Young or old, working or not, parent or professional. We could all use some good news these days so when Chris Bugaj reached out about his parody of John Krasinski’s YouTube show Some Good News, we knew it had to be shared. Enjoy some Good AAC News! You can learn more about Co-VidSpeak, including how to access it, here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSVI2yEbf2M&feature=youtu.be
Filed under: Video of the Week
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the Covid-19 situation is the necessity of separating desperately ill patients from their loved ones. In most instances, visitors are not allowed or are severely limited. The sense of isolation makes this terrible situation worse, both for patients and for families. So several weeks ago when I first saw the prototype for Co-VidSpeak, I could instantly see its potential to make life more tolerable for patients who are unable to speak and their families. In today’s post, you can learn more about Co-VidSpeak from its founders, Bill Binko (LessonPix) and Brian Whitmer (CoughDrop) who are offering this at no cost to eligible individuals. If you are so inclined, please consider supporting their efforts through a donation (details below). Another way that you can make a meaningful contribution to these efforts is to share this with healthcare providers, especially those with decision-making power in... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
We’re back with another post featuring learning resources about AAC apps, software, and SGDs. This week, we’ll look at CoughDrop, an open source AAC program, and hear from a young clinician who uses it in her work. If you are new to CoughDrop, consider taking a little time to get to know it using the links below. Ready to explore? Here are some resources to get you started. Video overview Links to various versions: iOS app; Android app; Windows 64-bit; Windows 32-bit; Kindle app Video Tutorials Where to go for help: Support Requests; Contact page; Frequently Asked Questions My Experience with CoughDrop by Samantha Cutler Primarily, I’d like to issue a disclaimer that I am in no way affiliated with CoughDrop nor do I receive any financial gain from them. It is merely a program that I enjoy using and I wanted to share my experience with the AAC community. In the... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC app, open source, Teach Me Tuesday
Isn’t it amazing how sophisticated some of the SGDs and AAC apps have become? We all realize the importance of looking at their features and making selections based on assessment information and data from trial periods. Beyond that, there are features that are important to us as interventionists. Here are some to look for as you explore AAC apps and traditional SGDs. Data collection: The history feature is very helpful, but many high tech SGDs and AAC apps can be configured to gather additional data that we can use for a variety of purposes. Busy professionals appreciate this information and can use it in their assessments and goal-setting. Data analysis: A few AAC software programs and apps even help us make sense of the data that is gathered. This allows us to adjust our therapy and support plans to better meet the needs of our clients. Easy and reliable back-up:... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC app, feature match, SGD, the fives
What is more amazing than seeing kids with AAC needs become competent communicators? How about seeing the next generation of SLPs become competent in AAC?! It is over-the-moon exciting to think of how many lives we could touch if more SLP students became passionate about AAC. Today, we add to our series called PrAACtically SLPs, where we hand the reins to students studying to be SLPs who’ve taken a special interest in AAC. This post is authored by Stephanie Johnson and her colleague Brianna Simmons, two Australian student Speech Pathologists from Macquarie University. They recently completed a clinical placement at Lifestart, an agency that supports children and young people living with disability. Because many of the children on their caseloads had significant communication challenges, AAC options became an important focus of their intervention. In this post, they tell us about their journey learning to use an AAC app with some of their clients. Please... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC app, Brianna Simmons, Macquarie University, Proloquo2Go, SLP students, SLP2B, Stephanie Johnson
If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night sweating over one of your AAC clients who doesn’t have a back-up communication tool, then this post is for you. Jeanne Tuthill is back with another prAACtical suggestion, this time on the importance of ensuring that people with AAC needs have communication options when their technology isn’t available or appropriate. In keeping with the generous spirit of the AAC field, Jeanne also shares her files for this project. Enjoy! How I Do It: Making a Back-up for High Tech AAC Each time I teach my graduate class I try to invite at least one AAC user in as a guest speaker to share their story with the students in the class. It never ceases to fill my students with awe and appreciation for the challenges that AAC users face on a daily basis. My students often list it as... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC app, back-up, high tech, Jeanne Tuthill, LAMP Words for Life, SGD
Today, we’re learning about Scene and Heard by TBox Apps. User Guide Introductory Video by TBox Download Other Scenes Adding Videos to Scenes Creating an Index of Scenes Recorded Webinars on Predictable Where To Go for Help: info@tboxapps.com
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC app, Scene and Heard, Teach Me Tuesday
Looking for an app with a very different approach to AAC? Join us in learning about AACORN, developed collaboratively with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. General Product Information Video Overview Facebook Page Twitter: @aacorn Where to Go for Help: devteam@aacorn.co
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Learn all about LAMP Words for Life™ App by Prentke Romich Company (PRC) through these great resources. General Product Information Quick Start Guide Tutorials, videos, and support About LAMP Converting Files to Use with Other PRC Devices Where to Go for Help PRC Home
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC app, Words for Life App
Learn all about the TouchChat apps. There are a range of great options with the TouchChat Suite of apps. Keep calm and learn on with these great resources. TouchChat Introduction Video TouchChat Manual and Quick Reference Guide Spanish TouchChat User’s Guide TouchChat Editor (for programming on computer that runs Windows) Where to Go for Help (see Support Topics on right side), blog, email, and newsletter
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking