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Video of the Week: DIY Keyguards for AAC

September 28, 2022 by - Leave your thoughts

Video of the Week: DIY Keyguards for AAC

If you have access to a 3-D printer and a need for keyguards, check out this detailed presentation by Ken Hackbarth of Volksswitch.  Many thanks to Ken and to Matt Provost from TechACCESS of Rhode Island for hosting this webinar. You can obtain the handouts here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A7rLMP2qmg&ab_channel=Volksswitch  The Volksswitch site has a lot of in-depth information on 3-D printing for keyguards and other AT topics.  

Overlooked AAC, Part 5

September 19, 2022 by - Leave your thoughts

Overlooked AAC, Part 5

Whether they are therapists, educators, or come from some other background, AAC practitioners tend to be overworked and under-resourced. The day-to-day work of planning instruction, measuring growth, documenting services, communicating with other team members, creating or adapting materials, making adjustments on the SGD/AAC app, and advocating on behalf of the AAC user leaves little time for the other types of support that are needed. Thus, things that need attention but can wait for another day when there is more time and energy often get moved to the side.  Today, we continue our series of things that get overlooked even by the best professionals and most dedicated families. Time and energy are always in short supply.  We’ve already talked about the importance of backing up AAC apps/SGDs but did you know that depending on the specific equipment and software, you’re not always backing up everything you need? (If you missed the... [Read More...]

PrAACtical Thoughts on Labor Day

September 5, 2022 by - Leave your thoughts

PrAACtical Thoughts on Labor Day

Unemployment and underemployment are chronic problems faced by people who use AAC. As we celebrate Labor Day, we’re thinking of those of you who are working to help people who use AAC find, get, and keep jobs that they enjoy. If you are advocating for people with AAC needs in the realm of employment, this video by SLP Megan Case may help the agencies and job coaches you’re connecting with to better understand the role of speech-generating devices and other AAC. Direct link to video – https://ohioemploymentfirst.org/view.php?nav_id=123  You can check out other employment-related resources in this past post.  

Sensory Stories: 5 Resources to Explore

September 1, 2022 by - Leave your thoughts

Sensory Stories: 5 Resources to Explore

Sensory stories, sometimes called multisensory stories, are short narratives that add sensory components to the story reading experience. After each sentence or two, there is an accompanying sensory experience – something to do, touch, smell, hold, or listen to – that relates to that part of the story. There are bespoke sensory stories, but also many that are summarized versions of popular books and movies. The props, movement, and singing/sound-making combine to make this an engaging way to promote active engagement in story reading. Sensory stories are fairly easy to develop and can be used in many ways. If you are new to sensory stories, this brief video provides some helpful information and a quick demonstration. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esqxROLqv-g&ab_channel=KidsIncludedTogether  The engaging nature and opportunity for multimodal interaction make sensory stories an appealing activity for AAC learners. Here are some sensory story resources to explore. Inclusive Teach Sensory Stories... [Read More...]

Video of the Week: AAC for ALL for Dual Language Learners

August 24, 2022 by - Leave your thoughts

Video of the Week: AAC for ALL for Dual Language Learners

Preparing the next generation of special educators and SLPs to support students who use AAC is critically important. In today’s featured video, we learn about a project at San Francisco State University designed to help pre-professionals develop their knowledge and skills in assessing and teaching students with AAC needs who have a home language other than English. Join us in learning about this exciting work from the directors of this project, Dr. Gloria Soto and Dr. Nancy Robinson, and John Kim, the project evaluator. Enjoy! Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4q_bxP7yeA&ab_channel=IDEAsThatWorkResources  –  

Back to School with AAC: Materials for the Start of the Academic Year

August 22, 2022 by - Leave your thoughts

Back to School with AAC: Materials for the Start of the Academic Year

Looking for materials that you can use to get your AAC team off to a good start this school year? Here are a few things that might come in handy. AAC 101 Flipbook This all-in-one resource contains information on how to implement key AAC support strategies: AAC 101 Handout. AAC Options Ensure that every student who needs AAC has access to at least a starter set of words and phrases. There are plenty of core communication boards and flipbooks to choose from, and this post has links to a variety of them: Core Boards. Hands-on AAC Interactive experiences where communication partners get to try out and use AAC to learn and express themselves can be very powerful. If you need ideas or materials to use, check out the options we share in an earlier post: Hands-On Activities.    

Overlooked AAC, Part 3

August 1, 2022 by - Leave your thoughts

Overlooked AAC, Part 3

There are a lot of aspects of AAC service provision, and usually not enough time to address all the things that need to be done. In today’s post, we continue the conversation of things that often take a back seat in AAC services, hoping that it inspires a few of you to action. This time our focus is transitions.  Going to nursery or preschool for the first time. Moving from one teacher or therapist to another. Exiting the school system. Transitions always seem to bring a little extra anxiety and a few additional bumps in the road. Here are some things that make some of those changes go a little more smoothly. Entering a New Environment Prepare the individual: Explain what will be happening. Use visual supports, like a picture schedule or calendar, to show when the transition will occur. Keep it in a visible spot and review it periodically... [Read More...]

Video of the Week: Making Connections Between Language, Literacy, & AAC

July 27, 2022 by - Leave your thoughts

Video of the Week: Making Connections Between Language, Literacy, & AAC

If you are looking to get more comfortable in supporting language and literacy growth in AAC learners, today’s featured video by AAC SLP Tammy Thompson-Cooke should be of interest. This is a recorded session from the PaTTAN Literacy Symposium.  Many thanks to Tammy and PaTTAN for making this available for all to learn from. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaWSWorJkF0&ab_channel=PaTTAN

Overlooked AAC, Part 2

July 25, 2022 by - 1 Comment

Overlooked AAC, Part 2

If you’ve ever engaged the services of a babysitter, housekeeper, or pet sitter, you can probably relate to the thought and planning that went into those initial interactions. Chances are, a lot of care went into building a trusting relationship as you tried to clearly communicate expectations and explain in detail the processes and procedures they would be undertaking in your absence. Having someone else care for that which we cherish and hold dear, is a big deal.  We cover the basics – where the diapers are, how to prepare their food, daily routines – and much more. Favorite toys. What it means when they say/do ___. How to do __ in just the right way. We even provide written backup, like a schedule and a list of contacts. The information we share is critical. We can’t imagine trusting a babysitter we’re meeting for the first time to provide a... [Read More...]

Video of the Week: Ramps to Cognitive & Physical Access of High Tech AAC Following Acquired Brain Injury

July 13, 2022 by - Leave your thoughts

Video of the Week: Ramps to Cognitive & Physical Access of High Tech AAC Following Acquired Brain Injury

How can we best support individuals with AAC needs following brain injury? In today’s featured video, SLP Jill Adlin discusses advancements and best practices for teens and adults with acquired brain injury. We thank Jill and ISAAC for creating and sharing this helpful presentation. You can obtain the handout for Jill’s webinar here.  Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_jSrr6baWg&feature=emb_imp_woyt&ab_channel=InternationalSocietyforAugmentativeandAlternativeCommunication%28ISAAC%29