Technically Speaking

03/24/2025

Thank you Lauren Enders Gonzales, MA, CCC - SLP!!! You did it again!!

12/11/2024

Check out this literacy resource from Special Ed Tech Center!!!

The Comprehensive Literacy for All Book Collection available on the SETC website aims to provide meaningful experiences with accessible print that fit into a...

08/07/2024

Nathaniel was searching for the last item, a necklace, in a scavenger hunt last night at the St Louis Art Museum when Clare came over to offer her help.

She asked Nathaniel his name. He replied. She asked what he still needed to find. He pointed to the paper he was holding. And away they went on a hunt for a necklace.

Telling Clare his name was the only utterance he used his device for. Through gestures like pointing to paintings and to the pictured items on the provided scavenger hunt paper, Clare and Nathaniel were successful in finding a necklace and more.

The high tech device, gestures, the museum provided low-tech printed picture scavenger hunt… they are all different forms of AAC intervention. All three were useful in providing these two unfamiliar communication partners the opportunity to connect and share a special moment.

Clare’s intuition was excellent - though she seemed unfamiliar with AAC, she watched Nathaniel closely for subtle communication and contributed meaning to what he said however he said it. She didn’t ask him to repeat with his device what she understood from gesture. None of the three AAC tools they used were more important than the other. All were valuable.

Using AAC in the community rarely feels complicated or scary for us. We find people are generally curious, patient, and kind when interacting with Nathaniel and his use of alternative communication. It was a great thing to stand back and watch him interact with a new communication partner knowing that while he was learning about art and museum etiquette, Clare might have been learning about AAC.

Photo shared with Clare’s permission.

06/25/2024

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/Az2K0NcG-wq1REWvM?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1w1JHxwFj4HGqKkLxLhqrhMBcY1ynGOszUPca9D2fd9FzB-qr0XCjIPSw_aem_Hnu99AQpmqXzRrb5pJMBSQ

04/02/2024

An online library of free digital books for beginning readers of all ages and adapted books for special education, future home Tar Heel Reader.

03/26/2024

Thanks for waiting!! Check out this list of HUGE AAC and Special Education app and product deals. Mark your calendars carefully!

UPDATE 03/28/24: For a screenreader-friendly document providing all sale details and information, use https://bit.ly/AllTextSpringAACAppSales24

For a PDF with clickable links to websites, the U.S. App Store, and the U.S. Google Play Store, use https://bit.ly/SpringAACAppSales24

I’m not able to answer individual requests for app recommendations. There are no more hours in the day. 😩

03/04/2024

NOW AVAILABLE - Stepping into AAC (weeks 1 - 10). This program provides activities, resources and videos to guide you along your AAC journey. Whether you are just getting started with AAC, seeking momentum or looking to learn more, this communication resource is for you. Find it on the ASF website, Resources > Communication Resources.

Start now: www.angelman.org/stepping-into-aac

02/24/2024

Derby Day 2024!! I’m so privileged to be part of a nonprofit Believe Beyond Ability!!

01/30/2024

Awe and Wonder: Cultural Responsiveness Series 4 of the podcast kicks off TODAY!!

1/30/24 Awe and Wonder Podcast S4 E1: Dr. R. Danielle Scott
2/6/24 Awe and Wonder Podcast S4 E2: Dr. Renaldo Fowler
2/13/24 Awe and Wonder Podcast S4 E3: Toi Randolph & Carrisa Evans
2/20/24 Awe and Wonder Podcast S4 E4: Danielle Van Dusen
2/27/24 Awe and Wonder Podcast S4 E5: Jordyn Carroll
3/5/24 Awe and Wonder Podcast S4 E6: Tasha Antone & Wolf Brown
3/12/24 Awe and Wonder Podcast S4 E7: Maria De Leon
3/19/24 Awe and Wonder Podcast S4 E8: Karanveer Singh

This is a link to the website that will air the YouTube & audio versions. It will go live with Series 4 tomorrow!
https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-podcast/

Here is the direct Apple Podcast link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/awe-and-wonder-podcast-aac-at/id1666395611