132 Search Results for isaac
February 18, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
There have been lots of wonderful AAC sessions at conferences in the past 12 months. Here are a handful of handouts from some of them. Effects of Embedding Core Vocabulary in Emergent Literacy Instructional Routines – Penny Hatch, Lori Geist & Karen Erickson, ISAAC 2018 The Cognitive Demands Checklist Thinking about Thinking for AAC – Melanie Fried-Oken, Aimee Mooney, & Michelle Kinsella The AAC Learning Center(s): Online Supports for Pre-service Instruction – Chris Klein & David McNaughton, ATIA 2019 Talking Early Mobility: Get Moving with AAC – Tami Altschuler, Daniella Klein, Amanda Tesoriero, & Ashley Carr Scully, ASHA 2018 Developing Communication and Access Skills for Children Who Face Severe Physical and Multiple Challenges – Linda Burkhart ATIA 2019 Did you attend an AAC session that was especially helpful? We’d love to hear about it. NOTE: Depending on the presenter and venue, these handouts may be available only for a limited... [Read More...]
January 9, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
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
November 28, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Transitions usually seem a bit daunting, but the move from the school system to post-school life is one fraught with a great many challenges. For people who use AAC, a group with unemployment rates exceeding 90%, the path to a rich and fulfilling life in adulthood requires a great deal of support. In many cases, the systems and individuals who are in the position to provide that support lack the information, experience, training, and resources they need to be effective. In today’s video, we hear from Dr. Rackensperger, Vice President for Persons who Use AAC and Their Families at USSAAC, who has a unique perspective on these issues. She shares ways that we can address these challenges by using person-based panning and strengths-based approaches in our efforts to foster self-determination and build self-advocacy. This video is part of the USSAAC webinar series and is made possible with the support of... [Read More...]
November 7, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Hearing the AAC stories of people with complex communication needs is always enlightening, but even more so when the narratives are told directly by those individuals. In today’s featured video, we hear from South African teenager Zainab Omar. Enjoy! Many thanks to Zainab for sharing her story and to ISAAC for making this available to all of us. Please consider supporting this wonderful international organization (here’s how). Communication is everyone’s birthright. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrAe7oc-Rjo
October 17, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
While high-quality services for children with complex communication needs can be difficult to obtain, there is no doubt that it accessing appropriate AAC supports is infinitely more difficult for adults who need these services. Today, we return to the wonderful webinar series presented by USSAAC and hosted by ISAAC for some valuable information on a systematic approach to teaching AAC to adults with cognitive communication difficulties. Oregon-based SLP Aimee Mooney shares important principles and practical strategies that can help adults with AAC needs to be successful. We are grateful to Ms. Mooney, USSAAC, and ISAAC for making this information available to the AAC community. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z53lD-n5OeA
September 19, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Since 1992, a highlight of the ISAAC Biennial Conferences has been the presentation of the Outstanding Consumer Lecture Award. This award is given to a person who uses AAC to share their talents, perspectives, and experiences. In this week’s featured video, we hear from the most recent awardee, Mke Ninces, on Assumptions, Attitudes, and Adventures. Congratulations to Ms. Ninces on receiving the 14th ISAAC Outstanding Consumer Lecture Award, and thank you to ISAAC for hosting and sharing this lecture. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psbtJNNFL7I
August 22, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
By bus, train, or subway, people with AAC needs have places to go and things to do. Today’s video features a successful effort in Victoria, Australia to provide communication access in public life. In this video, we see an example of how transportation agencies worked with Scope’s Communication and Inclusion Resource Centre to better meet the communication needs of people who use AAC. You can read more about their Communication Access program here. Many thanks to Scope, Public Transport Victoria, V/Line, and ISAAC for making this video available. It is sure to inspire similar efforts throughout the world. You can download some of the communication materials here. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TELuzDlgqo
August 8, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
What better way to help local businesses become more AAC-friendly than to have people who use AAC every day teach them to use supportive strategies? Today’s video features the Thumbs Up Communication in Action group supported by Dr. Shannon Hennig’s Inclusive Communication in Wellington, New Zealand. Follow along in their journey as they advocate for more inclusive interactions in a community business and take a peek at this experience of effective self-advocacy. Many thanks to the group members, Dr. Hennig, and to ISAAC for making this video available. You can see more of Dr. Hennig’s work here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pkDvybXq1c
August 1, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
From the heights of a Ferris Wheel to fun places to shop, the Variety Western Australia Teen Motor Mouth Campers show us their stuff in this wonderful video which was presented recently at the 2018 ISAAC Conference. “AAC goes everywhere.” Indeed. Enjoy the laughter, smiles, and successes of Let’s Hit the Town. Many thanks to Variety WA Teen Motor Mouth Camp and ISAAC for this gem of a video! Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNAzF6tKOb
June 13, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Floods, fires, nor’easters, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes We’ve seen all of that and more here in the western hemisphere in the past year. In these and other emergencies, people who use AAC are especially vulnerable. As AAC practitioners, is it really part of our role to help our clients prepare for these situations? Yes! Our expertise can go a long way in helping those who use AAC get prepared so that they can communicate in these adverse conditions. Today, we turn to a recorded presentation presented by Sarah Blackstone and Amy Goldman that was part of the USSAAC Webinar Series. In this presentation, they share USSAAC’s efforts to aid in recovery and discuss our responsibilities as AAC providers to assist with emergency preparedness. Their wonderful tips, suggestions for personal preparedness, and resources can help many of us get our clients ready to face these sorts of emergencies. Many thanks to... [Read More...]