Working with adolescents brings special joys and challenges. In today’s featured video, SLP Katie Threlkeld, of Forbes AAC, discusses some of the challenges they face and shares thoughts on intervention strategies that can help them in their AAC learning. Many thanks to Katie and Forbes AAC for addressing the AAC needs of this important group. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIZyw0Q0g80&ab_channel=ForbesAAC
Although many people who experience post-stroke aphasia don’t regain much functional speech and language, only a small percentage are offered the opportunity to communicate with AAC. In today’s featured video, SLPs Michelle Retzlaff and Amanda Hettenhausen provide a wealth of information on supporting people with aphasia. We’re grateful to the presenters and to PRC Saltillo for creating this content and making it available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ySbtTk2xkk&ab_channel=TouchChatApp
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.
If you’ve been using interactive reading in your AAC work, you’ll find lots to love about today’s featured video. Originally presented at AAC in the Cloud, hosted by CoughDrop, this archived session by special educator and AT specialist Sharon Redmon provides some important information on how to build background knowledge and vocabulary in engaging ways. Many thanks to Sharon and the fine team at CoughDrop for making this video available. You can obtain the handouts for this session here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K4I_N-QnCg&ab_channel=CoughDrop You can learn more from Sharon here.
Eddie the Elephant Has Something to Say is a children’s book about a delightful elephant who happens to use AAC to communicate and his animal friends. The story was written by SLP Allison Johns and illustrated by SLP Tara Put. Today, we’re featuring a read-aloud of the story, hosted by the Thames Valley Children’s Centre in Canada. Enjoy! Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZJqLFOsCQI&ab_channel=TVChildrensCentre
Video modeling and visual supports are evidence-based instructional strategies that don’t get as much attention as they deserve. In today’s post, we feature AAC/AT specialist and special educator Kate Ahern, of AAC Voices, in a video that provides helpful information and tips for implementing these strategies. Thanks to Kate and the Angelman Academy for making this wonderful webinar available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSpzHt_yN6A&ab_channel=AngelmanAcademy
If you work with individuals at the earliest stages of communicative development, the Communication Matrix can be a powerful addition to your AAC toolbox. It’s been more than a decade since we first wrote about this wonderful tool and it has been exciting to see its evolution. In today’s featured video, we learn about this from Deirdre Galvin-McLaughlin who first presented this session as part of the University of Central Florida’s Echo AAC for Adults initiative. Many thanks to Deirdre and the fine team at UCF School of Communication Sciences and Disorders for creating and sharing this helpful presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8_XlZDxTqw&ab_channel=UCFAACCollaborative
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 –
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month and to honor the occasion, we’re sharing a video featuring the late Michael Phillips. Enjoy. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ_DVnPdUf0&ab_channel=AshleyAnn
Despite the large number of AAC devices and apps available for people with complex communication needs, there are only a handful of different approaches to organizing words and messages. Understanding the difference, advantages, and disadvantages of each is a critical part of doing a good assessment and making appropriate AAC recommendations. Today, we feature a presentation on this topic by AAC/AT experts Beth Poss and Kelly Fonner. Originally offered as part of the AAC in the Cloud Conference, hosted by CoughDrop, this is a helpful video that you won’t want to miss. Many thanks to Beth and Kelly for sharing their expertise and experience, and to the fine team at CoughDrop for making this archived presentation available. You can obtain the handout for the session here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef57eYip318&ab_channel=CoughDrop