144 Search Results for isaac
June 12, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
In many areas, there has been a greater focus on mental health and well-being. Though we applaud that trend, it’s disappointing that people with significant disabilities and those with complex communication needs are often left out of the discussion. Today’s post is a welcome exception. In this featured video, Dr. Kathy Howery addresses this topic and provides us with strategies that can be used to better support children and adults with AAC needs. Many thanks to Dr. Howery for this fine presentation, to USSAAC for organizing and hosting it, and to ISAAC for their support of this webinar series. You can obtain the handout for this archived session here. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=77&v=lLnG70qADUs
May 13, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
We couldn’t be more excited that the world’s AAC experts will be coming together in Mexico next summer for the ISAAC 2020 Conference. In recognition of this wonderful event, we’re excited to embark on a new project here at PrAACtical AAC. We hope that you will support this initiative and help us get this new project off the ground. PrAACtical AAC en Español is our effort at supporting the Spanish-speaking community and we are thrilled that this will be headed up by AAC specialist and veteran SLP, Deanna Wagner. Many of you are familiar with Deanna through her work in Arizona, her presentations around the world, her articles on the wonderful blog AAC Girls, and her guest posts on these pages (like her AACtual Therapy posts here and here, and videos such as this one). Over the next few months, she will be coordinating efforts to build a collection of Spanish-language... [Read More...]
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