AAC learners understand what to do is well-documented. The folks at SCAAC-N make it look easy! Here are a few that they shared for communicating while doing a job (shredding paper). Asking for ‘more’ Asking for a break Asking for help Want to know more about using video modeling in your own practice? Here’s a great resource document from the National Professional Development Center on ASD. Want more info on how to do this with mobile technology? Tony Gentry from Autism Center at Virginia Commonwealth University explains in this video.
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: EBP, mobile device, video modeling
January 13, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
We’re big fans of visual supports and strategies that help individuals with AAC needs have a clear understanding of what is being expected of them. This video demonstrates a simple countdown board (called a visual timer here) that is used to show the AAC learners how much they need to do before moving onto another activity. Sue King, the teacher who made this video and blogs at TeacherSpace, did a great job of clearly explaining how to use a countdown board. We also love the prAACtical way that Ms. King individualizes the countdown board based on a learner’s individual interests. We’re ready to make some based on coffee, or maybe chocolates of the world. Who’s in?
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: countdown board, positive behavioral supports, visual support
January 6, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
Although we are eager to get our AAC learners communicating with symbols, there are some times when we have to intervene at the prelinguistic level. Goals at this level center on communicating intentionally using overt behaviors, such as pointing, reaching, showing, and leading. We try to provide them with many opportunities to learn and practice these behaviors. Today, we’d like to share a set of brief videos from the website on Literacy for Children with Combined Hearing and Vision Loss. Because literacy develops from a good foundation in communication, the site demonstrates intervention designed to teach early communication skills. As you watch each of these videos, look for how the interventionist does these 7 things: Uses a context that is meaningful to the child Communicates warmly and enthusiastically, but does not overwhelm the learner Focuses on a single target behavior Uses language to label what is happening Provides physical guidance... [Read More...]
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: deafblind, hearing loss, prelinguistic, vision loss
December 30, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
Over the past few months, we’ve been advocating for a multi-stage process for vocabulary teaching that begins with focused (aided) language stimulation and explicit instruction. The approach we described then moves into engaging practice activities while we continue to provide exposure and opportunities for retrieval, with periodic comprehension checks. This cycle allows SLPs to make use of research-based strategies in their semantic intervention and get the best outcomes for their AAC learners. So, when we came across this video about how to use ‘Sharing Time’ to build vocabulary, we knew we wanted to share it. It describes a classroom activity that could also be adapted for therapy groups in which students take turns bringing in an time from home to share with the class. We love the visual support that helps the students know what to talk about. It is a great reminder that visual supports are part of good... [Read More...]
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: classroom, semantics, vocabulary
December 23, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
In an earlier screencast, we gave some clinical rationales and empirical evidence for using AAC. In this post, we share two screencasts that continue this train of thought. In part 1, we talk about why to use pictures for individuals at the intentional presymbolic level. In the second part, we’ll talk about some specific advantages that picture-based communication has over a speech-only approach. Part 1 Part 2
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: advantages of AAC, clinical rationale, intervention, picture-based communication, pictures
December 16, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
Do you work with colleagues and families who have concerns about using AAC? Get questions about whether AAC is really necessary? Overhear remarks about not wanting to “give up on speech?” So do we. We’ve planned a few screencasts to help in addressing these issues. Here’s the first one.
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: clinical rationale, concerns, evidence, giving up on speech, intervention, myths, research support, speech only
December 9, 2012
by Robin Parker -
PART 2 Inclusive Libraries
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: inclusion, library
December 2, 2012
by Robin Parker -
Making libraries inclusive for EVERYONE! Here are some great suggestions for helping libraries welcome everyone. Library visits are great experiences to help build literacy skills, vocabulary, and just to enjoy topics of interest. They are great for rainy or super cold days. Hope you get to enjoy your local library this winter and always.
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: ASD, inclusion, Inclusive, library
November 25, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
We communicate whenever we’re awake, but sometimes it takes some creativity to find ways to provide AAC access when communicators are not in their main seating systems. It’s always a challenge to figure out mounting strategies so that communication options, whether they are no tech, low tech, or high tech, are always available. This video from the INDATA Project demonstrates an iPad/tablet mount from Charger City that can be used in bed. How cool would it be to use the iPad or Tablet for: Interacting while reading bedtime stories Having a little conversation about the day using the picture schedule app Saying prayers or talking about dreams Watching and listening to some meditation music/images Going over the schedule for the next day Independently reading a book before bed Pleading for ‘just one more’ story, kiss, song, or drink of water We’d love to hear your ideas on other ways to... [Read More...]
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: home, INDATA, iPad, mount, tablet
November 18, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
In an earlier post we listed some of our favorite strategies that aren’t as widely used as they could be in AAC intervention. Among them, was qualitative rating scales, or Likert-type scales. We use them for a variety of purposes and love their potential for expressive communication. – In this video, from From Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports Project of the Kansas Technical Assistance Network, you’ll learn one way of using simple rating scales to help people with ASD regulate their own behavior. We like the detailed implementation information presented in The Incredible 5-point Scale. –
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: behavior, intervention, positive behavior support