Video of the Week: A Deep Dive into AAC Modeling

July 26, 2023 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: A Deep Dive into AAC Modeling

Aided language input is an important AAC facilitation strategy. In today’s featured video, we learn about using this evidence-based strategy from Tanna Neufeld of Summit AAC and Autism Support. Originally presented for the 2023 AAC in the Cloud Conference, this presentation addresses some of the stumbling blocks to effective implementation. You can obtain the handout for that session here.   Many thanks to Tanna and the CoughDrop conference team for making this recorded presentation available.  Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojUcZBM2CgI&ab_channel=CoughDrop

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Video of the Week: Creating & Embracing an AAC-friendly Home

July 12, 2023 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: Creating & Embracing an AAC-friendly Home

When it comes to inspiring families to incorporate AAC into daily life, there’s nothing better than hearing from those who’ve already taken steps in that direction. Today, we view an archived presentation from the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin by Megan Hufton. Join us as we learn about her experience in utilizing visual supports and building an AAC-friendly environment for her children. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BD4h-xze_I&ab_channel=AutismSocietyofSouthCentralWisconsin 

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Video of the Week – Canva as a Powerful Tool for AAC Learners

July 5, 2023 by - 1 Comment


Video of the Week - Canva as a Powerful Tool for AAC Learners

AAC and AT Specialist Lauren Enders Gonzales is always leading the way when it comes to creative AAC solutions. Today, we learn from her presentation at AAC in the Cloud on using the popular website Canva to support AAC learners. Many thanks to Lauren and the team at CoughDrop (the conference organizers) for this engaging session. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvC9THp1mCE&ab_channel=CoughDrop

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Video of the Week: Supporting Social Connections in AAC Learners

June 28, 2023 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: Supporting Social Connections in AAC Learners

Humans are social creatures, but when learning to use AAC it can be challenging to connect with others in the ways you want to. In today’s featured video, AAC and AT Specialist Lauren Enders Gonzales shares ideas for supporting social connections in learners. Enjoy!    Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW2lPpo4eoM&list=PLCkBP2csbOsstD9Wga4bgj-ZK0-zcRLkr&index=4&ab_channel=PaTTAN 

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Video of the Week: Activating the Power of Community Partnerships

June 21, 2023 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: Activating the Power of Community Partnerships

How can we leverage the power of our communities to support AAC access and acceptance? In today’s featured video, SLP and AAC/AT specialist Sara Ware shares ideas for how to improve AAC implementation by partnering with community members. This recording is part of the AAC in the Cloud conference sponsored by CoughDrop. You can learn more about that here. Thanks to CoughDrop for this fine conference and to Sara for this helpful presentation. You can access the handouts for this session with this link. Direct link to video –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l2emLdSUWU&ab_channel=CoughDrop 

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Video of the Week: Modeling & an AAC Implementation Plan

June 7, 2023 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: Modeling & an AAC Implementation Plan

After a new SGD arrives, attention shifts to helping the AAC user integrate it into daily life. Shannon Archer discusses how having an AAC implementation plan can promote communication and language learning in today’s featured video. This session was originally presented at AAC in the Cloud, a free online conference organized by Coughdrop. Many thanks to Shannon and the CoughDrop team that puts on the AAC in the Cloud Conference each June for this helpful presentation.   Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYZNEjwF-G4&ab_channel=CoughDrop 

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Video of the Week: Mental Health & AAC

May 31, 2023 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: Mental Health & AAC

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

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Video of the Week: Fostering Effective Self-advocacy Skills in AAC Users

May 24, 2023 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: Fostering Effective Self-advocacy Skills in AAC Users

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 

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Video of the Week: AAC Learning with Pets & Animals

May 17, 2023 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: AAC Learning with Pets & Animals

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 

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Video of the Week: A Focus on Self-advocacy

May 3, 2023 by - Leave your thoughts


Video of the Week: A Focus on Self-advocacy

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

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