Tag Archive: self-determination
October 28, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
How can we best empower people with AAC needs to achieve their goals, become autonomous, and fully develop their sense of self? Today, we learn from Stephanie Faso, a graduate student in Communication Studies at San Francisco State University, who discusses this topic and ways in which ableism impacts our perception of individuals with AAC needs. This presentation was hosted by USSAAC with the support of ISAAC. We are grateful to those organizations and to Stephanie for this important webinar. You can download the handout for this session here. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCjY9e2mUxc&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=InternationalSocietyforAugmentativeandAlternativeCommunication%28ISAAC%29
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: & Empowerment, AAC Users & Perspectives, advocacy, self-advocacy, self-determination, video
July 4, 2019
by Carole Zangari -
in·de·pend·ence /indəˈpendəns/ noun 1. the fact or state of being independent. synonyms: self-government, self-rule, home rule, self-determination, sovereignty, autonomy, freedom, liberty What does independence mean to the AAC users in your world? Beth Moulam shared her thoughts on this years ago and we still love sharing them. ‘ Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnglMLoLWqU
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: self-determination
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...]
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: adulthood, post-school, self-advocacy, self-determination, transition
November 19, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Here’s a conundrum. Personal autonomy is an important component of happiness and well-being, yet it may be hard to come by for people who use AAC. How can we give some power back to our AAC learners so that they have more control of their own circumstances? One way is to provide them with the language that enables them to push back on us and/or assert their own influence on situations. Some individuals have the language in their AAC system already but need instruction and support in learning to say the kinds of things that allow them to advocate for themselves. We can also provide AAC learners with prestored messages that help them stick up for themselves, and teach them when and how to use those. Here are some examples to consider. Take a look and see if there are any that may help your AAC learners achieve more personal... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: control, prestored messages, self-advocacy, self-determination
December 15, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: advocacy, self-advocacy, self-determination
July 14, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
There are some organizations and projects that just amaze us with the work that they do. Today, we are looking at one of those, Communication Disabilities Access Canada, led by Barbara Collier. They have a wonderful array of resources that address important topics related to safety, self-determination, advocacy, and more. Here are two of our favorites. Communication Boards Making and Using Communication Access Cards You can follow them on Facebook, too.
Filed under: Strategy of the Month
Tagged With: accesss, advocacy, Communication Disabilities Access Canada, safety, self-determination
July 1, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
Last month we discussed strategies for building language skills with people who use AAC. Learning to use those skills to speak up and advocate for yourself is another process altogether. In this week’s feature videos, we share a link to the work of Dr. Pat Mirenda, hosted on the wonderful SET-BC site. –
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: ASD, developmental disability, positive behavior support, self-determination