May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, a perfect time to build awareness among colleagues and in the community. Monday – PrAACtically May: Resources for a Year of Core Vocabulary Words Wednesday – Video of the Week: Increasing Core Vocabulary Use at Home, Therapy, and in School Thursday – AAC Assessment Corner with Vicki Clarke: The Eyes Have It – Assessment Considerations for High Tech Eye Gaze
It’s been a busy week of AAC. Monday – AAC & ASD: Teaching Communication Partners Through Video Modeling Wednesday – Video of the Week: Getting Started with AAC for Parents & Practitioners Friday – PrAACtically Pinteresting with Lauren Enders: Writing AAC Goals & Objectives
Had a busy week? Here are a few posts that you may have missed. Monday – PrAACtical Teaching in an ASD Classroom: Little Tips for Big Core Wednesday – Video of the Week: AAC at Home Thursday – Beyond Autism Awareness to Acceptance, Understanding and Inclusion
Given that PrAACtical AAC was co-founded by a master clinician with a deep love of autism, Dr. Robin Parker, it comes as no surprise that we’ve published well over 200 posts that focus on supporting children and adults with autism. Here are a few that relate specifically to going beyond awareness and build understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month: 5 Videos for Kids 20 Ways for SLPs to Celebrate Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month 10 Things to do for Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month 30 Things to Do for Autism Awareness Month Keep Learning About Core: 8 More Things to Do for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month Do you have meaningful ways to help others move beyond awareness? We’d love to hear about them.
Hope you had a great start to Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month! Monday – PrAACtical Resources: Video Explainers for Aided Language Input Wednesday – Video of the Week: Getting Started with PODD Friday – PrAACtically April: Resources for a Year of Core Vocabulary Words
Novice or expert Parent or professional Generalist or specialist No matter what our differences, we share a common goal of helping AAC learners move forward on the path to better language and literacy. We can all do a little more to help people with AAC needs achieve their potential. Here are some things ideas to get us moving. Find a new use for a retired, abandoned, or under-utilized tool. Lots of us are cleaning out closets and drawers at this time of year, and we’re bound to find something that has AAC potential. It could be an old magnetic card reader (great for phonological awareness and other literacy activities), a talking switch (adds flavor to ‘word of the day activities;’ great for telling jokes, getting attention and more), or even some random picture cards (add some spice to the sensory table or hide them around to read the room). Someone’s... [Read More...]
Goodbye, December! Before we turn the calendar page, here are some of the most popular posts of 2015. Many thanks to Lauren Enders, Rachael Langley, and all of our guest bloggers for being so generous with their time and expertise. I couldn’t do it without you!! 5 Great Resources for Pre-Made Communication Boards How I Do It: Writing IEP Goals for Students Who Use AAC with Lauren Enders How I Do It by Rachael Langley – PODD in the Classroom: Portable, Wearable, & Comfortable How I Do It: Using PODD books and Aided Language Displays with Young Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder Core Samples Teaching Core Vocabulary A Year of Core Vocabulary Words Pivotal Skills for AAC Intervention: Aided Language Input Literacy for Everyone with Adapted Books Communication Boards: Colorful Considerations 30 Ways to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month
Wrapping up a wonderful month of building awareness and acceptance of AAC! Every voice matters. Monday – An AAC Journey: From ‘No AAC!’ to ‘AAC All Day, Everyday’ with Desirae Pillay Tuesday – AAC on Facebook: 10 Groups to Check Out Wednesday – Video of the Week: Preventing Problem Behavior in Schools by Dr. Barry Prizant Thursday – Beyond “Train and Hope” 5 Ways to Support Carryover of Skills by AAC Learners
What better way to celebrate AAC Awareness Month than to share AAC stories from around the world? In this post, we welcome Desirae Pillay, who shares a bit about her daughter, Savannah, and their AAC journey. As the mother of a young adult with ASD and cerebral palsy, Desirae has taken what she has learned about AAC and is using it to help others outside of her family. Desirae began her journey with AAC in 2003 when she could not find a qualified AAC specialist to assist her with her daughter. Her experience and informal learning gained her a job for an AT company. When her daughter’s health needs became pressing, she resigned her job and worked part time as a Disability Consultant for various organisations. Desirae recently returned to work as an AT Advisor, where she trains on a range of topics about communication for people with disabilities. Her passion is for... [Read More...]
It’s been a wonderful week of building awareness and acceptance! Monday – October Site of the Month: The National Professional Development Center on ASD Tuesday – “But he doesn’t use it!” 5 Things to Try to Boost Requesting with AAC Wednesday – Video of the Week: Adapting Books with Visual Scene Displays Thursday – PrAACtically Halloween: Considerations for an AAC-friendly Holiday