I can...see spring coming!

We’ve had a long cold snowy winter, but Spring must be just around the corner. March will hopefully bring warmer weather and that will allow us all to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Take a walk, ride a bike, visit the park. Here are some events and suggestions for activities that everyone can enjoy. 

Mud, bugs, planting seeds and butterflies…lots of things to think about in Spring. Check for ready-made activities for your students on manufacturer’s websites. Ablenet shares lots of ideas through the Wiz for students to develop literacy and communication skills, using tools that are readily available. For example “Who is in the Mud?” is an art activity, reading activity and just good messy fun, resulting in the development of a book for the classroom.

Just go to www.ablenetinc.com and click on “Spring” as your activity theme in the Wiz.

And even though it’s maybe not quite as much fun as biking, planting seeds and walking in the Road Races… March is a time to start thinking about Taxes! Check online or with your accountant about AAC items listed as allowable medical expenses, for example: 

“Voice recognition software used by a person who has an impairment in physical functions. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that the expense is necessary because of that impairment”.

“Bliss symbol boards or similar devices used by a person who has a speech impairment to help the person communicate by selecting the symbols or spelling out words - prescription required”.

Little Bytes:

• Keep up-to-date on current events and resources through the TVCC Resource Centre Blog Spot. Find out about new resources - books, videos, DVDs, etc. http://tvccresourcecentre.blogspot.com/
• Check out the TVCC Youth for Youth Facebook page to find out about what they’ve got going on.  www.facebook.com/pages/...TVCCs-Youth-for-Youth/133323800055242

Light Tech Ideas

• Here’s one for your Step-by-Step: “What is out on the lawn all summer and is Irish?” “Paddy O’Furniture!”

I Can…be a Star!
Congratulations to Hunter King, Victoria Oke and Usborne Public School in Exeter. The entire school participated in an AAC Awareness presentation. Everyone had great ideas about how to talk with and listen to someone who uses different ways to communicate.  

Resources:

·    http://www.assistiveware.com/pictello.php create talking photo albums with this new app, to share your holiday memories with others on your iPod or iPad.

·    Find out how plans are shaping up in the Kilometres for Communication event and how you can join in at http://kilometresforcommunication.com/participate Support Skye’s endeavor to cycle across Canada to meet with alternative communicators, raise awareness and funds. Starting in May through August, 2011, Skye will cycle from coast to coast, accompanied by his brother Kerr (an artist, activist and presenter who speaks with AAC) in a bike trailer for some parts of the journey when it’s safe and possible.