Learn how to design and develop an inclusive learning environment by adopting a process of selection and implementation of augmentative/alternative communication systems using a multi-tiered system of supports.
Learning Objectives
Define the Specific Language System First Approach to AAC
Explore the evidence base for adopting and implementing the Specific Language System First Approach to AAC
Examine the connections between a Multi-Tiered System of Supports and the Specific Language System First Approach to AAC
School districts often struggle to develop consistent practices for meeting the assistive needs of students receiving special education services. This fun yet professional book will help PK-12 educators learn a process to improve how they consider, select, and implement technology to help all students!
This book:
Provides a methodology for transforming educators into experience designers by adopting a mindset of inclusive practices.
Details how an educational team can effectively request assistance to determine technology needs.
Explains how to provide assistance by coaching an educational team through a process to make informed decisions about technology needs.
Describes a proactive approach to professional development for individuals and for those who train others on the use of technology.
Assists individuals or teams in creating an action plan for developing a culture of inclusion.
Interweaves stories, songs, games, activities and other exciting features to make the experience of reading the book fun!
The New Assistive Tech is a catalyst for breaking down walls between special education and general education, and will help all educators realize they have tech knowledge (and can build upon that knowledge) that can be used to support all students, including those with disabilities.
This week I was invited to present an hour long webinar for YappGuru University’s AAC After Work series. The series featured a number of internationally known presenters who work in the field of Augmentative/Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology. I presented Five Necessary Components of Effective AAC Implementation. You can find the slide deck by going to http://bit.ly/ygu5aac.
The webinar was recorded and can be purchased through YappGuru University by going to http://bit.ly/ygu5aaccourse. YappGuru University offers .10 ASHA CEUs for successful completion.
Below are some of the comments from some live participants:
“OMG I love the house/door thing!!! I need to use this with current parents!”
“These memes!!! I love it!”
“This was one of the best, most effective presentations I have seen!”
“Most excellent presentation! Loved it!”
“Thank you for all the information that was great!”
Episode #155 features a recording of a conversation between Chris and his wife Melissa which takes place during a baby sitting session. The episode explores early language development and describes the strategy of Aided Language Stimulation (ALgS) necessary for teaching language to a user of augmentative/alternative communication.
A.T.TIPS in this Episode –
A.T.TIP #488: Model on the AAC device.
Also, here’s a video that explains Aided Language Stimulation:
This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click on the banner above to learn about the amazing Read&Write products.
Episode Overview –
Episode #154 features a discussion on the concept of using motor plans and motor memory to become automatic at using an AAC device.
A.T.TIPS in this Episode –
A.T.TIP #486: Plan for motor memory right from the onset of device implementation.
A.T.TIP #487: Don’t mess with the motor plan once established.
Attribution Notification – Portions of the following musical tracks were used in this episode:
This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click on the banner above to learn about the amazing Read&Write products.
Episode Overview –
Episode #153 features a discussion on which vocabulary to target when teaching language to a student who uses an augmentative/alternative communication device. This is the episode for Better Hearing and Speech Month of 2016.
A.T.TIPS in this Episode –
A.T.TIP #484: Use open-ended questions rather than closed questions. Try this exercise to practice!
A.T.TIP #485: Converse with device users in such a way that allows them to respond using the most frequently used vocabulary.
This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click on the banner above to learn about the amazing Read&Write products.
Episode Overview –
Episode #152 is a discussion on how to teach language by breaking it down into component parts and structuring lessons around language concepts.
A.T.TIPS in this Episode –
A.T.TIP #481: Developing a plan to target one or two words per week (or so) building up to more complex/grouped language concepts.
Sample Planning Sheet
Targetted Word – Put
Numbers in Language Opportunities column are minimum opportunities
to use the targetted word
TIME
ACTIVITY
LANGUAGE OPPORTUNITIES
8:00 – 8:30
Morning Circle
Attendance – Where to put others (5)
Calendar – Where to put # day (5)
Weather – Where to put clothes on character (5)
8:30 – 9:00
Science
Plants – Soil in cup (3), seeds in soil (5), water in soil (2), plant near window (1)
9:00 – 9:30
Storytime
Story w/ “put” – Grocery shopping. Put in basket (3), put on belt (3), put in bag (1) put in car (1), put in house (1), put away (3)
9:30 – 10:00
Snack
Plate on table (1), cup on table (1), Put on plate (5), put in cup (5), put in hand (5), put top on (1), put in mouth (5), put away (1)
10:00 – 10:30
Art
Paper on table (1), paint on table (3), brush on table (1), water in cup (1), water on table (1), smock on (1), paint on brush (5), brush on paper (5), brush in water (5), paper away (1), paint away (3), brush away (1), water away (1), smock off (1)
10:30 – 11:00
Maths
Addition – Squares on board (10), Group squares (10), Numbers to match squares (10)
A.T.TIP #482: Plan for at least 100 structured experiences to expose and use the targeted word or language concept.
A.T.TIP #483: Teaching language is more like building a house than unlocking a door.
The Compendium Blog of The A.T.TIPSCAST 