Do you work with individuals who have hearing impairment along with autism, intellectual disabilities, or physical disabilities? In this video, Dr. Brenda Fossett of the University of Alberta discusses the ways in which people with deafness accompanied by other disabilities can use AAC. Additional resources can be found in the Minerva Deaf Research Lab website.
As much as we love working with beginning communicators and helping to create a solid foundation of early language, it’s also important for SLPs to be skilled in building higher level language skills. In this post, we hear from Dr. Paola Colozzo, assistant professor in the Audiology and Speech Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Our video today is from UBC’s Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA) and provides a wonderful overview of narrative skills and intervention for people with autism.
Want to hear from a veteran SLP on AAC assessment? Check out this overview of AAC assessment principles and practices by SLP Pat Ourand. While anyone can view it, only ASHA members can earn free CEUs for the experience (available only during July 2015). You can register for this as a CEU course here. Kudos to ASHA for making this available in celebration of the 15th anniversary of their Professional Development unit. If you want ASHA to offer more professional development activities in AAC, let them know. They are very responsive to member feedback when planning future CEU activities. You can reach them at their Action Line (Members: 800-498-2071; Non-Members: 800-638-8255). You can view other CEU courses available for free this month on this ASHA webpage. The video is also available in non-CEU format via YouTube.
Need a video that helps colleagues or families understand some of the basic concepts in AAC? Take a look at this one from an archived Avaz webinar.
As much as we bring to the discussion when families are considering AAC, most of us are not able to speak authentically about what it is like to raise children who use AAC. In this video, Dana Nieder, author of the popular blog Uncommon Sense, talks about this issues from a parent’s perspective. This is a great video to share with families and team members who may be new to AAC. Thanks to the Center on Technology and Disability for making this available.
When people have significant motor impairments, finding a sustainable way for them to select and convey messages is a challenging task. This week, we turn to the ALS Association of Iowa for two wonderful videos on how to use ‘no tech’ eye gaze boards for communication. Direct Links to Videos Etran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLkpRbUQzVo Eye Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHyXCcS38XM
How can adults and peers who serve as communication partners support AAC learners in their interactions? Dr. Rae Sonnenmier of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire has lots of implementation ideas.
The Dynamic Learning Maps Professional Development Team, headed by Dr. Karen Erickson, put together a wonderful video to introduce professionals and families to the concept of core vocabulary. This is a great resource to use to introduce team members to key concepts in core vocabulary and the instructional strategies that support students in learning to use it. Take a look. Direct Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryda0ViRekU&feature=youtu.be
Most AAC practictioners understand and use elements of positive behavior support (PBS) in their work with people who have challenging behavior. This video, by the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD), provides a helpful introduction to PBS, why it is used, and some of the key components. Even if you think you know PBS, this quick video is worth a watch. Not only is it a terrific resource to share with families and teams, but you may very well pick up a few things along the way.
Today, we return to Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire to view another video from their AAC Initiative. In this presentation, Michael McSheehan reviews the domains of communicative competence in AAC and discusses issues and research supports for each area.