In the Treasure Bag: Using Sharing Time To Focus on Vocabulary

December 30, 2012 by - Leave your thoughts


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...]

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Why Introduce a Pictured-based Communication System?

December 23, 2012 by - Leave your thoughts


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

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Why Use AAC?

December 16, 2012 by - Leave your thoughts


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.

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Making Libraries Inclusive

December 2, 2012 by - Leave your thoughts


Making Libraries Inclusive Video

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.  

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Pillow Talk: Mounting iPads/Tablets for Use in Bed

November 25, 2012 by - Leave your thoughts


Pillow Talk: Mounting iPads/Tablets for Use in Bed

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...]

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A PrAACtical Look at the Incredible 5-Point Scale

November 18, 2012 by - Leave your thoughts


A PrAACtical Look at the Incredible 5-Point Scale

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. –

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Hearing the Whispers

November 4, 2012 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: Hearing the Whispers

Recently, I had a great conversation with an insightful SLP/AT specialist about how to best help professionals who just seem more committed to being right than to helping students with AAC needs succeed. It’s a complex issue, to be sure, with no quick fixes or easy answers (as all of you know). But sitting there on her roof deck, watching the waves, and sipping some New Zealand wine did inspire us to find one small piece of the puzzle. – It’s about vision. Not the sensory type of vision, but the imagination type of vision. As in envisioning the possibilities. A vision of successful implementation. A peek into ‘what could be’ for the children and adults we serve. Something we don’t get enough of. – Seeing examples of good AAC and AT implementation is inspiring. Not only do they give us hope, but they imbue a sense of urgency. They... [Read More...]

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