March 23, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Teaching communication partners how to interact in ways that support AAC learning is one of our most important roles. Years ago, Jill Senner and Matt Baud dug into the research on AAC partner training and developed the SMoRRE approach. You can learn about that here. In today’s featured video, Matt provides a practical example of using that approach. Take a look. Many thanks to Jill and Matt for their fine work with SMoRRE and to Matt for this helpful video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUt180-XzY8&ab_channel=TALC
Filed under: Video of the Week
March 16, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
When someone is unable to point or physically access a communication device, they use some form of alternative access to select the words and messages they want to say. Technological solutions, like switch scanning and eye gaze, are wonderful but there are times when we need an alternative to those alternative access methods. They may be in a recliner or on a hospital examining table, for example, and unable to use their motor skills to run the AAC device. In some instances, the communication partner has to take on the role of scanning through the message options. Partner-assisted scanning (PAS) is a wonderfully flexible strategy that sounds harder than it is. Learn more about it from AAC SLP Dr. Cheri Dodge, of Super Power Speech, in today’s featured video. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7CiYP56oYw&ab_channel=CheriC
Filed under: Video of the Week
March 9, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for an overview of AAC practices in school settings. Today, we turn to a presentation hosted by the Connecticut Parent Advisory Center (CPAC) featuring AAC SLPs Nicole Natale and EJ Piccirillo for information on this topic. Many thanks to CPAC, Nicole, and EJ for this helpful presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9q2ep5Jwd0&t=260s&ab_channel=CPAC-ConnecticutParentAdvocacyCenter
Filed under: Video of the Week
March 2, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
For people with significant motor challenges, having a team who can help figure out the best way to access their AAC device can make all the difference. In today’s video, we feature the work of OT and AT specialist Karen Kangas, who created this presentation as part of PaTTAN’s series, A Closer Look at Access. Even those highly familiar with the topic will learn something new. Many thanks to Karen and the team at PaTTAN for this informative presentation. Enjoy! You can learn more from Karen here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx1z2Cpn4NU&ab_channel=PaTTAN
Filed under: Video of the Week
February 23, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Today, we’re excited to share the work of Lance McLemore, winner of the 2022 Edgar and Esther Prentke Distinguished Lecture award. Sponsored by PRC-Saltillo with the support of Semantic Compaction Systems, and hosted at the annual ATIA Conference, this award has a rich history. AAC pioneer and master clinician Gail Van Tatenhove reviews the history of the award at the start of the session. Lance addresses a topic that is relevant to us all, so please take some time to watch this session. You won’t be disappointed. Many thanks to Lance, PRC-Saltillo, Semantic Compaction Systems, and Gail Van Tatenhove for this important presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJfPeZ3slo0&ab_channel=ATIA
Filed under: Video of the Week
February 16, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
AAC professionals know that you can’t have too many parent-friendly AAC training videos at your disposal so that you have just the right one to share with families who are ready to expand what they know about AAC. Today, we learn from Robert Woodbury, special educator and AT Specialist at Cache County School District in Utah. Many thanks to Robert and the team at the Utah Parent Center for creating this video and making it available. Take a look. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbbS4Wei1Ok&t=6s&ab_channel=UtahParentCenter You can find other videos by the Cache County AT Team here.
Filed under: Video of the Week
February 9, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
How can we support the alternative access needs of individuals who aren’t all that eager to engage in the assessment process? Occupational therapist Michelle Lange shares her thoughts and tips in this archived webinar from AbleNet. You can access the handout for this presentation here. Many thanks to Michelle and to AbleNet for this helpful content. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCRPhnXSo50&ab_channel=ableUOn-demandProfessionalDevelopment
Filed under: Video of the Week
February 2, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Need an engaging way to help communication partners understand some of the basics of interacting with students who use AAC? Check out this brief video from Daniel Adler and his SLP colleagues (with support from Jessica Kessler-Rizzo), all of whom work at New York public schools. Many thanks to Daniel, Esther Adler, Kathryn D’Agostino Russo, Stavroula Economou, Liz Foehr, Alysha Kaufman, & Tiffany Marino for creating and sharing it and to all of the student actors who participated in this helpful video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-oSjIJv17M
Filed under: Video of the Week
January 26, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
There are lots of simple things that we can do to make interacting with AAC users interesting, fun, and respectful. In today’s featured video, Clare McGuire and her friends share some tips. A student at Martinsville High School in Indiana, Clare partnered with the Patins Project to create this video as part of her community service. Many thanks to Clare and the team at the PATINS Project for this helpful video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upu9398-MZ0&ab_channel=PATINSProject
Filed under: Video of the Week
January 19, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Do you encounter individuals with low vocal volume secondary to a physical or medical condition? Voice amplifiers can help conserve energy which is important for some people with conditions like ALS. In today’s featured video, Dr. Wendy Olsen reviews some key issues in decision–making and shares information about various options that are commercially available. Many thanks to Dr. Olsen and the Florida Chapter of the ALS Association for this helpful information. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC3oZ2i-FnQ&ab_channel=ALSAssociationFloridaChapter
Filed under: Video of the Week