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August 24, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
As we prepare to say goodbye to August and flip the page on the calendar, we turn our attention to a fresh set of core words. Are you supporting AAC learners who have SGDs or communication boards/books with high-frequency words? If so, join us as we work to model, practice, and teach these words throughout the day. It can feel overwhelming, so we tend to focus on a subset of words each month. The Year of Core Vocabulary Words approach isn’t a developmental list of words to be introduced in a specific order, but rather a way of gradually exposing learners to more and more words over time. We do that by modeling them on their device or communication aid when we talk and plan specific instructional activities to teach word meanings, play games to help them better recognize and understand the symbols for those words, and, elicit them frequently... [Read More...]
August 13, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
Here in the US, millions of teachers, therapists, families, and students are planning to return to school, whether virtually, in person, or with some combination of the two. No matter what the format for instruction, one of the most important things for students who use AAC is having their SLPs, teachers, and families on the same page. They each have a different but very intense relationship with the student’s AAC system. Today, we reprise a popular post with some prAACtical thoughts on getting everyone pointed in the same direction. 1. Develop a communication profile of the student: In the initial weeks, try to get a baseline of how the student is communicating at the start of the year. For beginning communicators, we track things like their communicative intents (WHY they are communicating), modalities (HOW they are communicating), and the frequency of their communication. We’ve written about one of our favorite... [Read More...]
August 12, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
In many places, remote support of AAC learners will continue in some fashion even as we reopen schools and clinics. Today, we are back with AAC SLP Sarah Gregory who is taking us on a deep dive into her AAC teletherapy practices. Sarah practices in a New York public school where she is passionate about supporting students in inclusive settings. Earlier this year, we featured Sarah’s telepractice overview, which is a great resource for tools that you can use in remote AAC support. In today’s video, Sarah provides a more detailed discussion of integrating instructional strategies and gives us guidance on how to work effectively with caregivers or support personnel while providing AAC teletherapy. You can view the handout for this session here. Many thanks to Sarah and PRC Saltillo for this wonderful presentation. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goCNhuMALOU You can learn more from Sarah here.
August 10, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
We continue to get requests for content that can help AAC practitioners deliver remote support and are happy to oblige. In today’s post, SLP Emily Diaz shares some videos she created on this topic. Emily is a school-based SLP specializing in AAC. She provides virtual training on the topic of AAC implementation both in the classroom and for teletherapy. In this guest post, Emily shares some of her favorite videos. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Virtual AAC Training: Teletherapy & Distance Learning Edition Whether you are providing synchronous or asynchronous services these virtual AAC training videos are a must have in your distance learning toolbox. Emily Diaz of emilydiazslp.com creates virtual training videos to support SLPs, teachers, and families with AAC implementation. Recently these videos have been focused on teletherapy and distance learning as we all try to restructure services during COVID-19 school closures. Check these out! AAC at Home Your child’s SLP sent... [Read More...]
August 5, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
What are the different types of co-teaching? What benefits do they offer in AAC therapy? How can we use this approach? Today, we feature Annie Filla, an SLP from St. Louis, Missouri, who, in non-Covid times, uses co-teaching to facilitate AAC learning in her students. Annie’s presentation, which is part of the PRC-Saltillo webinar series, addresses these questions and more. A number of handouts accompanied this session. Co-teaching for AAC Therapy Slides Resource list Communicative competencies Data forms Prompt hierarchy Many thanks to Annie and the wonderful team at PRC-Saltillo for this presentation. Click the image below to view the video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=233&v=XlT9UsNKKSU&feature=emb_logo
July 29, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
If, as Dr. Katherine Nelson, posited many years ago, “Language is not imitation and repetition but creative construction based on language experiences,” then paying attention to the environment is necessary and important (Nelson 2007). In today’s featured video, we consider the development of AAC as a form of language learning and explore the necessity of creating environments that are communicatively accessible for children with AAC needs. Through the efforts of Dr. Kathy Howery (kATe Consulting, Inc) and the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium, we are able to view this archived webinar learn from renowned psychologist Dr. Stephen Von Tetzchner from the University of Oslo. In this presentation, Dr. Von Tetzchner challenges us to consider AAC through a language learning lens with a goal of building personal autonomy and authentic communication. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1Dl7YYiL3g&feature=emb_logo Nelson K. (2007). Young Minds in Social Worlds: Experience, Meaning, and Memory. Cambridge... [Read More...]
July 16, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
AAC SLPs are a creative bunch and would do anything to help teams get on board with appropriate supports and services. In today’s post, we hear from Elena Feder, who introduces us to the ‘Communication World’ approach. Elena is an AAC SLP at the New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Center in Connecticut and has a lot to share about AAC implementation. Don’t miss the wonderful planning tool that she shares at the end. Before we get to that, though, take a look at the AAC Summer Bash that she runs with her colleague and fellow SLP Sarah Brink. In normal times, this is a face-to-face experience but due to the novel coronavirus, it has migrated to an online event. There are a few other things that you might like to know about the AAC Summer Bash. It’s free! You’re invited! You must register by July 17th. The AAC Summer Bash... [Read More...]
July 15, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
The AAC assessment is complete. The funding is approved. The AAC device arrives. Where do we go from here? In today’s featured video, SLP Rachell Johnson helps us understand some of the key issues and activities that we’ll need to address in the first days and weeks following the arrival of a new SGD. Follow along as she discusses the development of intervention plans to build independence, participation, and curricular learning. Many thanks to Able Net for hosting this webinar and to Rachell for the helpful content. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOAg0DLEZOE
July 8, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
Whether you are in a part of the world that is re-opening or still hunkering down in relative isolation, we can all use a little diversion. In today’s featured video, SLP Shaun Pearson covers ways that we can use board games, role-playing games, and story-based games to support language learning by individuals with AAC needs. If you are looking to add some fun activities to the lives of the AAC learners with whom you work, you’ll find a lot of creative suggestions in this video which was hosted by ISAAC Canada and offered with the support of ISAAC. Resources for digitally adapted games and printable materials are also shared. You can obtain the slides for this session here and view additional resources here. Many thanks to Shaun for this engaging presentation, to ISAAC Canada for organizing and hosting it, and to ISAAC for their support of this webinar series. Enjoy!... [Read More...]
June 24, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
What is the role of core vocabulary and aided language input for communicators who are not yet using symbols to express themselves? SLP Kathryn Dorney, from the Center for Disability and Literacy Studies at the University of North Carolina, provides a perspective in this archived presentation. It is part of the webinar series offered by USSAAC with the support of ISAAC. You can view the handout for this session here. Many thanks to Kathryn, USSAAC, & ISAAC for making this presentation available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=hhIEoPpoR-k&feature=emb_logo