I can...follow a blog!

We entered the world of blogging to share information online with our clients, families, colleagues.  We are thrilled to see that people from all over are reading our blog each month.  Reading blogs is a fantastic way to keep your finger on the pulse of many different topics including AAC.  In our last issue until September, we'll explore how you can follow AAC related blogs.

What is a blog?
A website on which an individual or group of users record opinions, information, etc. on a regular basis.

What are the benefits of following an AAC blog?

• Gather information about augmentative communication

• Keep up to date on the latest information

• Discover people who are interested in the same topic

• Get connected with professionals and families

What is "following"? 

Following refers to a method of subscribing to a blog so that you can be updated when new information is posted.  This means that you don't have to keep returning to the blog to see if there is anything new.

Ways to follow a blog:

E-mail: some blogs have a place where you can enter your email address and they will send you the latest update.  

• Advantages: you get the information to your personal email when it's posted.

• Disadvantages: you may be flooded with email depending on how frequently the blogger posts information and how many blogs you are following.

RSS Feeds: (Rich Site Summary) is a format for delivering regularly changing web

content. Many websites and blogs set up their content so it is available as an RSS Feed for whoever wants it.

• Advantages: you can read all blog entries from one place.  You can also organize a number of blogs into categories.

• Disadvantages: You need to sign up for a RSS feed provider to access your information and have an e-mail account.

RSS Feed Providers:
There are many feed providers to choose from.  Try out a few out to decide which one meets your needs best. Here are our thoughts on a few FREE ones we've tried out this month.

• Feedly:We loved this one.  It was really simple and easy to use.  We loved how you can read it online or on an idevice. You will need to have a g-mail account to use this service.

• Bloglovin:  This one is also visually appealing. It was a bit harder to figure out if categories can be used on the idevice. You can use facebook or any email account to sign up.  You can also write a blog using this platform.

• FeeddlerRSS for iOS:  This one is more text based and may be appealing to people like to customize the set up of their feed.
  

Here is a blog post that gives an overview of some different feed reader services out there.

How to get started following a blog using a feed provider:

1.  Sign up with a feed provider. 
2.  Add blogs you want to follow to your list.  You can do this by copying and pasting the web address or you can search within the feed provider.  Some blogs (like ours) have buttons on their blog for particular feed providers. You can click on these if you use that provider.
3.  Organize your blogs into categories.
4.  Read and enjoy!
5.  Return to the feed provider to find out if there are new posts.  Some feed providers will send you a email (if you want one) to let you know there is a new post.  

How can I write my own blog?

Want to join the blogging world?!?  Simply choose a blogging website that allows you to set up an account.  We use Blogger but we are aware of a few others such as Wordpress and Bloglovin.

AAC blogs
Here are some AC related blogs that you may want to look through or follow.

 

Jane Farrall

http://www.janefarrall.com/blog/ 

AAC Girls

http://aacgirls.blogspot.ca/

Teach me AAC

http://teachmeaac.blogspot.ca/

CALL Scotland

http://www.callscotland.org.uk/blog/

Adapting Creatively 

http://adaptingcreatively.blogspot.ca/

Kilometeres for Communication

http://kilometresforcommunication.wordpress.com/ 

The Communication Trust

http://thecommunicationtrust.blogspot.ca/

Teaching Learners with Multiple Needs

http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.ca/p/online-activities.html 

PrAACtical AAC

http://praacticalaac.org/

Love That Max

http://www.lovethatmax.com/

Uncommon Sense 

http://niederfamily.blogspot.ca/

More Than Words

http://mthanw.blogspot.ca/

 

I can...take 5!

September has gone by in the blink of an eye.  We are all so busy that it's difficult get through everything on our "to do" lists. In our September haze, we forgot to send out the notice that the blog was posted! Eeek! In this issue, we will look at quick and easy ways to "take 5" to make a difference in your students' lives.  Think about what you could achieve by introducing 5 new strategies, 5 core words or by spending 5 minutes brainstorming new vocabulary.  Every journey begins with a first step.


We asked the TVCC ACS clinicians to share some of their "Top 5" AAC tips with all of you.  Here's a selection of their comments:

Top AAC Strategies:

• model symbol use, especially core words
• look for opportunities for your child to communicate
• share how your child communicates with others
• tell your child what you think they are communicating and why
• brag about your child's ability to communicate (within earshot)
• Make sure the communication system is always available, " See child, see book/device" Linda Burkhart and Gayle Porter (Partner assisted communication strategies for children who face multiple challenges)
• Believe in your child
• Create a communication dictionary listing all of your child's communication behaviours and how to respond.
• Include your child in conversations that are about him/her.
• Encourage people to communicate with the child using AC rather than the adult or person with them.

If you have 5 minutes:

• set up your child's communication system
• plan opportunities in the day for your child to communicate
• provide an opportunity for your child to make choices
• ask a question or learn something new by looking online or in a book
• read to your child
• use no tech strategies to make choices 
• co-construct a message to put on a single message device
• model core words
• play a game to encourage fun use of vocab or literacy
  • I'm thinking of a word that rhymes with door; Guess "more", four", "store"
  • I Spy things that start with the "b" sound....
• help your child practice a conversational routine to use with the next person who comes into the room.
  
• have your child share some news to/from home/school by programming a message in their SGD
• 
  

  model real-life writing with child e.g. "Look Suzie, we need some ice cream so mommy is going to put that on her shopping list" 

Top words....here are some of the first words that our AC clinicians introduce

                             more                       all done
                             want                        like
                             not                          stop
                             eat                          drink
                             go                           help

Top FAQ questions about AAC

• Will using AAC stop my child from talking or writing? 
• In fact, numerous studies have found that the introduction of AAC frequently has a positive affect on speech; children who are given AAC often develop speech faster than they would have otherwise (Bodine & Beukelman, 1991; Van Tatenhove, 1987).
 

• How can I get an iPad? Can we do this on an iPad?
• We love iPads!!!  However, they may not work well for everyone.  Check out our past issue all about iPads for more information: I can...get connected!
• What is the best way to use the device? 
• Every child is unique and has different things he or she may want to communicate. Gather information about your child's interests and consider his/her motivators. 
• Why do we need to use AAC at home if we know what they want to say/do?
• Each time you shape your child's communication, you are paving the road to successful communication with their teachers, friends, and others.
• How do I find out what my child understands?
  Connect with your child's teacher and therapists.  You may want to consider having a psycho-educational testing if you are having difficulty figuring out your child's learning strengths.
• I"m not comfortable with computers/technology, do I have to program it? 
  • If your child is an ACS TVCC client, contact your clinicians if you need additional support.  There is also a variety on online resources to help you become more comfortable.   
• What if child doesn't have strong preferences - how will we motive child to communicate? Shouldn't we start with requesting to go to the bathroom?
  • Make a list of your child's favourite toys, foods and activities.  Your child may not be motivated to communicate his/her bathroom needs.  

 Top AAC related websites:

• www.helpkidzlearn.com
• subscription based website ($16US/year).  Provides mouse, touch screen, one and two switch accessible activities for children.
• http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/toc.html  
  • resources related to AAC and young children
• www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk
• mouse, touch screen and switch accessible FREE resources.
• www.tarheelreader.org/ 
• mouse, touch screen and switch accessible FREE reading related resources.
• http://www.starfall.com/
• activities for literacy development.
• Tumblebooks @ http://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca/kids 
• online storybooks
• http://www.creativecommunicating.com
• subscription based adapted stories and other resources.
• http://www.accpc.ca/
• a federal, non-profit organization that undertakes social innovation projects to promote awareness, justice, enhanced quality of life and community participation for people who use AAC.
• http://prekese.dadeschools.net/BMD/activityspecific.html
• preschool related Boardmaker resources
• http://www.pisp.ca/video/index_how_to_videos.html 
• provincial integration support program. great ideas for simple speech generating devices.

AAC Awareness Month 

Check out these great ideas to celebrate AAC Awareness Month on this blogspot: 

http://aacawarenessmonth.blogspot.ca/2012/07/october-isinternational-aac-month.html 

I can... get into shape!

New Year’s Resolution? Or maybe just a new start for a new year? In January, our thoughts often turn to getting back to the gym or looking for healthier ways to live our lives. Here are some suggestions for helping youngsters who use alternative and augmentative communication to achieve a healthly lifestyle.

Here are some vocabulary suggestions for the gym:

Can we schedule some workouts?	Can you set up the machine for me please?	I want to change up my routine
Are we done yet?	Please show me how this machine works.	Let’s do something different.
No more!	Can you help me stretch further?	That felt really good.
How many more reps?	Let’s check my workout card.	I’m ready to add more weight.

TVCC Adapted Fitness Centre

Did you know there is now a fitness centre available at TVCC?  Any TVCC client who is over the age of 10 is eligible to undergo a fitness assessment.  A personalized fitness program will be developed and then the client is free to bring a workout buddy and drop in to use the adapted equipment (e.g. treadmill, stepper, weight machine). Help can also be provided to assist clients in the transition from working out at TVCC to working out in the community (e.g. at the Y, Goodlife, at high school).

The hours of operation are Mon-Thurs from 4pm to 7pm, Sat 10am-noon.  A TVCC staff member will be supervising the room during these hours.  

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone or open your e-mail and get in touch to set up an appointment. For general inquiries or new assessments, please contact: Kim Simpson 519-685-8700 ext. 53783, or Liz Lusk ext. 53399.  

Kim.Simpson@tvcc.on.ca This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Liz.Lusk@tvcc.on.ca

No-Tech Ideas

·         Make a communication display that can be used in the school or community gym by students who need symbols or written words to express themselves.  An example is attached with this newsletter.

 

High Tech Ideas

·         Wii Fit and Wii Sports: If you were lucky enough to receive a Wii for Christmas, you’ll know just how much fun it is to get fit the Wii way. Some classrooms are getting Wii systems to allow students with disabilities the chance to try out a variety of sports.

http://www.nintendo.com/wiifit/launch/?ref=http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=Wii+fit&meta=#

http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/1OTtO06SP7M52gi5m8pD6CnahbW8CzxE

Fun Stuff!

Swimming, basketball, tennis, sledge hockey… What do you want to try first? There are lots of sports-related

Opportunities to Participate currently advertised. Come out and try something new! Catch all the details in the attached brochure or follow the links on the TVCC website: http://www.tvcc.on.ca/

Resources: Check out the following websites for great ideas…

Kids - take the Get IN2IT ™ challenge with Goodlife: a challenge to be active, eat healthy and feel great! http://www.goodlifekids.com/ N2IT™ Challenge

Serious about sports? Check out information from the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association

http://ocpsa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=33

Canada’s Physical Activity Guide for Youth http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/paguide/child_youth/pdf/guide_y_e.pdf 

I can... party!

Everybody loves a party! From a child’s birthday party at a classmate’s house, to that teenage sleep-over (no parents allowed!) or a wild, crazy night out! Parties provide us with a chance to dress up, spend time with our friends and to meet new people. What a great opportunity for social banter, telling stories, gossiping and asking questions!

Here are some vocabulary suggestions for getting ready for a night out:

Can you hold the mirror so I can see?	Please find my hairstyles page. I’ll show you the one I want.	Please show me my clothes choices.
I love it!	I would like something different.	What colours are there?
Bad!	Not quite what I had in mind!	What do you think?
You look great too!	Can you call me a taxi, please?	Looks great!

Teens and Personal Relationships

For older teens, parties provide an environment where relationships can develop, new experiences can occur and boundaries may be tested. Often it can be difficult for teenagers to engage in discussion around such issues. An individual who uses AAC will likely find it even more difficult, as he/she may not have the vocabulary to talk about potentially sensitive topics such as relationships, sex and alcohol or drug use.

“Speak Up” is a web site that offers many resources around relationships and sexuality, including communication displays and links to other websites that teens, young adults and parents of individuals who have complex communication needs may find useful. The website also highlights the importance of enabling individuals to disclose information about abuse.

“Speak Up is about ending the silences that prevent people who use alternative ways to communicate from protecting themselves from sexual abuse. It is about giving people with complex communication needs the information, education and means to communicate about healthy sexuality and sexual abuse”.

The Speak Up web site can be found at  http://www.accpc.ca/Speak_Up/index.htm

No-Tech Ideas

• Kids like to share information about themselves and their experiences. Take photos at a party and make up a small communication book using a dollar store photo album. Add labels that invite interaction from others, e.g. “I went to the Very Merry Mickey Party at Disney. That’s me with Baloo the bear. If you went to Disney, who would you party with?”

Light Tech Ideas

• Parties and holiday gatherings are ideal situations to practice turn-taking, with greetings, social comments and/ or questions. For example, a scripted series of messages can be recorded into a device such as a Go Talk 4+ 

High Tech Ideas

• Music files can be played on some dynamic display devices – choose the music ahead of time and be the DJ!
• Photos can also be added to devices – perfect for sharing information about the party at a later date. Some Speech Generating Devices, such as the Tango! ®, even have the camera built in! 

I can... get to know you!

Since starting back to school in early September, your students have likely had several opportunities to meet new people: teachers, classmates, support personnel, even a new bus driver.  Meeting new people can be challenging, particularly for students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Here are some ideas to make this a less stressful process.


Here are some vocabulary suggestions for getting to know new people:

Great to meet you!	Let’s trade e-mail addresses.	What’s your name?
There are some things you need to know about how I communicate…	I’d like to remember your name. Can you help me add it to my device?	I need to compose my message. It will take a few minutes – can you wait?
Tell me something about yourself.	Check out my “All About Me Book”, it’s in my backpack.	I don’t think we’ve met. My name is …
Do you have time to talk?	Please get my symbol display.	How are you doing today?

Communication Passports or All About Me books

Communication passports are books that present an overall picture of a person. They are written in a way which reflects the person’s personality and can include the following:

• general background information including details about likes & dislikes, family and friends;
• a description of how the person communicates and how others can best communicate with them;
• a summary of the person’s views and preferences.

Communication passports are best created in partnership with the person who will “own” the  finished product. They need to be unique and engaging to others. These resources are particularly useful at times of transition, for example when a student moves from elementary school to high school. 

No-Tech Ideas

·         People can be nervous about talking to an individual who uses AAC. Help your student create a personal introduction to their communication system. Write a short paragraph about how the system is used and how the student wants the listener to help. Post it in a place, where all listeners will notice it & read it, for example on a tray or a wheelchair.

Light Tech Ideas

·         Ablenet carries a range of introductory devices that work well for students who want to share information or news. The good news is that they have recently improved some of the devices, such as the Step-by-Step^TM, which now has 2 full minutes of recording time, better digital sound and improved battery life. Makes a great Christmas gift!

 High Tech Ideas

·         Some devices have Internet, email and messaging capabilities. Chat with your ACS clinician to find out more about this.

·         Remember your Internet safety tips

http://safecanada.ca/parents_e.asp?OP=link&topic=239

Resources for families and educators: Check out the following websites for great ideas…

· Read more information about the 2007 ICE conference (See “Opportunities to Learn”): http://www.marchofdimes.ca/dimes/people_with_disabilities_caregivers/news_and_ media/omod_news/2007/ICE2007.htm

I can...get organized!

Welcome back! A brand new school year…a great time to encourage students to become more independent by keeping themselves organized!  There are all kinds of ways that we can help our students to keep track of their schedules and to remember what tasks need to be completed.

Here are some vocabulary suggestions for getting organized:

Let’s start a timer!	Where’s my visual schedule?	I’ll check my day timer.
Let’s record that in my Step by Step ™	Can I help check it off?	Can you add that to my reminder list?
Here’s our grocery list….	Can you record a reminder in my Step-by –Step ™ for my mom?	Is it time for lunch yet?
Do you want to hear what I did at school?	What do we need to take on our class trip?	Let me tell you about my summer vacation…

Visual Schedules  

• Encourage a student who uses an SGD to remind the class of upcoming events or the daily schedule. Use this in combination with a visual schedule in your class to help remind all students of what’s coming next. To make a visual schedule more manageable, split it into a morning and an afternoon section. Show a book buddy how to use a visual schedule, so that your student can see it being used by many different communication partners. Remember that a visual schedule is not just a classroom decoration! It needs to be used frequently so that the student can learn the sequence of events throughout a given time period.
   

No-Tech Ideas 

• Post-It® Notes are great for reminders, adding temporary information to a communication display or as a communication exchange (a series of messages on subsequent notes)

  
Light Tech Ideas

• Use a student’s Step-by-Step^TM to add a reminder for home. Make it part of the overall daily message, so that the social function of the device is not lost. “Hi Mom & Dad! I had a great day today. We listened to a story about Fall and watched a puppet show. Don’t forget I need to bring in some indoor shoes for gym tomorrow.”

  High Tech Ideas

·         It may be difficult to know whether a student has certain vocabulary within his SGD. Many of the device manufacturers provide support materials that can assist facilitators who want to model language for the student, e.g. wall charts, vocabulary lists and copies of the symbol sets for printing. Ask your ACS therapist to help you find the resources that you need.

·         Many high tech devices have integrated e-mail capabilities, reminder functions and address books that might be helpful to a student. Check the manufacturer’s website or ask your ACS clinician for information.

Resources for families and educators: Check out the following websites for great ideas…

For older students, Hutton House has developed a series of age appropriate books http://www.huttonhouse.com  

I can...keep in touch!

As the school year draws to a close, students may want to keep in touch with all their friends over the summer vacation. Today there are so many ways kids can connect including e-mail, letter writing, text messaging, Facebook and using the telephone. Students who use augmentative communication may need some help to use these methods effectively.

Here are some vocabulary suggestions for talking about keeping in touch:

What’s your e-mail?	Are you on Facebook?	We’ll be BFF!
I’ll send you a postcard	Give me a call over the summer.	Write back soon!
Do we have stamps?	Do you have a cell phone?	I’ll post my vacation pictures
Help me write a letter.	What’s your Facebook status?	Keep in touch!

Get Connected!

Ability Online is a free and monitored online support community that links kids with disabilities or illness to other kids and adults who care.   It also provides information on health related issues.  You must register online and then you will be sent a password via Canada Post. 

E-mail  

Help students create an address book so that they can exchange e-mail addresses to keep in touch with their friends over the summer.

• If a student has difficulty with spelling while composing an e-mail, try using symbols to help them choose which message to send to a friend. For example:

 

Send an E-Card

Students can send each other e-cards using Mayer Johnson’s website.  Browse by topic such as birthday, missing you etc.  http://www.mayer-johnson.com/ECard.aspx?DirID=Thinking%20of%20You

 

No-Tech Ideas
Try creating a remnant book or journal of the summer holidays so that students can share their memories. 

Light Tech Ideas
Collect vacation photos and display them in a talking photo album. 

High Tech Ideas

• Students who use voice output devices can talk on the phone too. Try programming a few phrases to let the person receiving the call know that the speaker is using a voice output device.
• Ask your students to report on their summer vacation once they return to school. They can share their stories with the rest of the class by using their communication device.

Resources for teachers and educators: Check out the following websites for great ideas…

• The AC On-Line User's Group is an Internet Listserv which allows users of AC and their families to communicate with each other and with professionals who are interested in AC. Don’t know who to write to? Try hooking up your students with a pen pal. Check out this website for more information. http://www.theteacherscorner.net/penpals/

I can...take care of myself!

As kids get older, they need to take more responsibility for taking care of themselves. Providing them with the vocabulary and opportunities to practice directing their own care and managing their needs will help them become more independent.

Here are some vocabulary ideas for self care:

I need a new haircut!	Do I have to visit the dentist?	Do I have to get a needle?
I’m nervous	I need to book a taxi	I need to buy some groceries
Will it hurt?	Can you help me make a list?	Can you help me?
What are the side effects?	I need to make an appointment	I have an appointment
I consent to this treatment	Can you explain that again?	Let’s go shopping

Strategies for a Successful Appointment

·        Often health professionals have limited time during appointments.  Call ahead to book a longer appointment and to explain what communication strategies a person may use.

·        Try bringing this brochure with you on your appointment to help provide some general information on ways to communicate with someone who uses augmentative communication.  

·        Create a custom communication display specifically for the appointment or community outing you have planned.  Check out this website for some examples of boards that can be used at the hospital: http://www.speakingofspeech.com/uploads/Hospital_1.pdf

      http://www.speakingofspeech.com/uploads/Hospital_2.pdf

·        If you are using a device, ensure that it is charged!  If possible, print out any pre-programmed questions you might have.  If using low-tech, bring some back up batteries. 

·        Encourage your student to practice making appointment over the phone.  Try role-playing with a familiar listener.  Be sure to include clarification messages such as “I have difficulty talking.  I use a device to communicate.  Please be patient.”

Light Tech Ideas

• Student can use a Step by Step™ to introduce themselves to people they meet in the community.
• Designate a student to be in charge of a shopping list. Try recording the list on a Step by Step ™. Voisec Talking Buttons can be used to record reminders for taking medications, remembering appointments etc.
  

Resources for teachers and educators: Check out the following websites for great ideas…

• Product information on portable electronic devices for memory and organization: http://www.biausa.org/Pages/AT/index.php