30 Search Results for erin sheldon
July 1, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
It is always a treat to learn from Erin Sheldon, and her recent presentation for the 2020 AAC in the Cloud conference is no exception. In this video, Erin helps think about effective ways that we can support the transition to post-school life for young people with significant communication challenges. You can obtain the handouts for this session here and learn more from Erin here. We’re deeply grateful to Erin for this wonderful session and to the amazing team at Cough Drop for another fantastic virtual conference. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lwv9c3cotE&feature=emb_logo
May 28, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
There are some things we’d rather not talk about. Sexual abuse toward people with complex communication needs is one of them. In today’s post, Vicki Haddix, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis, is back to share the experiences of her most recent students and a project they completed to educate young AAC users about this topic. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve tried to incorporate the principles of UDL when designing my AAC course. Another way I do that is by giving students choices within assignments of blogs, webinars, and podcasts to read, view, and listen to in order to gain other perspectives on AAC. Hopefully, this also encourages lifelong learning, as we cannot possibly cover everything future SLPs need to know about AAC in a single class. But PrAACtical AAC as well as blogs by people who use AAC, ongoing webinar series like... [Read More...]
March 4, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
How can we reduce the vulnerability of individuals with AAC needs? In today’s featured video, we return to the archived sessions from AAC in the Cloud, hosted by CoughDrop. Bringing the dual perspectives of AAC mom and AAC professional, Erin Sheldon helps us understand the vulnerabilities faced by AAC users and ways that we can address these issues in very prAACtical ways. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iclspbe774 You can obtain the handout for this session here. Many thanks to Erin and the amazing team at CoughDrop for making this available. Mark your calendars for June 23-24 for the 2020 AAC in the Cloud Conference.
February 13, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for ways to promote inclusive practices in your school? Today, AAC SLP and AT Consultant Sarah Gregory returns to share more about the strategies and approaches she uses in the peer support program in her school district in Ithaca, NY. Learn about how she implements problem-based learning to promote authentic learning experiences and meaningful connections between students with and without disabilities. You can see Sarah’s previous post on peer modeling here. Project-Based Learning and AAC I discussed in my first blog post the importance of authentic inclusion of students with Complex Communication Needs in the general education classroom. Involving peers in using AAC has been a great tool to move to a model of true inclusion. When incorporating peer support into a classroom structure I am thoughtful to make the interaction authentic and meaningful for everyone involved. Since starting a peer support program two years ago I have continuously... [Read More...]
September 5, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for examples of how AAC is successfully incorporated into inclusive education? Today, we head to upstate New York to learn from AAC SLP Sarah Gregory who shares her experiences in supporting students in general education settings. In this post, Sarah shares her ideas for using peer modeling to support AAC learning. Enjoy! :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: AAC in General Education: Incorporating Peer Modeling Authentic inclusion of students with Complex Communication Needs (CCN) or non-speaking students is essential and can also be difficult to achieve. One of the most effective strategies I have found is involving all students in AAC learning. Folks in my district started a peer modeling program a few years ago and we found this to be a powerful tool in achieving our goals for academic inclusion and social belonging. In this blog post, I will outline the why and the how of our current peer modeling program.... [Read More...]
September 4, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
Reducing the vulnerability of people with complex communication needs is something that all AAC service providers should be thinking about. In today’s featured video, which was part of the AAC in the Cloud Conference, AAC specialist Erin Sheldon helps us understand the issues and consider some of the things we can do to help AAC users have more autonomy and be less vulnerable. Many thanks to Erin and to the wonderful team at CoughDrop for this fine presentation. This is an important topic that we should all learn more about, AAC friends. Erin’s handout is available here. Link to the session on the CoughDrop site: https://presenters.aacconference.com/videos/UVRRelFURTU= Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=4iclspbe774
January 16, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
How can we support the language development of AAC learners throughout the school day? In today’s featured video, Erin Sheldon examines ways in which we can facilitate early concept development, build background knowledge, and support vocabulary learning. Many thanks to Kathy Howery and the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium for making this archived webinar available. You can learn more from Erin here. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILegvpt9bw
October 12, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Most times, the goal of AAC intervention is to help those with complex communication needs be able to express whatever they want at any time. For some individuals, we over-emphasize the tools and strategies they will need to get the things they want, whether it is social engagement (attention), assistance (help), objects, events, or even being able to protest or reject unwanted situations. Michigan-based SLP Rachael Langley works tirelessly to support technologies and services that give access to the full range to communicative functions. When she offered to share her thoughts on this topic with us, we jumped on the chance. Enjoy! :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Four Functions of Language There are many ways to emphasize AAC use and embed aided language into the day. Sometimes we use a core vocabulary approach to teach specific vocabulary. But we can also approach AAC learning by focusing on a specific function or pragmatic use of language.... [Read More...]
October 10, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
We ’re headed up to the clouds today, with another visit to the wonderful presentations made possible by CoughDrop AAC, a company that has been innovating from the start. Their free AAC in the Cloud conference, held each June, not only serves as an amazing source of support for the AAC community but has also served as a model for others who have the capacity to provide free online professional development in AAC. In today’s featured video, Erin Sheldon addresses a topic near and dear to our prAACtical hearts: Helping families support their AAC learners. Enjoy this session and if you’re interested in more on this and related topics, check out these posts featuring other work by AAC parent and professional Erin Sheldon here. You can obtain the handout for this session here or visit the conference page on this session here for more information. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ocbBdEy4V4
January 17, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
How can we better support AAC learners in general education classrooms? With great teaching and appropriate supports! In today’s video, Erin Sheldon discusses the rationale and implementation of an important educational/clinical strategy, descriptive teaching, that can be used in a variety of settings. We are so grateful to Erin and others who willingly share what they know and make that available for all of us to learn from. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQA5RpVXGQo&list=PLlsAGwcMnu5pRo7HCpy77ZqVQEtEqEgbh You can learn more from Erin here and here.