There is an art and a science to supporting families who are getting started with AAC or rebooting their AAC plan. In today’s featured video, we learn from veteran AAC/AT specialist and special educator Kate Ahern. Many thanks to Kate and The Angelman Academy for this helpful presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50M-DQOSVa4
Experience is a wonderful teacher that inspires us to grow and evolve. In today’s video, we feature AAC and AT specialist Lauren Enders Gonzales, who shares some important lessons about our mindsets that either inhibit or support AAC learning. You can access the slide handouts for this presentation here. Many thanks to Lauren for sharing this recording of her session at the Inclusive Classroom Conference with us. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIsWwj_9ySc&ab_channel=LaurenS.%28Enders%29Gonzales%2CM.A.%2CCCC-SLP You can learn more from Lauren here.
Communication boards come in all sizes and are made from a range of materials. In today’s featured video Carrie Clark of Speech and Language Kids shares her ideas about using a cookie sheet to create a communication board. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnyv8h6J4rc&ab_channel=CarrieClark%2CSLPSolution
Although AAC implementation may look different around the world, the right to communicate is universal. In today’s video, we share a conversation on key issues featuring Dr. Ensa Johnson (researcher and educator), Netsai Gwata (educational psychologist), Faatima Ebrahim (occupational therapist), and Vuledzani Ndanganeni (speech-language pathologist). Many thanks to the panelists and the Margaret McNamara Educational Grants for this insightful discussion. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Ve_8uMFszf0&ab_channel=MargaretMcNamaraEducationGrantsMMEG
Looking for ways to support families who are strengthening their AAC practices? There’s no one better than Jill Senner and Matt Baud to guide us with research-supported strategies and prAACtical tips. Thank you to Jill, Matt, and the Oregon Technology Access Program ECHO Voices for this informative presentation. You can obtain the handouts for the session here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGK0JzjInOg&ab_channel=OTAP-RSOI
Many AAC learners benefit from assistive technology for things beyond communication. Today, we turn to the Pacer Center’s Simon Technology Center and hear about ways to support the writing process from the director Paul Sanft. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Zq0IX8zW0&t=90s&ab_channel=SimonTechnologyCenter Many thanks to Paul and the Simon Technology Center for these great suggestions.
In recent years, SGDs and AAC apps have had a wider range of voices available, offering greater variety relative to age, gender, regional accents, and more. In today’s featured video, we hear about this from Becky Martin of Smartbox Technology and Alice Smith of SpeakUnique. Many thanks to the presenters and Smartbox Assistive Technology for this informative presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-IGwok9E5c&ab_channel=SmartboxAssistiveTechnology
Let’s strengthen our classroom-based support for students who use AAC. In today’s featured video, SLP and AAC specialist Carolyn Parker discusses the benefits of pushing into the classroom and offers practical suggestions for implementation and data collection. You can view the handouts for this session here. This is an archived presentation hosted by ECHO Voices of the Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP). We are grateful to OTAP and Carolyn for this helpful information. Direct link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jB02S975vM&ab_channel=OTAP-RSOI
Learn about AAC myths and strategies to combat them in this archived webinar by Drs. Maryann Romski and Rose Sevick. We are grateful to the presenters and to USSAAC and ISAAC for this important presentation. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMmsC4nHlKA&ab_channel=InternationalSocietyforAugmentativeandAlternativeCommunication%28ISAAC%29
Learning to integrate AAC into typical daily routines takes time and a little support. In today’s featured video, provided by PRC Saltillo, Heather Prenovost and Beth Waite-Lafever lead us through preparing some yummy cupcakes with a touch of AAC. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AxZYnN8El0&list=PL-7d4kfMclvg1UwdKNR8fxVtaj-oURh6G&index=33&ab_channel=PRC-SaltilloAACApps Resources mentioned in the video include a Stepping Stones to AAC Organization Tool and Reference Sheet. You can download the manual communication boards below. WordPower 96 location Board Unity 84 Sequenced Board LAMP Words for Life Board Many thanks to Beth, Heather, and PRC Saltillo for making and sharing this fun video.