How can we use modeling to help AAC learners move toward linguistic competence? In today’s featured video, Dr. Melissa Malani has lots of ideas for how to do this in the context of shared book reading. Many thanks to Melissa and the wonderful team at Saltillo for creating this presentation and making it widely available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehvAwtDX-lM
Social stories(TM) are a type of narrative that are used to help learners with social pragmatic and other difficulties gain a greater understanding of a particular context, skill, or concept. For example, we may use social stories to help a preschooler understand what happens in a fire drill or at a birthday party. We may write social stories for a high school student who asks overly personal questions or talks only about their own favorite topics. First developed by Carol Gray, these stories are written using a specific process so that they meet 10 defining criteria. Both the process of writing social stories and the narrative structure that is used in this genre differentiates them from other types of social narratives. You can see examples of well-written social stories here and learn more about the early history of social stories here. Ready to get started learning how to write ‘real’ social... [Read More...]
We’ve mentioned Tar Heel Reader many times here at PrAACtical AAC, but are still encountering people who don’t yet utilize this game-changing resource and those who aren’t aware of some of its most powerful features. In today’s post, we highlight some videos that will help you get started reading (and writing) with one of the world’s most important literacy tools for individuals with significant disabilities. Overview Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSmP4qwQNkU&index=7&list=PLPOEH_2JO5cUEvngWh4RmO-imE7Mosqjt Tutorial by the Pacer Center Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF3yGOW3KQs&index=1&list=PLPOEH_2JO5cUEvngWh4RmO-imE7Mosqjt Write and Publish a Book in Tar Heel Reader (Gary Bishop) Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91b4UQwgaNc&list=PLPOEH_2JO5cUEvngWh4RmO-imE7Mosqjt&index=3 Are you using Tar Heel Reader in your work with AAC learners? We’d love to hear about it. —
Where can I find information on the various AAC apps that address core vocabulary and resources to help with teaching it? Today, we turn to an archived webinar from CALL Scotland to learn from Gillian McNeill. Many thanks to Gillian and CALL Scotland for this helpful presentation. Direct Link to Video: https://www.callscotland.org.uk/professional-learning/webinars/WEB128/
What are some of the ‘big ideas’ that we should have in mind as we approach the process of selecting AAC supports for an individual student? There is much to consider during this process, as SLP and AT Specialist Chris Bugaj notes in today’s featured presentation. Thank you to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s TTAC Program for making the archived sessions from their TechKnowledgy Conferences available to all. Click here for the handout for this session. Note: You may need to create a free account in order to view this video. Also, you can check out their upcoming TechKnowledgy Conference here.
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
What is it like to raise a child who uses eye gaze technology to communicate? In today’s post, we learn from Rebecca and her daughter Marlee, who discussed their experiences at the 2018 ISAAC Conference. Many thanks to Rebecca, Marlee, and the team at Tobii Dynavox for making this video of their session available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGJvssiAjkQ
There’s no better way to start off a New Year than with this simple story that has a profound message. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dLEO8mwYWQ&t=452s Visit the Ian Foundation to learn more about their mission and initiatives (click here).
Along with special foods, decorations, and gifts, the holiday season brings changes in our daily routines that can cause anxiety and other challenges for some people with AAC needs. In today’s featured video, Peggy Lawrence addresses why these challenges may occur in students with autism, and presents strategies we can use to provide instruction and support. This archived presentation is available through the Tri-State ASD Webinar Series, which receives support from the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN), the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network, and the Colorado Department of Education. You can explore more offerings from this collaborative here. Direct link to “Preparing for Non-Routine Events: Strategies to Support Students with ASD”
Today’s video features the work of Mary Louise Bertram (Australia) and Caroline Musselwhite (US), both of whom are well-known to PrAACtical AAC readers, and focuses on journal writing, a writing activity that takes places in homes and classrooms around the world. In this video, we learn ways to make it meaningful and successful for beginning communicators who use AAC. Many thanks to the presenters and to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation for making and sharing this helpful video. To learn more about literacy and communication for early communicators from Dr. Musselwhite and others, check out the AAC in the Desert Conference. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoHlga-xemU