Alphabet EVERYWHERE! (Including the Bathroom)

You just never know when you might need to use the alphabet, to spell a word, or just model first letter clues.  This is an example of a mockup of a student's Big Keys keyboard, printed in color, laminated, and placed around the house.  I took a picture of the one resting on the towel rack in the bathroom.

Quick and easy!!

Idea from Dr. Gretchen Hanser

 

Oregon Assistive Technology Conference, February 8 & 9

Where:  Salem Convention Center, Salem, OR

When:  February 8 & 9, 8 - 3:45 each day

Who:  Speakers include Gayl Bowser, Mike Marotta, and Caroline Musselwhite

How Much:  $190 for 2 day fee, or $125 for one day
Full-time college students or parents of children with disabilities:  2 day fee is only $125!
A limited number of Parent Scholarships are available!!

OTAP Save the Date Flyer


Conference Registration Page

SHARED READING: It's All About the Interaction!

This FREE Webinar is part of the Angelman Communication Training series.

What:  60 minute interactive webinar will cover shared reading for students with disabilities, with a focus on students with Angelman Syndrome.  A key focus will be on connecting shared reading and using core language on AAC systems.

When:  Thursday, January 14, 2016, noon-1 EST

Who:  Dr. Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite

Link:  Shared Reading webinar registration

Great Supports for AAC Modeling at Home

Dana Gaeckle Nieder has shared some great data forms, along with social networking, to support families in modeling AAC with their children.

Find her tips & tools here:
Uncommon Sense Blog: Data for Modeling

The photo below shows a sample data form.  It's very simple, but includes lots of information.  Enjoy!

Core 5 Webinar: ME MAKE GET LOOK

Angelman Communication Training Series:
Core 5 Webinar

What:  This hour-long webinar introduces strategies for supporting set 5 of the top 40 core words (DLM™ list, from the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies).  Key ideas for this webinar are:
• Empowering students to direct their support, thereby promoting self-advocacy
• Connecting these high-frequency words to shared reading and phonemic awareness

Who:  Dr. Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite and Erin Sheldon

Where:  Follow this link to watch the webinar:
Core 5 Webinar

Find the related book here:  Get Set for a Pet

(Almost) Free Workshop in St. Louis - Balanced Lit Overview, January 29, 2016

Topic:  The Balanced Literacy Overview for Students with Disabilities - Apps Included!

Location:  St. Louis, Missouri

Sponsor:  Fontbonne University, Alexander Graham Bell Academy, College of Education and Allied Health Professions, Communication Disorders and Deaf Education

Date / Time:  January 29, 2016, 8:30 - 3:30

CEUs:  Alexander Graham Bell Academy and ASHA CEUs

Fee:  $10!!

Registration Link:  
https://fontbonne.wufoo.com/forms/professional-forum/ 

Down with Demands; Up with Invitations!

Demands?

Too often, we make unrelenting demands on individuals who use AAC

- Show me _______

- Where is ________

- Direct Questions:  'What do you want?'  'How do you feel?'

- Drill & Kill - constant inauththentic activities

This can be overwhelming to students who are learning AAC, and may be impossible for students with apraxia.

Instead of constant demands, let's change to . . . 

Invitations!

Invitations means that we:

- Motivate (fun, interactive, authentic activities)

- Model 

- Reflect ('I think you're saying __________'; 'Are you telling me _______?')

- Pause (expectantly)

- Move on!  If students don't respond, we continue to motivate, model, reflect and pause!

For more information and ideas, watch the webinars of the Angelman Communication Training Series.

Angelman Communication Training Project