Speakup Blog - page 4
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*Views and opinions expressed by authors of SpeakUp! blogs are their own and do not reflect official views and opinions of USSAAC.
Inclusive Emergency Planning: Supporting the Deaf Community
Photo of island silhouette with hurricane cloud over it. Photo by: El Nuevo Día
Most families in Puerto Rico were affected to some degree by the destruction left behind by Hurricane María in September 2017. In January 2020 the Southwestern part of the island was hit with yet another disaster, a 5.4 earthquake with multiple aftershocks and tremors...
Behavior and AAC
Stop me if you have read or heard this before from a co-worker or a family member: This child has too many challenging behaviors to use a communication device. They won't understand the device at all. They will break it or kick it. End of discussion, right? Hell no!
Long Description Beyond Face to Face: Teaching Distance Communication as Part of AAC Implementation
Are AAC users able to participate in virtual environments? Are we teaching them the skills they need before they transition to adult settings? The digital divide impacts many marginalized groups, including people with disabilities. Access barriers exist in the virtual world....
The AAC Zone In Seoul, South Korea
The "AAC Zone" was a small community designed to welcome individuals who use AAC to engage with shop owners, neighbors, and society in a more powerful and interactive way. The AAC Zone consisted of 11 local businesses, services, and facilities that welcomed patrons who have...
Inspiring Communication
As the adults who are responsible for teaching children how to communicate, it's our responsibility to INSPIRE.
One size symbols? Not fit for all!
Today we are pleased to share a guest post by EA Draffan and David Banes on their work in the area of developing culturally appropriate symbols.
Mobile Apps for Your AAC Implementation Toolbox
When we are able to shift our focus to modeling and teaching language within highly engaging and interactive activities, we can foster more language growth and build better relationships!
Using Videos to Support Language and Learning Across the Curriculum
Video support being used to help transition and teach during gardening task.
May is Better Hearing & Speech Month and we’re celebrating by sharing timely and relevant information about AAC. Today we welcome Betsy Caporale, speech-language pathologist and AAC specialist to share her post about video modeling interventions.
Video modeling has...
Stories of Ourselves: I DARE to Build/Expand Communication and Literacy Skills
We all use stories to share our personal identity, culture, and create a sense of belonging and closeness. Personal photos and personalized multi-media presentations are contexts that enable students to comment, describe, and label in addition to ask questions and engage in...
Telling my Story in Boston
Todd Hutchinson posing to have his picture taken after his lecture at ASHA.
Today we are honored to have the 2018 Edwin and Esther Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture recipient, Todd Hutchinson, share his personal experience about preparing for this momentous speech. Todd spoke at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention this...
