February 6, 2017
by Carole Zangari -
If you haven’t been following the AT Makers movement, you might want to check out the wonderful projects and activities of this group. In this post, founder Bill Binko shows us how to use 3-D printing to adapt camera mounts for switches to make an affordable solution for those with access difficulties. Wait, what? You don’t have a 3-D printer? We love Bill’s suggestion of collaborating with robotics clubs and STEM groups at local high schools, scouting organizations, or community agencies who have the skills and equipment to make this happen. They are usually quite receptive to projects that help others. The design for this adaptation is shared freely with a Creative Commons/Attribution/Share license, making it a great project for students, church groups, scouts, and others. If you give this a try, be sure to go to their Facebook page to share your project. Tag us so we can see what... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: access, assistive technology, DIY, makers, mounting, switch
January 19, 2017
by Carole Zangari -
As a speech-language pathologist, most of my attention goes to strategies for building language and communication, but there is, of course, much more to AAC. The Independent Living Centre Western Australia (ILC) has a wonderful set of resources that focus on the operational aspects of AAC, a critical area for many individuals with complex communication needs. This is a great site to check out for ‘how-to’ information on how to help AAC users develop skills with direct selection (eye gaze, touch screen) and scanning. Many thanks to ILC and the Unlocking Abilities Project for making these available.
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: access, direct selection, eye gaze, Scanning, switch
June 29, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Nothing makes us smile like learning about AAC-related content from people who use technology to communicate their message to the world. In this post, we hear about and from film maker Christopher Hill. Take a peek at his presentation at the ILT 2014 conference. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFieqM09nSQ#t=510l
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: alternative access, Christopher Hill, ILT 2014, switch
June 24, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
If you’re like most SLPs, you didn’t learn a lot about teaching clients to use alternative access in your graduate program. This resource document from the ACE Centre North provides a great overview of switch skills and includes a number of prAACtical intervention tips. Take a look! Direct link to handout: http://acecentre.org.uk/Websites/aceoldham/images/InfoSheets/DevelopingSwitchingSkills.pdf
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: access, ACE Centre North, alternative access, resources, switch
May 7, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
We continue our celebration of Better Hearing and Speech Month (#BHSM) with our Fresh Look series. In this post, we are delighted to share the insights of SLP Amy Roman, whose expertise in AAC supports for people with ALS is well-known. During the past 13 years, Amy has been a member of the multidisciplinary care team at San Francisco’s Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center. The AAC Program she developed at the Norris Center was awarded Program of the Year by the California Speech and Hearing Association in 2010. Through her private practice, she also provides AAC direct services and phone/skype consultations to individuals, caregivers and therapists. In addition, Amy is the Director of the Golden West ALS Association’s AAC Lending Library. She is also the author of AlphaCore© communication software available on DynaVox speech generating devices. Amy has presents workshops and at conferences on clinical and research topics in AAC.... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: access, alerting system, ALS, Amy Roman, BHSM, call chime, Fresh Look, laser pointer, pALS, switch, switches