February 9, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
With apologies to the SGD and app designers for making things more complicated for you we offer up these wishes for the next generation of AAC devices and apps. Everything should have a readily accessible ‘un-do’ button. Seriously, folks. Are we the only ones who make mistakes? AAC devices/apps that let you pick the symbol set/system and organize the vocabulary accordingly. Variety is still the spice of life. A universal standard or convention across SGDs/apps for button shapes and color-coding, with option to customize, of course. (Isn’t it great to have your cake and be able to eat it, too?!) Built in core word libraries that make it easy to populate screens with the words we use most often ‘Smart’ templates that suggest vocabulary and organization options as you build the display. – How about you? What do you dream of in the next generation of AAC technology?
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Apps, SGD
January 14, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
I had some great conversations with families this month about AAC and how to effectively translate strategies from therapy and school to a home environment. Although their children were all different ages, had various disabilities, and used a diverse set of AAC tools, there were a couple of common elements in those conversations.One thing that played a central role was this question: What IS an AAC system? We all know the textbook definition of AAC and that it refers to a set of tools, techniques, and strategies used to enhance the communication of people with significant language difficulties. We know that AAC is often subdivided into unaided communication (including gestures, signs, movement, vocalization, etc) and aided communication (such as communication books, speech generating devices [SGDs], and choice boards).But the general case is only helpful if you’re in AAC class or studying for the PRAXIS. In clinical practice, we need to... [Read More...]
Filed under: Strategy of the Month
Tagged With: AAC system, intervention, modes of communication, Multimodal, SGD
January 13, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
We can’t resist sharing this video, posted by Communication Matters, the UK chapter of ISAAC. There have been many Cinderella remakes, but this is our favorite. And they did it with only one rehearsal. Hollywood would love to know your secret! –
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: SGD
January 6, 2012
by Robin Parker -
What better way to start a new year than by celebrating the achievement of something wonderful in the AAC world? – Hats off to the growing popularity of Avaz, the first commercially available AAC device developed in India. Avaz was put through its paces at Vidya Sagar (formerly the Spastic Society of India) where students with cerebral palsy used the device and gave feedback to the developers. – Earlier this year, the MIT Technology Review recognized one of its primary developers, Ajit Narayanan of Invention Labs, in its prestigious TR35 List, which applauds 35 innovators under 35 years of age. The device is already in use in 9 schools and centers around India. There is currently at least one study looking at its effectiveness with children who have significant communication difficulties. – Congratulations to the team at Invention Labs. We know that you will continue to change many lives and look forward to seeing Avaz in... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: SGD