May 6, 2024
by praacticalaac -
Stepping Into AAC materials were created through a partnership with the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Visit the links below to access this content. Home page for Stepping Into AAC Getting Started with Stepping Into AAC Resource page for Stepping Into AAC Choose a Week of Stepping Into AAC materials
August 27, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Welcome to Stepping into AAC ! Stepping into AAC is a collaborative project created by PrAACtical AAC and the Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) that focuses on supporting families who want to integrate AAC into their lives. There are 20 weeks of Stepping into AAC materials, which are intended to provide simple, week-by-week resources to help families support beginning communicators of all ages. Each week, there are easy hands-on activities, videos and companion handouts, and a newsletter to learn from. Thanks to the generous support of the ASF, these materials are available at no charge. Stepping into AAC is designed for families that include: Children, adolescents, and adults who are new to AAC and would benefit from using communication aids with high-frequency words or core vocabulary; and Individuals of any age who previously used AAC but are not currently communicating with it throughout the day. We hope that Stepping into AAC... [Read More...]
April 7, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
Each month we feature a Spanish version of our AAC Link Up, CAA con Links. If you have AAC-related announcements, materials, or videos in Spanish that you would like others to know about, we’d love to have you add that information below. Also, please share this with anyone who might be interested in contributing to or using the materials that get added to these posts. You’ll find the place to add that information at the very bottom of this post. Organized by Claudia Marimón, these monthly posts also feature AAC work being done in Spanish-speaking countries and offer translations of material that can help families and service providers. Today, she partners with Rita María Aceituno in focusing on the AAC support provided to Guatemalan children with Down Syndrome by Fundación Margarita Tejada. Enjoy the post, and remember to scroll to the bottom to add your link and see what others... [Read More...]
April 5, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
There is an art and a science to supporting families who are getting started with AAC or rebooting their AAC plan. In today’s featured video, we learn from veteran AAC/AT specialist and special educator Kate Ahern. Many thanks to Kate and The Angelman Academy for this helpful presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50M-DQOSVa4
January 2, 2023
by Carole Zangari -
With 2022 in the rear-view mirror, we’re excited to welcome some prAACtical additions in the New Year. Here are a few things to watch for in the months to come. AAC Implementation Series PrAACtical AAC contributor Vicki Clarke will be back with a limited series on strengthening our AAC practices. Here’s what she shared about the direction of this series. The journey from acquiring an AAC system to using it to communicate autonomously is a long one, with many different routes. Knowing where to begin is a challenge for all of us! AAC 101 Steps of Learning Process is our effort to define this process in our schools, to help professionals and families support their students. In this series of posts, we are considering 5 steps, to move from training to talking, offering a defined path for you and your student learner. Learning to communicate is a shared journey between... [Read More...]
December 30, 2022
by praacticalaac -
Stepping into AAC is a joint project between the Angelman Syndrome Foundation and PrAACtical AAC. You can access the project information and materials through either site. Access Stepping into AAC through the Angelman Syndrome Foundation site: Click here. Access Stepping into AAC on PrAACtical AAC: Click here. Stepping Into AAC Team Principal Investigator: Carole Zangari Video Manager and Signposts Creator: Tabi Jones Wohleber Graphics and AACtion Steps Creator: Rachael Langley Videography, Audio, and Editing: Michaela Ball Travelog Contributing Author: Krista Hadeed Larson Additional Videography: Zack Hoaglund
October 30, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. We have some posts for you to explore. Monday – PrAACtically Halloween: 10 AAC-related Printables Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: AAC Overview for Individuals with Angelman Syndrome Thursday – November Year of Core Vocabulary & School Year of Core Vocabulary Words :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Ready for a little more AAC exploring? Here are a handful of suggestions. Core Values: Suggestions for Language Building with AAC Learners Video of the Week: Supporting AAC Learning Through Non-Directive Language Supporting Language Growth in AAC Learners, Part 1 Supporting Language Growth in AAC Learners, Part 2 Supporting Language Growth in AAC Learners, Part 3 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Before you go, we invite you to contribute to a parent resource project focusing on Angelman Syndrome. If that is of interest, click here to get started or on the images below for more information. Small stipends are provided for any... [Read More...]
September 7, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
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
April 1, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
On the first Friday of every month, we feature a Spanish version of our AAC Link Up, CAA con Links. If you have AAC-related announcements, materials, or videos in Spanish that you would like others to know about, we’d love to have you add that information below. Also, please share this with anyone who might be interested in contributing to or using the materials that get added to these posts. You’ll find the place to add that information at the very bottom of this post. Organized by Claudia Marimón, these monthly posts also feature AAC work being done in Spanish-speaking countries. Today, we head to Nicaragua to learn from Marlene and her daughter Silvana. Enjoy! ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Para comenzar el mes de Abril compartimos la experiencia de Silvana, una niña de 10 años, con Síndrome de Angelman, desde Nicaragua, Centroamérica. Que nos demuestra cómo se pueden ir derribando las barreras que... [Read More...]
February 4, 2022
by Carole Zangari -
On the first Friday of every month, we feature a Spanish version of our AAC Link Up, CAA con Links. If you have AAC-related announcements, materials, or videos in Spanish that you would like others to know about, we’d love to have you add that information below. Also, please share this with anyone who might be interested in contributing to or using the materials that get added to these posts. You’ll find the place to add that information at the very bottom of this post. Organized by Claudia Marimón, these monthly posts also feature AAC work being done in Spanish-speaking countries. Today, she shares the story of Jorge Salfate, whose role as a father of a child with Angelman Syndrome inspired him to create a more welcoming hospital environment for all children. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Este mes los invitamos a compartir links en español, queremos comentar sobre la importancia del acceso a... [Read More...]