It's no secret, AAC programs are powerful communication tools. An AAC device can open the thoughts of a person who struggles to communicate so they can better interact with the world around them. Unfortunately, a recent study of families using high tech AAC estimated that nearly 1/3 of those...
Sometimes we hear well meaning people express their concern that using AAC with a child or student might inhibit natural speech for that student. While it is always good to explore questions and worries when they come up, it is also important to rely on evidence to address them. And...
This week we are headed to the 2016 ASHA convention in Philadelphia. We look forward to the chance to rub shoulders with parents, SLPs, asssitive technology specialist, and AAC supporters and users of all sorts (not to mention a great Philly cheese steak sandwich). We love being able to talk...
Let’s face it, there is a lot to learn when it comes to the use of augmentative communication. There are language skills to develop, muscle memory to master, grammar and word usage to learn, not to mention just the art of controlling an electronic device. It’s a good...
Last week a friend told me a story. He works in a high school and was talking to another teacher about a student who has been struggling in class. This boy is plenty intelligent, but he flounders when he needs to express himself to other people in class or in...
Pencils. Check! Backpack. Check! Notebook. Check! Voice...um. For many people packing up items for back to school is a matter of hitting the sale aisles and stocking up on supplies for the year. But for those who rely on augmentative communication, heading back to school may not be as...
Thomas is five. He lives with his family just up the street from me. I get to see him for two hours every weekend when he comes to a children’s class that I teach (and occasionally during the week if he stops by my house to say hi). But...