About Me 10 years experience Provided services in a variety of - PowerPoint PPT Presentation


 Think Like a Speech Therapist: 
 Assistive Technology Maggie Kay Gibbs, MS, CCC/SLP 
 KidSpark, LLC

About Me •10 years experience •Provided services in a variety of settings including public schools, pediatric clinic, private practice •Passion for assistive technology •Experience providing speech therapy to CTD patient I have no financial obligations related to this presentation.

Think Like a Speech Therapist: 
 Choosing an AAC System

Think SNUG Single Words Building Blocks of S pontaneous 
 Language N ovel U tterance Preprogrammed Phrases and G eneration Sentences

Think Core Vocabulary 20% • 80% of our everyday language is comprised of core language. 80% • Core Words are represented in all parts of speech. Core Fringe

Think Core Vocabulary Low to High Tech AAC systems should: Nouns Pronouns Have words from a variety of categories Verbs Adjectives Add words in a developmentally appropriate order Adverbs Contain high-frequency words Prepositions Conjunctions

Think Low-Tech VS High-Tech You do not have to learn a low-tech system before moving to a high-tech system.

Think Motor Pattern Speaking is a motor pattern. AAC use needs to be a motor pattern.

Think Motor Pattern Low-Tech Options • Picture Exchange • Core Boards pecsusa.com

Think Motor Pattern High-Tech Options • Words for Life application (aacapps.com/lamp/) • Unity Language - available on Prentrom devices (prentrom.com/products)

Think Grow without Change Choose an option that allows you to Without changing already learned add vocabulary overtime… vocabulary. aacapps.com

Think Accessories Keyguard and Touch Guide • Reduce mis-hits and accidental activations • Add a tactile support for locating symbols • Will be device or app specific • keyguardat.com/keyguards-for-ipads/ store.prentrom.com

Think Accessories Protective Case • Options Include: Carrying Strap and/or Hand Strap, Stand for use at the Table, Speakers Recommended Brands • GumDrop, BigGrips, OtterBox Defender Series • AMDi iAdapter, GoNow Case (Attainment Company) Wheelchair Accessibility biggrips.com/lift • RJ Cooper iPad Mount for Wheelchair • store.rjcooper.com

Think Back-Up Plan • Every High-Tech AAC user needs a Low-Tech back-up option and/or Low-Tech supplements. • Most High-Tech AAC device companies offer printable core boards that can be laminated and used as needed.


 Think Like a Speech Therapist: Implementing an AAC System

Think Social Begin teaching core vocabulary in a socially driven way: • Tickles • Silly faces • Squeezes

Think Fun Novel toys, games, and activities: •Galactic Globe •Wind-Up Toys •Pop Tubes •Colored lipsticks, face paint crayons, wigs/hats •Balloons with manual air pump

Think Fun • Think Outside of the Box on ways to use Core Vocabulary • Turn - turn a book page, stirring a recipe, wind-up toys, turning electronics on/off, my turn/your turn, water on/off, opening lids on containers

Think Fun •Give the AAC user POWER to make things happen around them • Act It - AAC user activates core verbs and you act them out. • Go/Stop - AAC user directs your actions for the swing, stroller, car, when singing, laughing, running, etc

Think ONLY Communication • Try to avoid using an AAC device as a toy. • Teach siblings, friends, and classmates about the purpose of the device.

Think Modeling • You CAN and SHOULD talk using the device too. • Teach peers and siblings ways to model language on the device. Peer modeling is powerful.

Think Reinforcement • Communication has a cause/effect relationship. AAC use should also. • React and Respond to mis-hits.

Resources aaclanguagelab.com/resources/free • Printable Low-Tech Core Boards, Parent Information Handouts praacticalaac.org/toolbox/ • Free downloads for Core Vocabulary Activities minspeak.com • Core Vocabulary Lists http://www2.tobiidynavox.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/MYTHS-AAC-will-negatively- impact-speech.pdf • Parent friendly article addressing AAC use and oral speech development

Resources: Apps Words for Life App aacapps.com/lamp/ • $299 app for iPad • Offers Unity language system for the iPad • (Unity language also available on dedicated devices from prentrom.com ) ChoiceWorks App beevisual.com • $6.99 app for iPhone and iPad • Scheduling for daily routines, Choice making to manage feelings, Waiting

Maggie Kay Gibbs, MS, CCC-SLP kidsparktherapy.com/camps Slides available for download 
 kay@kidsparktherapy.com Email with questions and comments

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