675 Search Results for communication book
April 27, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
It lacks the bells and whistles of a speech-generating device and doesn’t have the excitement of an AAC app, but there is much to love about using a well-designed communication book. Today, we feature two videos from the Barnsley Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Team which is part of South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. In these videos, you’ll learn how to make communication books and how to facilitate their use. Many thanks to the therapists from the Barnsley Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Team for this fine work. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHyTs98RG_k&ab_channel=Barnsleyspeechandlanguagetherapy Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32aIbpTzt-k&ab_channel=Barnsleyspeechandlanguagetherapy
January 9, 2017
by Carole Zangari -
Sometimes it’s the little things that trip us up. A detail we missed, a corner we cut, or a small step we didn’t know about…Any of these can foul up an entire project (not too mention our mood!). That’s why appreciate clearly written guides like this one from Kate McCallum at Equality Time. Hope you find it helpful. Note: Those outside the UK will need to adjust printing for their own paper sizes.
November 10, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
How can you make AAC learning easier with an empty binder and some duct tape? Stay tuned! Mary-Louise Bertram demonstrates how to make a portable stand for a PODD book, that could also work well for other kinds of communication books. Not only is this an inexpensive DIY solution, but one that allows you to use the book flat on the table or angled on the stand. Great for aided language input! We love the idea of repurposing for 3-ring binders, too. Here is the direct link, if you need it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJUKepEX4Xk
June 19, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
Today, we welcome back Dr. Kristy Weissling who shared some detailed thoughts on using AAC to support people with aphasia in this earlier post. In this post, she gets us thinking about what might be behind a situation familiar to many SLPs: Under-utilization of the AAC support/ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Five questions to ask yourself when the person with aphasia you are working with isn’t carrying their communication book. 1) How easy is it to take with them where they go? Is it convenient to use? 2) Does it contain messages they WANT to use? 3) Do they know how to find a message in the book when the time to use the book arises? 4) Have you practiced using the book with them? 5) Do they have another way to communicate the information in the book that they prefer to use? There are certainly many other possible questions to ask …..... [Read More...]
June 8, 2013
by Robin Parker -
We know aphasia intervention has moved well beyond traditional speech and language training and intervention. We are so happy it has moved to an authentic participation, functional communication, and social interaction focus. Communication books are one tool for helping people with aphasia be active participants in conversation and comprehensive communication. Here are some thoughts and ideas about communication books to get started. Communication Books- Communication books for adults with aphasia can be in grid format with relevant communication messages. There can be a few pages or many, but keep in mind that the more pages, the longer it will take to navigate. It is most important to include high priority and relevant messages that will support needed communication and not just ‘standard’ messages. There are many samples and templates that can be purchased or downloaded for adult communication books. These may be good as a start, but should be individualized when... [Read More...]
January 18, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
Working on a communication book for someone with AAC needs? Here are some posts on that topic. The PrAACtical Power of Communication Books Do It My Way: Personalizing Communication Books Communication Books: Making Decisions About Format Quick Start Communication Book Pages Organizing Vocabulary for Communication Books: Getting Started The Communication Book is Ready: Now What? PrAACtically Personal: Individualizing Communication Books 10 Resources for Planning and Designing Communication Books 5+ Ways to Make Page Fluffers and Spacers PrAACtical Resources for AAC Symbols
December 29, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
Custom tailored suit or off the shelf? Shoes that pinch or ones that are just snug? It stands to reason that when something fits well, we are more likely to wear it. Communication books, like clothes, have to ‘fit’ the user. But what does that really mean? When we’re ‘tailoring’ a communication book for someone who is learning to use AAC, there are three areas that we think about: How it looks, what it has inside, and how it ‘sounds.’ Appearance & Aesthetics As we’ve said before, everyone deserves communication tools that look great. Communication books should reflect the style and personality of the person who’ll be using it. Customizing a communication book doesn’t need to be expensive. You can use special papers for the cover or pages, and stickers to decorate. Here are some ideas to get you started. Send them shopping: There’s nothing that speaks to ownership like... [Read More...]
December 22, 2012
by Robin Parker -
The Communication Book is Ready… Now What? The fun begins…. Yes, we really do think that TEACHING a learner to USE the communication book is FUN. We get to participate in lots of meaningful language experiences, we get to be creative, we get to watch language blossom, and we get to be surprised by the communication competence ALL of our learners show us after prAACtice, prAACtice, and for some more prAACtice . The best way to get started with communication book teaching is to begin by trying out different teaching tips, strategies, and resources and find out what works best. Each communication dyad (communicator & communication partner) is different so the combination of strategies that will work will vary but at the core of the teaching process, there should be fun, motivation, and of course progress. STRATEGIES and CONSIDERATIONS Aided Language Input (ALI)– We can not say enough about... [Read More...]
December 20, 2012
by Robin Parker -
This post is dedicated to a mom who does more than her fair share for her child (who is now a young adult) as well as for our community. She recently began to re-design and re-assemble a communication book. She sent us this picture to show us that she was working on it. Here are some resources that will help make the task a little easier and more productive. PrAACtical AAC: Communication Books The PrAACtical Power of Communication Books Quick Start Communication Pages Communication Books- Making Decisions About Format Big Ideas on AAC Systems Directions and Diversions in the Design & Development of Communication Books Selecting and Organizing Vocabulary for AAC Users Communication Matters: Communication Books PODD Success After Initially “Not Getting It” Communication Starter Sets- PictureSET BC Communication Books- Baltimore Public Schools Oh yeah, and hopefully we can find a student who will do some work for community service... [Read More...]
December 15, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
Four-year-old Josiah had a tiny one that was clipped to his belt loop so it was handy all throughout his day in preschool. Mr. Allan, who was hemiplegic and used a manual wheelchair, liked to keep one underneath his right thigh so he could grab it quickly whenever he wanted to talk. Dougie’s was big, really big, and he carried it under his arm wherever he went. Marla’s was a permanent fixture on her wheelchair laptray, and if she came without it because a caregiver forgot to put it on, it was likely to be a very l-o-n-g day. Geena’s looked like a DayPlanner and had it’s own special compartment in her purse. What are we talking about? Communication books, of course. And despite the fact that they all served the same general purpose, the communication books referenced in these examples couldn’t have looked more distinct. In this week’s post,... [Read More...]