Tag Archives: Augmentative Alternative Communication

The Specific Language System First Approach to AAC Online Course is Now Available

The Specific Language System First Approach to AAC Online Course is Now Available!

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

  1. Define the Specific Language System First Approach to AAC
  2. Explore the evidence base for adopting and implementing the Specific Language System First Approach to AAC
  3. Examine the connections between a Multi-Tiered System of Supports and the Specific Language System First Approach to AAC

 

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #155: ALgS or Model, Model, Model

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by the ebook version of
The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology

Cover for The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools

Episode Overview –

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:

Upcoming Live Presentations

Contact Information

attipscast@gmail.com
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A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #154: Planning for Motor Memory

Texthelp advertisement

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:

Upcoming Live Presentations

ISAAC Conference in Toronto, Canada – August 2016

AAC Practitioners in the 21st Century: Leveraging Our Efforts through Social Media and Digital Technologies (with Carole Zangari)

4 panel comic with a genie and a lamp. Panel 1 - Genie says "You rubbed the magic lamp! Make a wish!". Panel 2 - Genie says, "What? No! I won't let you waste your wish on that!" Panel 3 - Genie says, "If you wish to learn about digital tech you don't need me!" Panel 4 - Genie says, "Go to Carole's and Chris's Precon at ISAAC on August 6th instead!" In the bottom there is text that reads "sign up today! http://bit.ly/isaacprecons

Liberator AAC Summit – Melbourne, Australia – July 2016

Contact Information

attipscast@gmail.com
Register as a fan of the show to receive
e-mail alerts for new episodes

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A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #109: The Magic LAMP

Episode Overview-

Episode #109 features a discussion of the approach to augmentative / alternative communication known as Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP).

This episode also features a bumper from Lucas McCarty.

A.T.TIPS in this Episode –

A.T.TIP #312 – Be goofy to coax communication

A.T.TIP #313 – Keep symbols where they are on an AAC device

A.T.TIP #314 – Use of a key guard to help with targeting difficulties on an AAC device

A.T.TIP #315 – Start with the most cells as possible when implementing an AAC device

A.T.TIP #316 – Place semantically similar words apart on an AAC device

A.T.TIP #317 – Using or combining phonetically similar words in lieu of additional fringe symbols

A.T.TIP #318 – Show teams “end user” videos, like the one below…

Example: Lucas McCarty uses LAMP to communicate his dream

Mentioned In This Episode –

Only God Could Hear Me Trailer – Documentary featuring Lucas McCarty

Year of Our Lord: Faith, Hope, and Harmony in the Mississippi Delta – Book by T.R. Pearson about Lucas McCarty

Picture of the ATEval2Go Vendor Session at ATIA 2013 (Thanks to @Briandowd for snapping the panoramic pic)

Chris presents ATEval2Go at

Upcoming Presentations

REGISTER NOW!

Logo for ISTE's Course on UDLUniversal Design for Learning – ISTE 6 Week Online Course – Starts February 18th, 2013. Each week features new strategies and resources for implementing the principles of Universal Design for Learning into your institution.

Contact Information-

About.me/chrisbugaj

Twitter.com/attipscast

attipscast@gmail.com

Register as a fan of the show to receive e-mail alerts for new episodes

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #51: Bitstrips for Pragmatic Language

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #51 features a discussion about the different uses of comics to address pragmatic language difficulties.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #83: Bitstrips.com – Comic Generator

Bitstrip comic where student is presented with choices to a girl who dropped her books

Pragmatic Language Practice Activity

Check out this tutorial on using Bitstrips.com from Palm Breeze Cafe

Resources regarding Pragmatic Language from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Contact Information-

A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and Classroom 2.0

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter.com/attipscast

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #48: Vozme

 

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #48 features an interview with the free to use website Vozme.com.  To my knowledge, this is the first time in history when a person actually got a sit-down interview with an actual website. Vozme.com and I discuss strategies for using the website to create .mp3 files from text.

The episode features a bumper from Christine Southard and Lisa Parisi who are two fifth grade inclusion teachers in Long Island, New York.  I was fortunate enough to meet Christine and Lisa at NECC 09 and attend their presentation about the tools they use to differentiate instruction for the students in their classroom.  It was at their presentation where I learned about Vozme.com.

Podcast Hosting

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #47: x2

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #47 features an interview with Proby Patel, a fourth year medical student at Ross University.  Proby and I discuss strategies for managing the massive amounts of content students experience.  Specifically, we discuss the uses of speed controls of digital media players to help students experience content faster.

Headshot of Proby Patel

Proby Patel

The episode features a bumper from Brian Wojcik who is the special education/assistive technology center coordinator at Illinois State University.  For some reason the embed code isn’t working for the video of Brian’s bumper but you can watch it directly from here: Brian Wojcik Bumper.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #73: Variable Playback Speeds for Digital Media Players

In Windows Media Player, version 11, open the file you want to watch.  Click on the Now Playing tab, then Enhancements, and then Play Speed Settings to control the playback speed.

Screenshot of Windows Media Player

Screenshot of Windows Media Player

 

Additional Resources Mentioned-

1. http://iste.org/setsig – The Special Education Technology Special Interest Group from the International Society for Technology in Education (also known as ISTE).  The SETSIG’s website has a wiki with links to ongoing discussions about using technology for students in special education as well as a handy assistive technology primer.

2. Windows Media Player 11 Keyboard Shortcuts – Note: Shortcuts may vary based on the version of Windows Media Player you are using.

3. Quicktime 7 Keyboard Shortcuts – Note: Shortcuts may vary based on the version of Quicktime you are using.

4. Real Player Keyboard Shortcuts – Note: Shortcuts may vary based on the version of Real Player you are using.

Upcoming Presentations-

Alternative Professional Development – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15pm-10:15pm EST

Contact Information-

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com/attipscast.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #46: Wordtalk

 

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #46 features another excerpt from the presentation for the Individual Differences in Learning Association in Howard County, Maryland.  This excerpt describes WordTalk; a free text-to-speech plug-in for Microsoft Word.

The episode features a bumper from Karen Janowski who is an assistive technology consultant, an assistive technology specialist for a school district in Massachusetts, adjunct faculty member at Simmons College, and school board member in her town.  She is also one of the innovators behind the UDLTechToolKit wiki, which contains a plethora of resources useful for differentiating instruction.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #72: WordTalk

WordTalk is a free text-to-speech add-in for Microsoft Word. You can find all the details about which versions of Word it works with along with other frequently asked questions, installation instructions and more over at the WordTalk download page.

1. WordTalk SlideShare Tutorial –  This tutorial, created by Paul Hamilton, describes everything you need to know about WordTalk.

 

Additional Resources Mentioned-

1. www.iste.org/chewat – Select “Notify Me” to sign up to get an e-mail reminder when the book comes out.

2. Eight is Enough Presentation – This is the slideshow I used during the presentation for IDL.

3. 2009 Edublog Award Winners – Congratulations to all of the winners!  Let me recommend you head over there to check out all of the nominations and winners. The A.T.TIPSCAST placed seventh out of 26 in the category of “Best Educational Use of Audio“.

4. CliCk, Speak – A free, open source text-to-speech extension for the Firefox web browser.

5. Text-to-Speech in OpenOfficeOpen Office is a free suite of programs including a word processing program.  OO Text To Speech is a free download for this program.

6. Word Magnets – Type or paste text (words or letters) into a box that then makes each word (or letter) a separate moveable object.  Perfect for word scrambles or sentence generation on an interactive whiteboard.

Screenshot of Word Magnets

Drag words to make sentences

screen shot of word magnets

Drag letters to make words

Upcoming Presentations-

Alternative Professional Development – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15pm-10:15pm EST

Contact Information-

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com/attipscast.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #44: Alternative Professional Development @ PUWT09

 

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #44 is up for your listening pleasure and boy is it a doozy! It clocks in at just under 42 minutes!  Yikes! Episode #44 is kind of a unique episode because it features a recording of a live event. Back on November 14th I was lucky enough to attend the Powering Up with Technology Conference in Prince George’s County Maryland.  At that conference I presented a session called Alternative Professional Development.  I use the term “presented” loosely because, although I was listed as the presenter, the session was more of an integrated brainstorming session.  I was more of the moderator for the discussion than a presenter.  During the session we tried to outline some of the common problems with staff development happening in public schools and then try to come up with some solutions.  During the course of the discussion a bunch of great ideas were mentioned about how to address some of the problems with the typical professional development model.  Furthermore, a number of concrete resources are mentioned that can be used to assist students.  You can access the entire presentation as generated by the audience here:  Alternative Professional Development Presentation from PUWT09.

The episode also features a bumper from Robin Lesht who is a speech-language pathologist from Mount Prospect, Illinois. I met Robin at ATIA 09 where we shared different experiences working in the field of speech-language pathology.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #67: Document Holder from Inverted CD case and Alligator Clip

 

Many a student has strained their neck transposing a handwritten assignment onto the computer because the paper was flat on the desk.  To alleviate the neck strain people started to use document holders so that they didn’t have to constantly shift their field of vision from the paper to the screen and back again.  Sure, you could go out and spend money on a fancy, commercial document holder or you could take an unused CD case that you probably have lying around, flip it over so the hinged cover is upright and then fasten the paper to it with an alligator clip.  Done and done, instant document holder.

  Document Holder from inverted CD case

A.T.TIP #68: www.educatus.com

This website provides over 1000 pre-made lessons/presentations on a wide variety of curricular topics.  The media-rich presentations are similar to a PowerPoint presentation and each one is available to be viewed online via your web browser.  Each presentation is useful as a pre-learning activity where students could be asked to independently review content before a class discussion, as an alternative source of content to complement or supplement another lesson, or as a follow-up/review activity at the end of a lesson.

A.T.TIP #69: www.voki.com

This website allows you to create an animated talking head.  Use text-to-speech or record a voice to have the voki speak the message.  Vokis could be used by a teacher to introduce a lesson, give verbal instructions for an assignment, record reminders to students, provide feedback and more!  Vokis could be used by a student as an alternative means of expression for presentations, practicing conversations, or demonstrating knowledge.  Check out these ideas on how to use Voki in your classroom from The Edublogger.

Check out a Voki I created.

A.T.TIP #70: www.blabberize.com

This website allows you to upload a picture, select a portion of that picture that will move (usually a mouth), and then record a message.  When the message is played back, the selected area will move in time with the message.  Blabberize can be used in similar ways as Vokis.  It could be used by a teacher to introduce a lesson, give verbal instructions for an assignment, record reminders to students, provide feedback and more!  It could be used by a student as an alternative means of expression for presentations, practicing conversations, or demonstrating knowledge.

Check out a video I made in Blabberize

Additional Resources Mentioned-

1. Loudoun County Public Schools’ Assistive Technology Video Archive

2. Evidence that high-speed Internet access is not ubiquitous.

3. More evidence that high-speed Internet access is not ubiquitous.

4. www.delicious.com – Social Bookmarking Site.  Note that the A.T.TIPSCAST uses delicious to share resources on the left side of the page.

5. www.Prezi.com – A new and interesting way to create a presentation.  Information is presented on one large canvas and you zoom into different areas of the canvas to view the information.

6. www.tinyurl.com – A useful way of making long URLs shorter.  Shortened URLs are easier for users to remember (like www.tinyurl.com/nlsstories) and easier for people to type in if entering a URL from a piece of paper.

7. Tonyvincent.info – A link library of useful educational resources created by the keynote speaker of the conference, Tony Vincent.  **Corrected from original post- Tony made a comment below sharing that the site he used to present at the conference was http://tonysite.info ***

8. Radio WillowWeb Podcast – Radio WillowWeb is a podcast for kids
and by kids from the students at Willowdale Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska.
Each new show is called a Willowcast. Each Willowcast can be heard on WillowWeb
as an mp3 digital audio file.

9. ASHA Podcast – The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s podcast features interviews with different individuals making strides in the field of speech-language pathology and audiology

10. Quick Access Toolbar in Word 07 – Microsoft Word 07 features a quick access toolbar that can be customized, allowing for favorite tools to be shown and less used tools to be hidden.  This feature helps to reduce clutter on the screen while highlighting to students some key/important features they could be using in Word.

Upcoming Presentations-

Alternative Professional Development – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15am-10:15am EST

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #41: Listener Feedback, For Real – Part 1

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #41 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #41 features some feedback from listeners of the show.  There was too much feedback to fit into one episode so you can expect to hear more in the future.

The episode also features a bumper from Sally Norton-Darr and Judith Schoonover about the new version of CAST’s BookBuilder.  Judith and Sally will be doing workshops on this at the following professional conferences if you’re interested in attending:

ATIA 09 in Chicago, Illinois on October 28th – 31st 

Techknowledgy 09 in Richmond, Virginia – November 19 & 20

RATE in Fairfax, Virginia on November 7th

 

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #59: freesound.org

 

The Freesound Project is a collaborative database of Creative Commons licensed sounds. Freesound focusses only on sound, not songs.

Additional Resources Mentioned-

Image of Brian’s Interactive PowerPoint Presentation

Teaching All Students Blog

Upcoming Presentations-

 The Building Blocks of a Successful Assistive Technology Team presented with Sally Norton-Darr – ISTE Webinar – October 21st- 4pm – 5pm EST

Eight is Enough: Ways to Use What You Got – Clarksville, Maryland –                                                                                  November 9th – 7:30pm – 9:00pm EST

Alternative Professional Development Powering Up With Technology Conference 09 – Upper Marlboro, Maryland –  November 14th- (Time TBD)

Alternative Professional Development Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15pm-10:15pm EST

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

Halloween Party Invitation

Invitation to Halloween Party

Invitation to Halloween Party

Hello all,

The next episode should be coming out shortly but, in the meantime, something strange happened.  I received this strange invitation today when I got home from work.  Check it out:

CEInvite

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #36: CAST Book Builder Discussion

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,
Episode #36 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #36 features a discussion about Book Builder by Sally Norton-Darr, Judith Schoonover, and Mark Nichols.  They will be doing a presentation centering on the uses of Book Builder during the National Educational Computing Conference on June 29th.  They are asking that you leave a comment on this blog post talking about how you use Book Builder, improvements you would like to see to Book Builder, or anything related to your experiences with the tool.

A.T. TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #44 (Redux): Book Builder by CAST
 While you’re there, check out the book Sally and Judie created:

Sally and Judie Screenshot

Water book by Sally and Judie

Support The Cause-

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure on June 14th, 2009, sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation. If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated. Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

Upcoming Conference Presentations-

I’ll be presenting at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.
Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:
Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com
Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #35: ART of this World

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,
Episode #35 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #35 describes two websites that contain online painting programs.  The episode also features a bumper from Julie Bisbee, a speech-language pathologist from San Juan County, New Mexico.  Download the flyer for the Participatory Assistive Technology Conference being held on Monday, June 15th, 2009 at San Juan College.  Also, mentioned in this episode is the “Accessing the Artist Within” project from the Anne Carlsen Center in North Dakota.  Here is a link explaining the QIAT with a link to subscribe to the QIAT Listserv.

A.T TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #49: Sumo Paint

This is a screenshot of what Sumo Paint looks like

A.T.TIP #50: National Gallery of Art Kids Zone
Check out the student created works over in the A.T.TIPSCAST Flickr Photostream

Support The Cause-

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure on June 14th, 2009, sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation. If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated. Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

Upcoming Conference Presentations-

I’ll be presenting at the  National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.
Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:
Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com
Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #34: Digital Visual Feedback Modulators

Hey everyone,

Episode #34 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #34 describes another strategy for assisting students who have trouble maintaining appropriate volume while speaking.  The episode also features a bumper from my mom, Jackie Bugaj.  I’d like to thank Thomas F., Doug G., Michael M., Christopher C., and Timothy C. for their contributions that can be heard at the end of the episode.

A.T.TIP #48: Digital Voice Feedback Modulators

Here are some videos that further explain how to use digital voice feedback modulators.

Visual Feedback For Volume Management:

Visual Feedback With Audacity:

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation. If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated. Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

I’ll be presenting at these two upcoming conferences:

1. Teacher Researcher Conference – May 27th, 2009 in Fairfax, Virginia (Session on Strategy-A-Day Calendar on Teacher Desktops as an Agent of Change with technology resource teachers).

2. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

If I don’t get to see you at either of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #33: Voice Feedback Modulators

Hey everyone,

Episode #33 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #33 describes a strategy for assisting students who have trouble maintaining appropriate volume, rate, or pitch when speaking.  This episode is one of my contributions to Better Hearing and Speech Month by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  The episode also features a bumper from Speech Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist,  Beth Poss.  Check out the website www.matnonline.com for more information about the Maryland Assistive Technology Network as well as incredible resources related to assistive technology.  I presented on the topic of Alternative Professional Development at the MATN conference which was held on May 7th, 2009.  The presentation was an collaborative effort between myself and the audience.  Here is a PDF of what we put together during the workshop: Alternative Professional Development Presentation from MATN on May 7th, 2009.

A.T.TIP #47: Voice Feedback Modulators

Here are some sample Voice Feedback Modulators

Voice Feedback Modulator #1

Voice Feedback Modulator Sample 1

Voice Feedback Modulator Sample 1

Voice Feedback Modulator #2

Voice Feedback Modulator Sample 2
Voice Feedback Modulator Sample 2

Classroom Voice Feedback Modulator

Classroom Noise Feedback Modulator

Classroom Noise Feedback Modulator

In a case you missed it, here is the link to the video I submitted for the Better Hearing and Speech Month Video Contest for 2009 titled “2 Minute Mouths“. I didn’t win, but I had tons of fun making it and I do think it could be useful to people of all ages.

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation. If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated. Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

I’ll be presenting at these two upcoming conferences:

1. Teacher Researcher Conference – May 27th, 2009 in Fairfax, Virginia (Session on Strategy-A-Day Calendar on Teacher Desktops as an Agent of Change with technology resource teachers).

2. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

If I don’t get to see you at either of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST SPECIAL EPISODE: Big Announcement #1 – Professional Development

Hey everyone,

I’ve put together a professional development packet for you to download and use within your school or school district.  Here is how it works.

The Problem:

Educators don’t have time to stay after school for staff development, but most, drive to work.  Some educators may be reluctant to utilize new technologies, but most know how to operate a CD player.  Educators are being asked to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of every learner every day.

The Solution:

The A.T.TIPSCAST is a free podcast that provides strategies to help educators differentiate instruction.  As someone who organizes staff development workshops for your school or school district, download the episodes in each volume and burn them to a CD.  Download the question booklet for that volume, print it out, and put it with your newly burned CD.  Devise a method for distribution and then distribute to staff.  E-mail me to get a copy of the answer booklet with all the answers in it.  You’re done!

With minimal effort you’ve introduced three awareness level staff development workshops that educators can take without ever leaving their car!  That’s over 3 and a half hours worth of professional development content at your fingertips with more to come as additional volumes of the A.T.TIPSCAST are completed (Volume #4 isin production now)!

The Resources:

Download these files to make your own staff development workshop out of the A.T.TIPSCAST!

All Files For Volumes 1 – 3:

1. This file contains everything in one download: volumes123everythingincluded (PDF)

Volume 1 Separately (Episodes 1 – 9, Total Running Time  1:12:42)-

1. Question Booklet for Volume 1: volume1package (PDF)

2. CD Label for Volume 1: vol1cdlabels (PDF)

Volume 2 Separately (Episodes 10 – 18, Total Running Time 1:13:21)-

1. Question Booklet for Volume 2: volume2package (PDF)

2. CD Label for Volume 2: vol2cdlabels (PDF)

Volume 3 Separately (Episodes 19 – 26, Total Running Time 1:12:38)-

1. Question Booklet for Volume 3: volume3package (PDF)

2. CD Label for Volume 3: vol3cdlabels (PDF)

This is what it will look like when it is put together:

ATTIPSCAST CD and Booklet

ATTIPSCAST CD and Booklet

If you have any trouble with any of these files, contact me at attipscast@gmail.com and I’ll work with you to get it working!

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com as @attipscast.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #32: Gift Ideas for Students with Severe Disabilities

Hey everyone,

Episode #32 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #32 is mostly an audio version of my guest blog post over at Patrick Black’s blog Teaching All Students.  The post outlines a personal family experience while providing a number of ideas for gifts that could be given to students with severe disabilities.  It is my hope that educators who find this useful will forward it onto families who will then share it with other family members.  Embedded within the episode are a number of A.T.Tips as outlined below.

A.T.TIP #44: CAST’s UDL Book Builder

A.T.TIP #45: Playlists / CD Mixes

A.T.TIP #46: Tadalist.com

Here is my entry into the Better Hearing and Speech Month Video Contest for 2009 titled “2 Minute Mouths

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation.  If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated.  Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

I’ll be presenting at these two upcoming conferences:

1. Maryland Assistive Technology Network Conference (MATN)- May 7th in Maryland (Session on Alternative Professional Development in Assistive Technology).

2. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

If I don’t get to see you at either of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #31: Packing Peanuts

Hey everyone,

Episode #31 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #31 describes the diabolical event that happened to me on April 1st, 2009.  It also describes different ways to you use packing peanuts as assistive technology tools or to support existing assistive technology tools.

A.T.TIP #43: Packing Peanuts

Also, check out these resources associated with the different ways mentioned to use packing peanuts.

1. Deep Pressure and Weight Lifting– An article about the use of bean bag chairs as deep pressure

2. Packing Peanut Dome – Check out how this creative student used packing peanuts!  Wouldn’t this make an awesome chill-out area?

3. Lap Buddies – A school system that is creating and using lap buddies.

Oh, and here is that  picture of Yours Truly getting hit in the face with a pie…

Chris gets hit in the face with a pie

Chris gets hit in the face with a pie

I’ll be presenting at these two upcoming conferences:

1. Maryland Assistive Technology Network Conference (MATN)- May 7th in Maryland (Session on Alternative Professional Development in Assistive Technology).

2. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

If I don’t get to see you at either of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #27: Transportation Interview-Part 2

Hey everyone,
Episode #27 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #27 features the second and final part of the interview pertaining to transportation. During this part of the interview we brainstorm ideas for using technology during transportation for educational purposes.

A.T.TIP #38: Technology for Transport

Oh, and don’t forget about the conference that are quickly approaching.  I’ll be at all of the following so I hope to see you there:

1. The National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN) Conference February 17-19, in Panama City, Florida.

2. The Virginia Society For Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference– February 22-24, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

3. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st, in Washington, D.C.

If I don’t get to see you at any of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 !

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #26: Transportation Interview- Part 1

Hey everyone,
Episode #26 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #26 features the first of a two-part interview pertaining to transportation and education. During this part of the interview we discuss how transportation needs of students in special education are met in one of the largest cities in the world.

A.T.TIP #38: Technology for Transport

Also, the episode features a bumper from Sally Norton-Darr who I’ll be co-presenting a session called “Chew The P. H.A.T: Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology” with at three upcoming conferences. We hope to see you at any or all of the following:

1. The National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN) Conference February 17-19, in Panama City, Florida.

2. The Virginia Society For Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference– February 22-24, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

3. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st, in Washington, D.C.

If I don’t get to see you at any of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 !

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #25: Who’s Who?

Hey everyone,
Episode #25 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #25 discusses the creation of a Who’s Who? book that can be created for or with students which can be read over and over again to reinforce relationships, plan for transitions to new environments, or more.  The episode suggests using the photos that arrive on holiday cards to help create the booklet.

A.T.TIP #37: Who’s Who Book

Also, I’ll be co-presenting a session called “Chew The P. H.A.T: Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology” at three upcoming conferences.  I hope to see you at any or all of the following:

1. The National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN) Conference February 17-19, in Panama City, Florida.

2. The Virginia Society For Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference– February 22-24, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

3. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st, in Washington, D.C.

If I don’t get to see you at any of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet.  Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 !

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #24: Brainline.org Interview

 

Chris and Chelsea

Chris and Chelsea

Hey everyone,
Episode #24 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #24 features an interview with George Washington University graduate student Chelsea Feist who is also interning at Brainline.org.  Chelsea and I discuss how the resources on Brainline.org can help individuals, families and professionals learn more about Traumatic Brain Injury.

A.T.TIP #36: Brainline.org

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 !

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #17: Linear Visual Schedules

Hey everyone,
Episode #17 is up for your listening pleasure. In Episode #17 linear visual schedules are discussed. Below you will find examples of both horizontal and vertical linear schedules.  Enjoy!

A.T.TIP #29: Linear Visual Schedules

Horizontal:

Example of a template for a horizontal schedule

Horizontal Schedule Sample

Vertical:

Template of a vertical schedule Example of Vertical Schedule

All of these schedules were created using Boardmaker software.  If you’re like, “Hey, what the heck is Boardmaker software?” check out Mayer-Johnson’s website.

Here is a link to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fund raising site. Please click on the “Make a donation” button to donate! Even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- Make a Donation!

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show!
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #13: Communication Bridges

Hey everyone,
Episode #13 is up for your listening pleasure.  Episode #13 features a description of Communication Bridges.  A communication bridge is a way for students to talk about events that happened at school when they get home and talk about events that happened at home at school.

Here is one such example.  Note that you can use visuals in replace of the lines or the text “PE, ART, Music” in the example below.

 

Today In School I…

 

Read this book: _______________

 

Worked on __________ in Math.

 

Learned about _________ in Social Studies.

 

Had this special: PE   ART   MUSIC

The thing I enjoyed the most today was:________________________

 

Last Night At Home I…

 

Read this book: _______________

 

Worked on __________ for homework.

 

Watched ____________ on TV.

 

Had ______________ for dinner.

 

The thing I enjoyed the most last night was:________________________

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST EPISODE #12: Work Jobs

Hey everyone,
Episode #12 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #12 features a co-host, Mrs. B!  Together we discuss how vocational tasks can be implemented for any student.

You can find examples of work jobs on the following websites:

1. http://xnet.rrc.mb.ca/eceworkplace/images/workjobs-jan03group/workjobs.htm

2. http://www.hot-ideas.org/

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #11: Autosummarize in MS Word

Hey everyone,
Episode #11 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #11 describes the autosummarize feature of MS Word.  I realize that the episode is just a quick rundown of how the feature works and I didn’t really get into what you’d use it for.  I’m trying to keep the tips quick.  So, I invite you to tell me how you might use this feature or tell me how you have already used the feature.  Your story might just inspire someone else in how they could use it.  Please send me an e-mail, record a message and send it to me or post a comment here.

You can find whole tutorials on autosummarize for your version of MS Word here:

Word 2002 : http://www.microsoft.com/education/autosummarize.mspx

Word 2003: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HP051896801033.aspx

Here is a helpful dialogue about the Autosummarize feature in MS 2007: http://help.lockergnome.com/office/Word-2007-Autosummarize-Feature-ftopict901799.html but here is that same basic principle and a brief tutorial:

http://www.lockergnome.com/windows/2007/09/10/create-a-summary-of-a-document-in-word-2007/

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #10: Talking Calculator

Hey everyone,

Sorry this post is up about 24 hours late, but here it is!
Episode #10 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #10 describes the free software Talking Calculator.  You can access a link for the free download from www.premierathome.com/products/TalkingCalculator.php.

Here is a screenshot of what it looks like once it is installed:

talk-c.jpg

 

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #9: PowerTalk

Hey everyone,
Episode #9 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #9 describes the free software add-on for PowerPoint called PowerTalk.  PowerTalk is an open source, free download that reads the text on a PowerPoint presentation outloud.  You can access a link for the free download from http://fullmeasure.co.uk/powertalk/.

Once you have it installed on your computer you simply navigate to your PowerPoint presentation file, right-click and then select “Narrate With PowerTalk”.

narratewithpowertalkshot.jpg

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #8: VSTE 2008 (Top 5)- Part 2

Hey everyone,
Episode #8 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #8 is the second of a two part episode where I rank the Top 5 things I learned at the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference 2008. This episode includes:

Number 3- www.emilychang.com/go/ehub

This website is the personal website of a web designer named, Emily Change, out of San Francisco.  There is so much out there and so many new web applications updating every day, this site can keep you up to date on the latest Web 2.0 applications.

Number 2- www.soundsnap.com

This is a great resource to find free sounds.  I think one under utilized activity for students with difficulties following directions or auditory processing difficulties is listening to and discriminating between sounds.  Sounds can be used as story starters as opposed to the traditional text-based or picture based story starter.  Sound effects can be used to enhance digital storytelling activities, movie making activities, or student produced podcasts.   Adding these sounds might allow the students to feel like their production has a polished and fun quality.

Number 1- Mail Merge functions of Publisher to create Picture Dictionaries and Identification Cards

A teacher from Norfolk public schools named Jennifer Durkin presented on different ways she uses Publisher.  One strategy she showed what how you could take lists of items in Excel and Merge them with templates created in Publisher to easily make picture dictionaries and identification cards.  Picture dictionaries are a great way for students to review difficult spelling words, review vocabulary from any content area, or maintain their own “difficult for me to remember” list of words.  Identification cards are also a useful tool for students with communication difficulties.  The ID card might have saying on them like “My name is… and I am lost” or “Can you call my mom for me?  My phone number is …”.  I wrote Jennifer and she gave me permission to post her hand-outs here. vste-presentation-handout.pdf

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #7: VSTE 2008 (Top 5)- Part 1

Hey everyone,
Episode #7 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #7 is the first of a two part episode where I rank the Top 5 things I learned at the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference 2008.  This episode includes:

Number 5- www.prometheanplanet.com.  You can download free ActivStudio lessons from this website.  If you don’t have ActivStudio, you can download the free FlipChart Viewer from here: FlipChart Viewer

Number 4- www.picnik.com.  A fun online, free photo editing tool.  It is very easy to upload pictures, edit the pictures, and apply different effects to the pictures.

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #6: ReadPlease

Hey everyone,
Episode #6 is up for your listening pleasure.  Episode #6 is the first episode with the new format.  Let me know what you think.  The tip for this episode is http://www.readplease.com/.  Readplease is free piece of software that you can download.  It is a text reader/talking word processor.  That is, you can copy/paste text right into it and it will read it out loud.  You can also type right into the program and it will read it aloud.

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #5: Use Whatchya Got (LRE and UDL for a Healthy DIAT)

Hey everyone,
Episode #5 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #5 briefly explains the my take on the convergence of the educational concepts of Universal Design for Learning, Least Restrictive Environment, and Differentiating Instruction using Assistive Technology.  I also explain that future episodes will have less me talking about the principles of AT practice in public schools in favor of trying to fit in two tips per episode.  Please let me know what you think about the format change.  Good thing or bad thing for the show, what’s your take?

The tip for this week’s episode is on “Pacing Boards”.  Pacing Boards are simply circles used to facilitate language development.  You can watch a short movie on Pacing Boards here : Keeping Pace

Download a Microsoft Word document containing a Pacing Board: Three Circled Pacing Board  Three Circled Pacing Board Pic

Download a Microsoft Word document containing a Pacing Board: Six Circled Pacing Board 6 Circled Pacing Board

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!