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
Looking for a clear way to introduce people to AAC? Check out the Explore AAC website developed by Prentke Romich and Saltillo. You can access the first learning module here. Browse the site for information, downloadable communication boards, videos, and more. Have fun, AAC explorers!
Interested to learn more about how AAC is implemented in classrooms at the elementary level? In today’s featured video, Colorado-based special educator Sarah Fischer shares thoughts, examples, resources, and reflection on her journey to support AAC learners. Many thanks to Sarah and to Saltillo for making this video available. In her presentation, Sarah refers to a video about another project that was implemented in her classroom. You can learn more about Twin Powers here. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZHchn6T1z0&t=231s
Got data? One of the interesting developments in AAC technologies over the past 5 years has been the increased availability of data collection features in SGDs and tools for analysis. From deciding what language skills to target in therapy to determine what, if any, changes to make to the language set-up, having good data is indispensable. Today, we return to learn from Saltillo’s webinar series about some of the ways to use data logging. Many thanks to the presenter, Amanda Hettenhausen, and Saltillo for making this video available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sRxNIsLboM
We’ve been focusing on training communication partners recently and today we’re focusing specifically on paraprofessionals/educational assistants. Our guest post is authored by SLPs Corinna Duffitt, M.Sc., RSLP (practicing for 21 years, 14 years in AAC) and Jennifer Wiegert, M.A., CCC-RSLP (practicing for 21 years, focusing on AAC for the past 6 years). They are colleagues on an AAC team with 4 other SLPs in a large school district in Surrey, BC, Canada. Their school district consists of 101 elementary schools and 20 secondary schools. Corinna and Jennifer are both passionate about giving children a voice and letting that voice uncovers their potential. They recently joined their private practice endeavours, outside of their public school positions, to form Chickadee AAC Communication Services. You can find them on Instagram (@chickadeeaacslps or #chickadeeaac), check in on their website, and/or follow them on Facebook. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: AAC Training for Educational Assistants Some of the challenges we encountered... [Read More...]
In the market for some AAC apps to round out your assessment or intervention toolkit? Take advantage of the deep discounts offered in support of AAC Awareness Month. Take a look. AssistiveWare Avaz AAC CommBoards Cough Drop LAMP Words for Life Saltillo Snap + Core First Speak for Yourself Therapy Box We’ll continue to update this with new information on AAC Awareness discounts over the next few weeks. Do you have suggestions for others to add to our list? We’d love to have your suggestions for #AACaware18. Many thanks to the amazing Lauren Enders for this wonderful graphic with even more AAC discounts!
AAC Awareness Month is just around the corner! October is a great month for picking up AAC apps since many app developers offer deep discounts. Here are some of them. AssistiveWare CommBoards Cough Drop LAMP Words for Life Saltillo Speak for Yourself We’ll update this with new information on AAC Awareness discounts over the next few weeks. Do you have suggestions for others to add to our list? We’d love to have your suggestions. Edited: Thanks to the amazing Lauren Enders for this wonderful graphic with even more AAC discounts!
Here in the US, we’ve been back in school for a while and that makes it a good time to reflect on ways to integrate AAC into the classroom. Today’s video by Megan Conover as part of Saltillo’s webinar series. In this session, she covers some basic strategies that adults can use to help beginning AAC learners be successful in the classroom. Many thanks to Saltillo and Ms. Conover for creating, hosting, and sharing this archived presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bErjT5zi_9s
Looking for ways to help your team strengthen their AAC practices? Lots of families and professionals are on a journey to provide better AAC support and today’s featured video has information and tips that may help. You can get the handouts for this presentation here. Many thanks to Stephanie Reed and Saltillo for making this available. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvX8Y-pi5Ws
Research-supported strategies, such as aided language input, have much to offer beginning users of AAC. How can we get the team on board so that both families and professionals become knowledgeable about and proficient in utilizing these strategies? In today’s featured video, Melissa Hoy, an AT consultant with Saltillo, shares practical information on implementing aided language input across settings. You can download the handouts and resources for this presentation here. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LULIMP4R6_k