780 Search Results for access
August 1, 2016
by Carole Zangari -
A few years ago, I ran across someone who had difficulty getting the school staff to scan documents for an AAC learner who needed them to be in electronic format for accessibility purposes. The problem ultimately got solved when we helped the student program in two prestored messages to her SGD. The first was a politely-worded attempt at self advocacy: “Can you please scan this for me?” It usually worked, but when it didn’t, the student was able to follow-up with a second message. “It’s in my IEP.” The image of this young lady advocating for her needs still makes me smile. So when I ran across an adaptation that makes document scanners switch-accessible, I knew I had to share the Instructable with you. Kudos to Irete Hamdani and her colleagues for this wonderful modification.
May 25, 2016
by Carole Zangari -
Today, we feature the second part of the presentation by Dr. Rae Sonnenmeier on assessing barriers to AAC. (You can see Part 1 here). In this video, she provides more in-depth information and prAACtical solution strategies. Many thanks to the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire for making this available. Direct Link to Video – https://vimeo.com/86724224
May 18, 2016
by Carole Zangari -
We’re continuing our journey of strengthening AAC assessment practices. In today’s featured video, we return to the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire to consider additional ways to make our evaluation practices more meaningful. Many thanks to their AT team and Dr. Rae Sonnenmeier for this helpful information. Direct Link to Video – https://vimeo.com/80741615 Links to client videos referred to in the presentation Tyler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzqNPx1OVTU Holly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woCsgnXwOyg
May 5, 2016
by Carole Zangari -
AAC assessment is an area that most professionals struggle with for one reason or another. I am so grateful to Vicki Clarke for returning to share her thoughts on the prAACticalities of conducting these evaluations. If you are looking for tips on assessing someone who needs high tech eye gaze AAC, this post is for you. For other posts authored by Vicki, click here. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The Eyes Have It: Assessment Considerations for High Tech Eye Gaze Access Eye gaze control for AAC device access is a hallmark technological achievement in the world of speech generating devices. For people with significant motor challenges we are no longer limited to scanning as our one choice for AAC access. AAC Specialists have been using light tech eye gaze boards and PVC pipe frames with these friends for years, but now we are able to offer voice output. Eye gaze is for a much... [Read More...]
December 2, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
Curb cuts and ramps are standard accommodations in many parts of the world to reduce barriers to mobility. That’s important, of course, but what about the millions of people who are handicapped by barriers to communication? As AAC practitioners, we generally get so wrapped up in addressing the needs of individual clients on our caseloads that we rarely take time to consider the ways in which we can impact systemic barriers to effective communication. We are quite mindful that people with AAC needs struggle to communicate when they leave our therapy sessions and go about their lives and onto the business of learning, playing, and working. We are cognizant of the barriers they face and put on our best problem-solving hats to help them cope. Client by client. Issue by issue. If you’ve lamented “There has to be a better way,” you’re not alone. It seems overwhelming to think about... [Read More...]
September 24, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
Even the most well-intentioned person can be a poor communication partner for individuals who use AAC. The average person has no idea how to communicate effectively with someone who has a significant communication disability, and is likely to do things that are less than helpful. These Communication Access Cards, developed by Scope, can be just the thing to improve the quality of interactions. You can download this wonderful resource here.
December 17, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Today we’re pleased to share this video, a project of the North Carolina AT Program. Let’s peek in at Kayla, Logan, Bryan, and others share ways in which AT helps them live their best lives. Direct Link to Video: https://vimeo.com/110355711
July 14, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
There are some organizations and projects that just amaze us with the work that they do. Today, we are looking at one of those, Communication Disabilities Access Canada, led by Barbara Collier. They have a wonderful array of resources that address important topics related to safety, self-determination, advocacy, and more. Here are two of our favorites. Communication Boards Making and Using Communication Access Cards You can follow them on Facebook, too.
June 29, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Nothing makes us smile like learning about AAC-related content from people who use technology to communicate their message to the world. In this post, we hear about and from film maker Christopher Hill. Take a peek at his presentation at the ILT 2014 conference. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFieqM09nSQ#t=510l
April 30, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
We take so many things for granted. Turning on a laptop. Reaching across a desk. Standing up to turn on the lights. When bodies work well, things like this seem to happen without us even thinking about them. But when someone has a movement disorder, little things can make a big difference. In this video, we hear from OT Aileen Costigan who teaches us the basics of seating and positioning for AT access. Thanks to the AAC-RERC for making this available on their website.