In this week’s video, we feature SLP Shannon Hennig who talks to us about some of her strategies for teaching language learners. As with her previous video, Shannon’s suggestions are clear, relevant, and prAACtical. Enjoy!
When you have a chance to peek into a therapy session by a master clinician, take it! In today’s featured video, Gail Van Tatenhove shares a clip where she demonstrates use of a pivotal intervention strategy, aided language input, as they discuss a book. Among many other things, Gail is author of one of our favorite therapy tools, The Pixon Project Kit. Enjoy! Direct link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QywUaX99-D4
Here in the US, funding of AAC devices for students in public schools has gotten increasingly complex. In this video, Lew Golinker of the AT Law Center, explains the factors that influence this decision. Thanks to Lew and the AAC-RERC for making this available. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O08OJopBH9s&feature=em-uploademail
As we’ve mentioned before, The Angelman Syndrome Foundation has done an amazing job of supporting the development of instructional videos on building early communication through AAC. In this week’s featured video, we hear from SLP Maureen Nevers who helps us understand how our own interaction styles can support or impede learners who are not yet fluent with their AAC systems. Whether you are an experienced interventionist or new to the journey of supporting AAC learners, there are lots of helpful suggestions in this video. Many thanks to the ASF for making these videos available to professionals and parents around the world. You can see other posts featuring videos from their communication series here. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0pUzJdWcBU&index=12&list=PLihsTkrStCHZVZBHDC0Qr7z10cYWC0ltx
Communication and behavior, as we all know, are deeply intertwined. In this week’s featured video, we hear from Lindy McDaniel, the author of one of my favorite blogs, The Considerate Classroom. In this video, Lindy guides us to think about some of the tools and strategies that we can use to help young learners build their self regulation skills. I appreciate the prAACtical nature of the information and tips, along with the video examples that she shares in this presentation. Many thanks to the fine folks at TASN for making this available. You can see other posts featuring Lindy’s work here and here.
The IEP is a powerful tool for ensuring that AAC learners get the tools and support that they need to be successful in school. Today, we return to the Oklahoma ABLE Tech Project, to hear more from SLP Allyson Robinson. In this video, she explains how and where to document AT in the IEP. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6u0zWSTM-k
Today, we return to The Watson Institute for information on the implementation of visual supports. Their style of creating brief video explanations focused on specific strategies makes these clips perfect for sharing with colleagues and families. Visual Support Power of Pairing: Reinforcers with Visual Supports Build Your Own Schedule: A Structured Choice Strategy You can browse through previous posts featuring the work from this fine team here.
Gianna’s teacher uses a visual schedule app successfully in the classroom to support comprehension and reduce problem behaviors. Although she’s shared the strategy and the app with the SLP and OT, neither one consistently use the visual schedule app in their sessions with this student. Jordan’s SLP does her best to use aided language input to provide a competent model of linguistic expression using his SGD when she pushes in to provide services in the classroom. Once she’s gone, classroom staff rarely implement that strategy or create opportunities for Jordan to use the SGD at other times during the school day. Evan’s parents have made an enormous investment in learning about AAC and modeling core words at home to help their son develop stronger skills with his AAC app. They do their best to follow along with the Year of Core Vocabulary Words approach, and are understandably dismayed when the... [Read More...]
Good AAC therapy is marked by meaningful goals, well-planned instruction, and engaging activities. But for a session to be successful, interventionists also need to be able to manage any problem behaviors that threaten to derail the instruction. Many of the strategies we use to prevent or minimize these behaviors would also be helpful to parents and caregivers. In this week’s featured video, we turn to The Watson Institute in Pittsburgh. This short video is designed to help parents learn about strategies they can use to reduce problem behaviors at home, and can be a great one to share with some of our AAC families. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t13ia4_ZImY
There is much to love about these video segments showing adults with intellectual disabilities interacting with their peers and caregivers in a supported community living environment. For starters, we love seeing successful interactions that focus on social connectedness, sharing information and true participation, as opposed to requesting and behavior regulation. Notice the tone of these conversations and the supportive strategies that the caregivers use. The residents are respected, empowered, and successful. And, of course, we love seeing the use of multiple modes of communication! Many thanks to the staff and residents of Inner South Communication Service of Victoria, Australia for making these videos available.