Descriptive teaching is a strategy that is widely recommended to support AAC learners. In today’s featured video, we highlight a quick explainer video that captures the essence of this important strategy. Many thanks to Becca Eisenberg, of Language During Mealtime, for this fun video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUKE2i_VnYY&ab_channel=LanguageDuringMealtime
Happy AAC Awareness Month! Here are some posts that you may have missed in your busy week. Monday – PrAACtically October: AAC Resources for A Year of Core Vocabulary Words (Remote or In-person Learning) Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: Methods of Accessing AAC Systems Thursday – TELL ME Virtual Classrooms Friday – PráctiCAAmente Conectados Con Links – Octubre ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: While you’re here, see if one of these past posts piques your interest. PrAACtically SLPs: Hungry for Bilingual AAC Talking Mats: A PrAACtical Tool Using Metaphors to Support Vocabulary Teaching AACtual Therapy: “At first I was afraid, I was petrified…” AACtual Therapy: Running AAC Groups
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. Here are some posts that you might be interested in. Monday – TELL ME About It: AAC Learning with ‘All Are Welcome’! Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: Embedding Core Vocabulary Instruction into Emergent Literacy Routines Thursday – Looking Back at the AAC Assessment Corner :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Still have time for a little more reading? Here are some additional posts for you to explore. Beyond Requesting: Thoughts on Teaching Information Transfer How I Do It: Encouraging AAC Implementation (Lauren Enders) PrAACtical Ways to Make Decisions About Thematic Therapy Materials In the Treasure Bag: Using Sharing Time to Focus on Vocabulary AAC in Motion: Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk with Tanna Neufeld
Here in the US, a new school year is starting, and while it will look very different from the previous years, we always get excited for the opportunity to consider new educational materials. In today’s post, we’ve listed books that include characters with disabilities for those who may want to include those in their educational programs. The books in these lists vary in terms of their subject, target audience, and reading level. As with any book that you consider providing to children and youth, be sure to review it first to determine its appropriateness for the individual reader. Some of the books, particularly those for teens, have scenes that are intense and may contain mature content, and/or strong language. Note: If you have others that you would recommend, please reach out to us and we will update the list. Books Featuring Children & Youth with Disabilities AAC Dancing Daisies (2013)... [Read More...]
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. Here are some posts that you may have missed. Monday – COVID-19 Supports for AAC Users & Service Providers Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: Co-Teaching in AAC Thursday – AAC Language Activity Round-up ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Still in the mood to browse? Here are some posts on vocabulary instruction: Thoughts on Teaching Core Vocabulary (with visual support download) Using ‘Sharing Time’ to Focus on Vocabulary AAC Vocabulary Instruction Roundup 5 Things to Do to See If Your Vocabulary Instruction is Effective (And 5 Things to Do If It’s Not)
What are the different types of co-teaching? What benefits do they offer in AAC therapy? How can we use this approach? Today, we feature Annie Filla, an SLP from St. Louis, Missouri, who, in non-Covid times, uses co-teaching to facilitate AAC learning in her students. Annie’s presentation, which is part of the PRC-Saltillo webinar series, addresses these questions and more. A number of handouts accompanied this session. Co-teaching for AAC Therapy Slides Resource list Communicative competencies Data forms Prompt hierarchy Many thanks to Annie and the wonderful team at PRC-Saltillo for this presentation. Click the image below to view the video. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=233&v=XlT9UsNKKSU&feature=emb_logo
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. Here are some posts that may be of interest. Monday – Beyond AAC Modeling: 3 Things to Add to Your AAC Teaching Plan Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: Pre-Symbolic Communicators, Core Vocabulary, & Aided Language Input Thursday – PrAACtically July – AAC Resources for A Year of Core Words: The Learn-at-Home Edition :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: If you have the time, here are some past posts you may enjoy. AAC Skills Assessment for Direct Selectors Selecting AAC Apps & Devices: A Handful of Reasons Not to Skip the Trial Period Observational Assessment of Beginning Communicators Bilingual AAC Assessment Tips by Lindsay Oesch Say What?!? AAC Assessment for Children Who Speak with Dr. Jill Senner and Matthew Baud
It’s almost July and that gives us an opportunity to turn our attention to an additional set of core vocabulary. Do you know anyone who has access to AAC tools but doesn’t yet use them throughout the day? Keiran has a new AAC app that is well-populated with core vocabulary. Gabbie has had an SGD for a while but doesn’t use it as frequently as her team had hoped. Hudson is transitioning from PECS to an AAC device with more robust language. While different in many ways, each of these learners has a common need: frequent opportunities to learn about and use core vocabulary. To accomplish this, their SLPs, teachers, and families select a dozen or so core words and pay special attention to those each month. That allows them to highlight this small group of words using focused language stimulation, aided language input, and specific activities designed to teach... [Read More...]
In the US, June 19th is a day that commemorates the ending of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation became effective on January 1, 1863, it took an additional two and half years for it to take root in all of the states. It wasn’t until June 19th, 1865 that Texas became the final state to uphold the proclamation. There are other days that memorialize the freedom of enslaved people, but Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration. Traditionally marked primarily by African Americans, there is a growing awareness of Juneteenth across a broad spectrum of people. In modern times, it has become a day to gather, reflect, and celebrate African American freedom and achievement. In these troubled times, it offers us an opportunity to learn about the history and lived experiences of black Americans, examine our own commitment to build a just society, and challenge ourselves to dismantle racism at all... [Read More...]
Happy Sunday, AAC friends. Here are some posts that you may have missed. Monday – PrAACtical Resources: Virtual Calming Room Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: Engaging AAC Learners with Complex Bodies Thursday – Throwback Thursday: Strategies for Teaching AAC ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: While you’re here, check out some of these previously published posts. 5 Ways to Tell If Your Students are Becoming Competent Communicators A Look at PODD Books Using Visual Supports to Bring Music Alive Supports for When Modeling AAC is Hard AACtual Therapy: Use Your Best Spud to Teach Vocabulary With Tanna Neufeld How We Do It: Changing AAC Mindsets & Outcomes