327 Search Results for aac awareness
October 22, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Join the party! Today, people all over the world are celebrating the possibilities of AAC. Judy Bailey has once again taken the lead to promote a variety of activities, Here’s what’s happening. A bit of conversation on the International AAC Awareness Month Facebook Page Discussions on Twitter that include a special hashtag: #AACchat An AAC chat via Skype (connect with Judy Bailey on Skype judy.bailey3) starting at 8 AM today Eastern Daylight Time (USA) Justin Bergers’ internet radio program at http://solaremire.ddns.net:8167/listen.pls
October 8, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
There is no better time that AAC Awareness Month to see and hear directly from people who use AAC. A lot of focus is on children and education, but this is a great reminder that no one is too old or too anything to learn to improve their communication skills. Thanks to Deanna Wagner, (who has done some terrific posts for us here, here, and here), and her clients at the Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center for making this video and sharing it with the rest of us.
October 6, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
October is International AAC Awareness Month and giving us the perfect opportunity to go beyond our normal therapy-assessment-paperwork routine to spread awareness of AAC. Here are some thoughts for how to do that in the workplace. Inform: You’re probably already spreading the word about AAC as often as you can, but here are a few more ideas to help others gain an understanding of what can be done to support people with little or no functional speech. Create a brief AAC-related public service message that is delivered on morning announcements or staff meetings (E.g., “Everyone communicates, but some students with disabilities have difficulty talking. Did you know that just because some students can’t talk, they can still understand what you say? Special technology is sometimes used so they can better express themselves. Not only does that help them in the moment, but it may also improve their ability to talk”).... [Read More...]
October 4, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Sunday: Video of the Week – Using Eye Gaze Monday: Strategy of the Month – Engagement Take-Aways Tuesday: Teach Me Tuesday – DynaVox Eyemax Wednesday: 2014 AAC Awareness Month Celebration Thursday: The Faces of AAC – Justyna and Wiktoria Friday: Fun Friday – Successful Interactions
October 2, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
What better way to promote AAC awareness than to share the faces of people who use AAC and the SLPs who serve them? Today, we go to Poland to visit with Justyna Puchalka, who has a private practice in Bielsko, and her young client, Wiktoria. Justyna has been working as a speech therapist for almost 10 years, mostly with young children who have a range of conditions including Down Syndrome, Prader Willi, cerebral palsy, autism and multiple disabilities. Justyna shared that she is very passionate about her work. “Because ‘my children’ make my work a challenge and, thus, my work gives me much satisfaction, not to mention that I simply like to help these children and their parents.” Justyna made a video to share some thoughts about Wiktoria’s AAC journey. Many thanks to Justyna, Wiktoria, and her family for helping us celebrate AAC Awareness Month! Direct link tovideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eLE2nlA6R8
July 18, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Today we are revisiting some of Robin’s most popular posts. 30 Ways to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month AAC Must-Have’s for the Classroom and Therapy Room The First 12: Getting Started with Core Words Literacy For Everyone with Adapted Books Beyond Requesting: Using Scripts to Teach Conversation AAC Goals That Matter Creating Communication Boards: There are Lot of Apps for That! Join Together: Core and Fringe Vocabulary Beyond Requesting: Let’s Chat with Peers Begin AAC Now: 10 Things to Do
June 13, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month may be over, but our interests in providing empirically-supported AAC services are long-lasting. In this post, we are pleased to be able to share the work of Betsy Caporale, an SLP with more than 20 years experience working in AAC, AT, and ASD. She has worked in a variety of settings including public schools, private hospitals and clinics. Currently, Betsy works at for the California Department of Education, Diagnostic Center in Northern California. Betsy has graciously agreed to share a presentation given a few months back at the California Speech Language and Hearing Association conference. You can download and view it here or in the AAC e-Toolbox.
May 27, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Aphasia Awareness Month is just around the corner, and getting us ready for that is this wonderful post on using low tech AAC with people who have aphasia. We’re delighted to welcome back our friend and colleague, Dr. Kristy Weissling, who is collaborating with Heather Buhr, to share some thoughts on this topic. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: For many, the term Augmentative and Alternative (AAC) brings to mind technology, speech-generating devices, and now – more than ever before – iPads. But as we know, AAC encompasses much more than that. We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols or pictures, or write. We would like to explore AAC and more “low-tech” options that help our clients express their thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. Low-tech strategies can range from the use of written choice, to communication boards, to communication books. In this article we will specifically address communication... [Read More...]
May 14, 2014
by Robin Parker -
Learn with AbleNet University. Watch excellent free AAC webinars. There are live and recorded webinars so you can learn at your convenience. Share the information with colleagues and families. Give an AAC Gift. Create AAC informational bookmarks and distribute to educators, staff, and families. Print some free communication boards. Go to the PrAACtical AAC e-Tool Box and print out some great core word or activity specific communication boards. Put in your AAC clinic tool box or share with educators or families. Debunk AAC Myths. Use our AAC Myth buster quotes. Print and hang in public spaces so everyone can be an AAC myth buster. Learn and PrAACtice a New AAC System (device or app). Go to prAACtical AAC’s Teach Me Tuesdays and choose an app or device to learn- (Alexicom, Proloquo2go, PRC Accent, The Grid, Tap Speak Button & Sequence, Avaz, Tobii C8, Proloquo4Text, Go Talk Now Text, Nova... [Read More...]
April 5, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Hope your prAACtical week is going well! Sunday: Video of the Week – Connecting with Prelinguistic Communicators Monday: Strategy of the Month: Thoughts on Teaching Word Prediction Tuesday: 10 AAC Things to Do for Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month Wednesday: Watch It Wednesday – Music and Communication by Ryan Judd Thursday: AACtual Therapy – Supporting the Development of Early Grammar with Kimberly Ho Friday: 3 AAC Presentation Handouts You May Have Missed