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Where do you go to find learning and community around augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?
Dr. Samuel Sennott
7/25/2017 8:06 PM
We all need a little help from our friends! We will compile the list YOU help create. Let’s have a conversation about how to find out more about communities within the world of AAC. This is a follow up to our discussion of how to find AAC resources online.
Community collaboration is valuable for learning, education, and engagement. Find support and community here through these resources.
We want this to be a conversation. Share your resources in the comments of this post or here in this form: Where do you find augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) resources?
Social and support groups
These groups promote inclusive access to the AAC community by offering downloadable books, webcasts, and online conferences to help users of AAC, families, and professionals connect and learn.
-Some people have local meetup groups where they practice using AAC, such as Out and About. There is a free book by Deanna Wagner, Caroline Musselwhite, and Jane Odom, Out and About: AAC in the Community: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Out-and-About-AAC-in-the-Community-2560404
-Individuals with complex communication needs have a terrific online listserv, ACOLUG Augmentative Communication Online User's Group: http://aac-rerc.psu.edu/index.php/site/index
-ASHA Special Interest Group on AAC: http://www.asha.org/SIG/12
What others would you like to share? (post in comments or share through this form)
In-person conferences and trainings
Conferences are a place to both learn and connect with likeminded people. Conferences include live education sessions, in-depth labs, and social networking opportunities. Conferences are a great way to connect with others in the AAC community, whether you are someone who uses AAC, a family member, or a professional.
- -Closing the Gap: https://www.closingthegap.com/conference/
- -Assistive Technology Industry Association: https://www.atia.org/
- -ASHA Convention: http://www.asha.org/events/convention/
- -California State University of Northridge AT Conference: http://www.csun.edu/cod/conference/2017/sessions/
What others would you like to share? (post in comments or share through this form)
Do you have local conferences you recommend?
Other Online Events and Community
Online communities are a great place to connect with users of AAC, families, professionals, and others who are interested in AAC. These communities offer a way to engage with and learn from one another. For instance, have you heard of Facebook?
- -AAC Through Motivate, Model, Move Out Of The Way: https://www.facebook.com/groups/421704261346486/
- -Everyone Communicates: https://www.facebook.com/Everyone-Communicates-109533522424006/
- -Online conference AAC in the Cloud http://aacconference.com/schedule/
What others would you like to share? (post in comments or share through this form)
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Teachers:
Many teachers require their college students in communication disorders or child development classes to complete a Communication Matrix online. Please have your students use the Test Drive site for this purpose. You may ask them to print out the Profile and Communication Skills List as proof of their work.
Statement A
My child doesn't seem to have real control over his body yet.
The only way I know that he wants something is because he fusses or whines when he's unhappy or uncomfortable, and he smiles, makes noises or calms down when he's happy and comfortable. Does this statement describe your child?
Statement B
My child has control over her own behaviors, but she doesn't use them to try to communicate to me.
She doesn't come to me to let me know what she wants, but it's easy for me to figure out, because she tries to do things for herself. She knows what she wants, and her behavior shows me what she wants. If she runs out of something to eat, she will just try to get more, rather than trying to get me to give her more.
Does this statement describe your child?
Statement C
My child clearly tries to communicate his needs to me through gestures, sounds or language.
He knows how to get me to do something for him. He uses some of the kinds of behaviors below to communicate:
- Gestures such as pointing, shaking his head, tugging at my arm or looking back and forth between me and what he wants
- Sounds such as squealing to show you he wants something or fussing when he doesn't want something
- Language or symbolic forms of communication such as speech, written words, Braille, picture symbols, 3-dimensional symbols or sign language
Does this statement describe your child?
How to score your child
Each question you will see is related to a certain message that your child might be able to express using a variety of behaviors. Read the question and decide whether your child is able to express the message described using any of the listed behaviors. If the answer is YES, then you must also decide whether your child has mastered the use of each behavior or whether it is still at an emerging stage. Check either the mastered or emerging box next to any behaviors your child uses to express the message. Use the following definitions to decide whether a behavior is mastered or emerging
Mastered
– Does this independently most of the time when the opportunity arises
– Does this in a number of di erent contexts, and with di erent people
Emerging
– Does this inconsistently
–
Only does this when prompted or encouraged to do so. Only does this in one or two contexts or with one person.
Tips on Communication Devices
Each question you will see is related to a certain message that your child might be able to express using a variety of behaviors. Read the question and decide whether your child is able to express the message described using any of the listed behaviors. If the answer is YES, then you must also decide whether your child has mastered the use of each behavior or whether it is still at an emerging stage. Check either the mastered or emerging box next to any behaviors your child uses to express the message. Use the following definitions to decide whether a behavior is mastered or emerging