SLIDE 1
Think Like a Speech Therapist:
Assistive Technology
Maggie Kay Gibbs, MS, CCC/SLP
KidSpark, LLC
SLIDE 2 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.
SLIDE 3
Think Like a Speech Therapist:
Choosing an AAC System
SLIDE 4
Think SNUG
Spontaneous
Novel Utterance Generation
Preprogrammed Phrases and Sentences Single Words
Building Blocks of Language
SLIDE 5 Think Core Vocabulary
language is comprised of core language.
- Core Words are represented
in all parts of speech.
20% 80%
Core Fringe
SLIDE 6
Think Core Vocabulary
Nouns Pronouns Verbs Adjectives Adverbs Prepositions Conjunctions
Low to High Tech AAC systems should: Have words from a variety of categories Add words in a developmentally appropriate order Contain high-frequency words
SLIDE 7
Think Low-Tech VS High-Tech
You do not have to learn a low-tech system before moving to a high-tech system.
SLIDE 8
Think Motor Pattern
Speaking is a motor pattern.
AAC use needs to be a motor pattern.
SLIDE 9 Think Motor Pattern
Low-Tech Options
- Picture Exchange
- Core Boards
pecsusa.com
SLIDE 10 Think Motor Pattern
High-Tech Options
- Words for Life application (aacapps.com/lamp/)
- Unity Language - available on Prentrom devices
(prentrom.com/products)
SLIDE 11 Think Grow without Change
Choose an option that allows you to add vocabulary overtime… Without changing already learned vocabulary.
aacapps.com
SLIDE 12 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
SLIDE 13 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
- RJ Cooper iPad Mount for Wheelchair
- store.rjcooper.com
biggrips.com/lift
SLIDE 14 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.
SLIDE 15
Think Like a Speech Therapist:
Implementing an AAC System
SLIDE 16 Think Social
Begin teaching core vocabulary in a socially driven way:
- Tickles
- Silly faces
- Squeezes
SLIDE 17 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
SLIDE 18 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,
- pening lids on containers
SLIDE 19 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
SLIDE 20 Think ONLY Communication
- Try to avoid using an AAC device as a toy.
- Teach siblings, friends, and classmates about
the purpose of the device.
SLIDE 21 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.
SLIDE 22 Think Reinforcement
- Communication has a cause/effect relationship.
AAC use should also.
- React and Respond to mis-hits.
SLIDE 23 Resources
aaclanguagelab.com/resources/free
- Printable Low-Tech Core Boards, Parent Information Handouts
praacticalaac.org/toolbox/
- Free downloads for Core Vocabulary Activities
minspeak.com
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
SLIDE 24 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
SLIDE 25
Maggie Kay Gibbs, MS, CCC-SLP
kidsparktherapy.com/camps Slides available for download
kay@kidsparktherapy.com Email with questions and comments
SLIDE 26
creatineinfo.org
