Strategies, tools, and implementation tips. SLP Maureen Nevers packed a lot into this terrific video on AAC strategies. Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m9Qow6kWN8
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: implementation
It has been so exciting to see that AAC learners are increasingly provided with communication boards, books, SGDs, and apps that feature a robust set of core vocabulary words. For many years, ‘providing AAC’ used to mean access to topic and choice boards or activity-specific communication displays (ABCDs). Now, we recognize the limitations of those approaches and do our best to move beyond them in favor of more linguistically robust options. AAC systems with core vocabulary that is organized to support the development of a motor plan allows learners to build and grow their skills over time. For a long time, the AAC field has known that providing access to appropriate tools (in this case, a core vocabulary set) is only the first step toward successful use of augmentative communication. Providing it is necessary but not sufficient for most AAC learners to develop any sort of linguistic competence. For... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: AAC intervention, implementation, language therapy
As we’ve mentioned before, The Angelman Syndrome Foundation has done an amazing job of supporting the development of instructional videos on building early communication through AAC. In this week’s featured video, we hear from SLP Maureen Nevers who helps us understand how our own interaction styles can support or impede learners who are not yet fluent with their AAC systems. Whether you are an experienced interventionist or new to the journey of supporting AAC learners, there are lots of helpful suggestions in this video. Many thanks to the ASF for making these videos available to professionals and parents around the world. You can see other posts featuring videos from their communication series here. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0pUzJdWcBU&index=12&list=PLihsTkrStCHZVZBHDC0Qr7z10cYWC0ltx
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: implementation
Today, we return to The Watson Institute for information on the implementation of visual supports. Their style of creating brief video explanations focused on specific strategies makes these clips perfect for sharing with colleagues and families. Visual Support Power of Pairing: Reinforcers with Visual Supports Build Your Own Schedule: A Structured Choice Strategy You can browse through previous posts featuring the work from this fine team here.
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: implementation, visual supports
Novice or expert Parent or professional Generalist or specialist No matter what our differences, we share a common goal of helping AAC learners move forward on the path to better language and literacy. We can all do a little more to help people with AAC needs achieve their potential. Here are some things ideas to get us moving. Find a new use for a retired, abandoned, or under-utilized tool. Lots of us are cleaning out closets and drawers at this time of year, and we’re bound to find something that has AAC potential. It could be an old magnetic card reader (great for phonological awareness and other literacy activities), a talking switch (adds flavor to ‘word of the day activities;’ great for telling jokes, getting attention and more), or even some random picture cards (add some spice to the sensory table or hide them around to read the room). Someone’s... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: implementation, professional development, reflective practices