AT and AAC: Practical Tips and Strategies : service delivery

My Top 5 Favorite Ways to Continue Learning

Angela Desideri — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:23:00 GMT

One of the things I love about being a Speech Language Pathologist is that we never stop learning. Nowadays, with technology and all of the amazing social media sites, keeping up to date is easier than ever. All you need to do is find the time, which I know for many that may be problematic. My next set of blog posts will be a compilation of my top favorite sites and resources. They can help you keep up with the ever-expanding learning curve limiting the time you spend searching and rather use that time to continue learning.

#5: Podcasts

Do you ever miss the college experience? I do. Are you looking for some easy ways to continue the college experience on topics you are interested in learning more about? Absolutely! Have you ever dreamed of attending Yale, but didn't quite make the cut or in our case they didn't have a Speech - Language Pathology program?

Well, here's a resource that makes it easy for you to do just that any time you want-Podcasts! To listen and watch Podcasts that meet your learning yearnings, all you have to do is go to iTunes and click on iTunes University. There you will find University lectures and videos on thousands of topics. I'm particularly interested in MIT's lecture on Autism, Theory and Technology and the UC Davis MIND Institute's courses on iPads as Assistive Technology Tools. You will find lots of topics to match your own special interests, and most of them are free. Listen to a few. And please share your favorites so I can be sure to check them out!

3 Ways to Use QR Codes in Therapy

Angela Desideri — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:58:00 GMT

Quick Response (QR) Codes have been a fun and exciting addition to my therapy sessions. I'm going to share 3 ideas for using them in therapy and the easy steps to make your own.

QR codes are advertising codes that you can view on your iDevices (e.g., iPhone, iPod Touches, iPads, iPad Mini's) and Androids. If you scan the code it will take you to an internet site.

Here are 3 activities using QR codes:

1) Articulation Practice Sheets - I generated articulation practice sheets for my students. They used my iPad to scan their paper and bring up their target sounds to practice.

2) Story Telling - My students had to scan the items on their page and as they did I had the actual pictures printed. They then generated a story about the pictures.

3) Expressive Language - I have used them to expand app learning. As an example, to go with Toca Band I created QR codes of the instruments and band members. To encourage communication I drew different color boxes around each code to encourage choices and requesting. So my students had to first tell me which color box they wanted to scan, and then they had to tell me what appeared on the iPad after they scanned it.

Here's how to get started using QR codes:

1) Download the free SCAN app, that is available on both the iTunes App store and the Android Market.

2) Create your own free QR codes, on Kaywa's website . Once the codes are created print them out and start using them in your therapy sessions.

After you have downloaded the scan app I encourage you to scan the QR code that is included in my blog. It's got a special message for you!

3 Tips for Using Your iPad in Speech and Language Therapy

Angela Desideri — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:35:00 GMT

The start of the school year is an exciting time for school based SLP's. This school year in particular I keep reading and hearing more and more about how school districts have purchased iPads for student and staff use. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones who have received an iPad this year, here are 3 tips to help with incorporating the iPad into your speech and language therapy sessions.

1. App Selection: Be selective when choosing apps. Just as you would with any therapy material be sure the apps you select are aligned with your students goals, learning preferences and are of high quality. Once you have selected an app, spend time using it before you introduce it to your students. Explore all of the features and settings of the app and develop a plan on how you are going to use the app in your therapy session.

2. App Use: Use screenshots as visual supports to elicit the most language out of the apps. Screenshots can also be used after you have used the app as they provide a visual support to assist students with their retelling skills. Be sure you are in charge of the iPad and are using it interactively to elicit the most language and communication out of your students. Monitor iPad screen time. As a general rule, I like to use my iPad in therapy for about 5-10% of the session. Think of creative ways to generalize the learning outside of the app.

3. Always have a back- up plan if your iPad or app doesn't work. Technology is a great tool to use in therapy, but remember it can break, your iPad battery may have drained or you may find the app you selected is not yielding the results you expected. Always be prepared with a non- technology back up plan.

AAC Evaluation: There’s an iPad App for That!

Angela Desideri — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:04:00 GMT

Do you find yourself searching for material to use when beginning an AAC evaluation? If so, I have good news for you, now you can use 1 app to help with this process. The AAC Evaluation Genie is an informal tool that provides valuable information that can help with the AAC evaluation process.

Here's how it works.

It has 14 subtests that can be administered all at once or pre-selected on an as needed basis.

1) Visual Identification - examines the ability to visually track and identify an icon ranging in size (from 5" to 1").

2) Visual Discrimination - examines the ability to visually track and discriminate icons ranging in size (from 5" to 1").

3) Noun Vocabulary - examines the ability to identify nouns.

4) Function Vocabulary - examines the ability to identify the function of nouns.

5) Verb Vocabulary - examines the ability to identify verbs.

6) Category Recognition - examines the ability to identify categories.

7) Word Association - examines the ability to ide ntify a noun by it's associated function or feature.

8) Category Inclusion - examines the ability to identify nouns by category inclusion (i.e., "Which one is an animal?")

9) Category Exclusion -examines the ability to identify nouns by category exclusion (i.e., "Which one is not an animal?")

10) Pixon Core Vocabulary - examines the understanding of core words.

11) Unity Core Vocabulary- examines the ability to identify core words using Minspeak symbols.

12) Unity Icon Patterns-examines the ability to identify vocabulary organized by Minspeak Unity semantic/linguistic patterns.

13) Picture Description - examines the ability to describe pictures using AAC with MLU calculated in the data section.

14) Word Prediction - examines the ability to read text.

An added bonus is the comprehensive data collection system that can be opened in iBooks, saved in Dropbox or printed. Each time you start a new session the data resets for the new client.

This comprehensive app allows you to use it with AAC users of varying abilities. I have found this app to be a helpful resource with getting started in the AAC evaluation process and I'm glad to have this app in my AAC toolbox.

Teaching AAC Use: Do You Need Some Help?

Angela Desideri — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:53:00 GMT

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATiA) recently published "The Critical Need for Knowledge and Usage of AT and AAC Among Speech-Language Pathologists.

The publishing surveyed various SLP's and found the following (to see the complete list please refer to their paper):

86% need more information on the range of AT and AAC services.
74% reported that they didn't receive enough education regarding AAC while in school.
More than 90% want more information about tablets and their possible role in AT and AAC.

Based on this report, I felt it was important to provide SLP's with a resource that can help them learn more on this topic.

1) PrAACtical AAC

Created by Carole Zangari and Robin Parker, two SLP's and University professors that teach on the topic of AAC. The website provides a continual wealth of practical AAC techniques that you can use immediately in therapy including video examples and AAC teaching techniques in action.

Here's a video and a few blog posts I found very useful.

2) Webinar Learning: "Using iPad in School Based Therapy:

I will be hosting an ASHA CEU webinar titled "Using iPad in School Based Therapy" on July 28 @ 10:30 EST . This webinar teaches evidence based strategies to use the iPad as an educational tool. To learn more about the webinar click here.

Feel free to to read ATiA's white paper and let me know how you feel about technology by commenting in the section below or on the Facebook page. Also, I would love to hear what you found useful on PrAACtical AAC's website.

References

Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). (2012). The Critical Need for Knowledge and Usage of AT and AAC Among Speech Language Pathologists. Retrieved from: http://www.atia.org/files/public/ATIA%20SLP%20Survey%20White%20Paper_6_12_12.pdf

AAC Use and Speech

Angela Desideri — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:50:00 GMT

Recently, I have been doing workshops on the topic of AAC. One frequent question from parents has been "Will AAC prevent my child from speaking?"

The answer is no.

Decades of research have proven that AAC systems don't impede the development of speech. Rather, AAC provides a means for individuals to communicate and express their wants, needs, desires, feelings and preferences and to engage in conversations.

Despite hearing this, many parents are still hesitant to use AAC with their children due to their fears that speech won't develop. While I understand the fear of the unknown, it's critical that we provide parents with the resources to help them make informed AAC decisions.

In addition to what research tell us, I thought I would add some of my clinical impressions regarding AAC use.

When my students use AAC, I have seen improvements in the following areas:

Increased self-confidence
Motivation to communicate and learn
Decrease in behaviors
Increase in participation
Increase in ability to express wants, needs and preferences and to engage in conversational exchanges

As SLPs, it's important for us to listen to parents' concerns related to AAC. For many families this process is new to them. Listed below are resources to share with those who are trying to decide on whether AAC is the right choice. In addition to sharing resources, I found it extremely helpful to have parents speak with other parents whose children use AAC. Connecting with other AAC users provides invaluable insights.

Resources:

Considering AAC

AAC Connecting Young Kids: Yaack

The Center for AAC & Autism

Keeping Your iPad Safe and Clean

Angela Desideri — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:30:00 GMT

With cold and flu season in full force, I thought it would be beneficial to share some tips on cleaning your iPad screen to keep it germ-free. Apple recommends wiping the screen with a damp, lint-free cloth. (Click here to read Apple's recommendations.) While this may protect your screen from being permanently smudged or damaged, it will not disinfect your iPad or rid the device of germs. Since I use a screen protector on my iPad (I highly recommend you do the same), I've had great success using ZAGG Foam to clean the screen. ZAGG Foam sells for $9.99 and can be purchased at Target or on Amazon. It's an antibacterial cleaner and a great way to keep your screen germ-free and sanitary.

Now that you know the best way to clean your iPad, let me share with you an accessory that can keep it almost permanently protected. The iBallz is my favorite case to use while conducting speech and language therapy sessions with the iPad.

iBallz is sold for $19.95 and comes in four colors: pink, grey, black and blue. The blue one happens to be my favorite color as it reminds me of one of my favorite stores. (Can you guess which store? Not much on sale for $19.95 at the one I'm thinking about, so this is a real bargain.)

Here are some reasons I like using the iBallz accessory:

Lightweight. This makes transporting, carrying and using the iPad so nice and easy. When I have iBallz attached to my iPad, I can easily hold up the device. This helps my students see the screen more easily and allows me to adjust it toward the group or individual. The cord allows me to quickly access the iPad so I can move it in and out, which is exactly what I need when working with students.
Elevated. The four balls provide elevation, which allows me to glide the iPad along the table. This is a great thing to have when you're working with small groups. I've found this really makes my group iPad interactions super efficient.
Protected. I can't tell you how many times I've dropped my iPad with the iBallz attached. In every case, my iPad has not been harmed. With the iBallz, I have peace of mind in knowing my device is protected, which allows me to focus on service delivery rather than protecting my iPad.

In my opinion, iBallz is the perfect companion accessory for SLPs and their iPads. I use it everyday and I don't know what I would do without such an innovative product!

Core Words: Are You Teaching Them?

Angela Desideri — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:45:00 GMT

Core words are a relatively small amount of frequently occurring words that are found in every language and make up about 85 percent of the vocabulary used. Core words are powerful and are the basis for communication. They are found in speaking, reading and writing and are mostly comprised of pronouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives and prepositions. Personally, I like to think of core words as the foundation for communication. Therefore, I highly recommend that you add them to your AAC toolbox.

By teaching core words you are providing more communicative opportunities. Here's an example of how I used the following core words for two word combinations using "go," "stop," "like" and more in a play-based 'train activity':

train go (directive)
train stop (directive)
like train (comment)
more train (recurrence)

These same words can be used for a music activity:

like music
more music

And outside on the playground:

like swing
go swing
more swing
stop swing

Think about all the settings and places that core words can be used. They can be used throughout the school day, in speech therapy, in the classroom, outside, during transitions, and at home.

Now, think about the activities you are doing with your students and generate four to five core words that you can use within that activity. Here are a few word lists to help you get started: Toddler Vocabulary Word List and Preschool Vocabulary Word List. Additionally, Prentke Romiche AAC Language Lab has excellent free resources on ways to teach and use core words in AAC.

Start using core words with your AAC users and you will be amazed at all of the communication possibilities!

Resources

Banajee, M., Dicarlo, C., Stricklin, S.B. (2003). Core vocabulary determination for toddlers. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 19, 67-73.
Baker, B., Hill, K., Devylder, R. (2000). Core Vocabulary is the same across environments. Presented at California State University, Northridge. http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2000/proceedings/0295Baker.htm.
Cannon, B., Edmond, G. (2009). A Few Good Words: Using Core Vocabulary to Support Nonverbal Students. The ASHA Leader (April 14).

Screenshots: An Easy Way to Create Visual Supports

Angela Desideri — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:10:00 GMT

One of the ways I have been using my iPad with my students who require visual supports such as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), communication boards, and AAC overlays is by taking and using screenshots.

You may be asking yourself, "What is a screenshot?" If that's the case, let me explain. Screenshots are images that are taken by the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch that, once taken, are stored in the photo library. If you look through your photo library you will more than likely discover random pictures that you don't recall taking. These are most likely screenshots that you snapped without knowing it. The good news is now you will learn how to take and use screenshots to enhance your therapy sessions.

Here's how to take a screenshot:

Your picture is now stored in your photo devices library.

Now your pictures can be emailed, messaged, assigned to contacts, used as wallpaper, tweeted, printed or copied.

I have screenshots for all of the pages in the apps that I use. I then print them on card stock and laminate them. I provide these to my students and they can be used as choice boards to make requests or comments, as well as making descriptions and assisting with answering and asking questions. The possibilities are endless!

I find that screenshots really help with kids who are impulsive, as this is a way to structure your therapy session while using apps, especially with groups. Screenshots are an easy way to provide visual supports while engaging interactively in the apps. I encourage you to practice taking screenshots and start using them in therapy today!

Expanding Communication Skills? There's an App for That!

Angela Desideri — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:30:00 GMT

What better way to get children excited to learn language and communication skills than a birthday party? Toca Boca's "Birthday Party" is an interactive app that provides numerous opportunities to help speech-language pathologists expand language use and teach social skills, as well as AAC skills, in a fun and motivating way.

Here' s how it works:

Select a birthday cake design from the following choices: Panda, Dragon or Rainbow.
Select the plates/dishes from the three choices provided.
Select one of three presents.
Sing "Happy Birthday" and blow out the candles (by touching them).
Time for the birthday party celebration! Eat the cake, pop the confetti, pour the juice, put the cake on the plates, eat the cake, open the present, and drink the juice.
Once all of the cake is eaten it's time to clean up and wash the cups and dishes.
The birthday party is over!

Here's how I use it in therapy:

Requesting items such as the type of cake, blow out candles, eat cake, pour juice, drink juice, open present, pop confetti, wash dishes, and wash cups by using signs, PECS, AAC systems or visual supports.
To practice labeling items.
To practice stating preferences: "I like______."
To review and practice using core words like eat, drink, more, look, like and open.
To teach social language skills related to birthday parties.
To review the schedule of a birthday party.
To practice expected vs. unexpected behaviors at a party.
To work on asking questions such as "Do you want cake?" "Do you want juice?" "Which juice do you want?" and much more.
To practice social skills related to birthday parties.
To work on turn-taking skills.

iPad & Settings: A Tip to Enhance Learning

Angela Desideri — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:07:00 GMT

Are you aware you can adjust the general settings on your iPad? By controlling the specific settings, you can increase students' attention, decrease frustration and behaviors, and most importantly, make the most use out of your therapy time.

Settings allows you to restrict access to certain areas on your iPad and provide SLPs with the peace of mind to ensure the iPad is used for learning purposes.

Here's how you can access restrictions on your iPad (located within the general settings).

Select the Settings icon
Select General
Select Restrictions
Select Enable Restrictions and when prompted enter a passcode

Here are my setting recommendations:

Safari - off - Disables internet access.
YouTube - off - Prevents access to videos.
Installing Apps - off - Prevents apps from being installed.
Deleting Apps - off - Prevents apps from being deleted.
Allow Music and Podcasts Rated Explicit - off
Movies - Don't allow movies
TV Shows - Don't allow TV shows
In-App Purchases - off - Prevents in-app purchases from being made.

Here's a screenshot of my recommendations:

Technology & SLPs: 2011, A Year in Review

Angela Desideri — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:33:00 GMT

As 2011 comes to a close, most SLPs will be using new technology like the iPad in therapy or know someone who is. Many SLPs are embracing this new and innovative therapy tool and most importantly seeing improvements with their students.

I decided to end my final blog post of 2011 with a review of some of the posts that provided the most comments.

Please post your thoughts on technology in 2011 and predictions for where it will take us in 2012! Sincerest thanks to all of you, my faithful readers, for your past support. I would like to wish you and your families a healthy and happy New Year!

#5: My Favorite Free App and AAC: 3 Things Every Parent, SLP, and Educator Needs to Know (these were tied)

#4: My Favorite Apps for Speech Therapy: Part 1

#3: iPad and Speech Therapy

#2: iPads in Schools

#1 most commented blog post:iPad: Should I Buy One?

Happy New Year, 2012!

My Favorite Free App

Angela Desideri — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:05:00 GMT

Typically, I don't use lite (free apps) for use in speech therapy. I find the in-app purchases and advertisements to be highly distracting and take away from learning. However, there are always exceptions and the Toca Hair Salon Christmas Gift is one of them.

So here is an early Christmas gift from Toca Boca!

How it works:

The app provides various options:

Comb
Cut
Add more hair
Blow dry
Take a picture
Shave
Color
Decorate

Example:

If you select the scissors, when you touch either Santa's hair or the Christmas tree, your hands become the scissors and whatever you touch is cut off. It comes complete with sounds that bring this action to life!

How I have used the app:

My students and I have been having so much fun using this app. It's simple, engaging, and it can be used to support students who speak any language.

My AAC users:

All of their devices and/or PECS books contain the following vocabulary:

I want, I like, more, cut, comb, color, shave, decorate, take a picture, and blow dry.

This app is a great way to work on verbs and requesting, stating preferences and recurrence. It's been fun to see what features my students have enjoyed. So far, blow drying, taking pictures, coloring, and decorating have been their top picks.

My students working on expressive language skills:

We work together and complete an outline where they map out the steps they want to do in the order they will do them.

Here's an example: First, I'm going to cut Santa's hair. Next, I'm going to comb his hair. Then, I am going to shave his beard. After that, I am going to color his hair green. The last thing I am going to do is take a picture.

This plan goes home with my students and they practice retelling the steps to their parents who have received an email of the picture that they created. It's a great homework activity that they love doing!

One more tip: every time a picture is taken, it's saved in your photo library. Some of my students really loved this feature and have frequently requested it. In the general settings you have the option to turn on/off the snapshot saving. Here is a picture that my students created. Happy styling!

My Favorite Apps for Speech Therapy Part 1

Angela Desideri — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:44:00 GMT

I wanted to share some of my favorite apps that I use for speech therapy. Please feel free to comment and tell me your favorite apps so I can add them to my wish list for the holidays!

My Play House by Shimon - This is an interactive play house that I use to work on play skills, turn taking, linguistic concepts, following directions, cause and effect, and much more.

The Social Express by The Language Express - This is a new app that was just released and it works on teaching social language skills. It's a comprehensive app that targets all aspects related to social thinking including: feelings, eye contact, interpreting non-verbal cues, conversational skills, learning how to be a part of a group, teaches the hidden social rules, sequencing and inferencing, coping skills, and much more! The app also contains the option to turn on "Teacher Tips" where it tells you what to say to your students when engaged in the app. It even comes with printable activities and lesson summaries.

Cinderella by Nosy Crow - I use this to work on comprehension, vocabulary development, following multi-step directions, choice making, social skills, narrative development and emotions. Some of the pages in the app I love are the invitation page, garden scene and the dancing scene where you can change the music.

What are your favorite apps?

iPads in Schools: Interview with an iPad Coach Part 2

Angela Desideri — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:07:00 GMT

In my last blog, I interviewed Dawn Hallett, iPad Coach at Warringa Park School in Melbourne, Australia. As you will soon learn from Dawn's experience, it takes a considerable amount of planning, training, and support to ensure the successful use of this new technology. Here is Part 2 of my interview with Dawn.

Angela: What is your school doing to train and provide ongoing support to staff?

Dawn: An essential part of my role is to provide training for my staff. I provide professional development on the basics of the iPad itself. We also encourage teachers to provide a workshop based around an application they are currently using. This happens every Thursday after school.

Although my official title is ‘iPad Coach,' I operate as a teaching and learning coach, with a focus on technology. I work alongside teachers for a term at a time. Together, we identify the level each student is working at, plan activities to enable the student to progress onto the next level and identify opportunities for using the iPad to support these activities. I will then model some lessons that integrate the iPad and provide support to my colleagues with further lessons.

Angela: How does your school ensure the iPads are being used for educational purposes?

Dawn: This is an expectation when teachers sign up for an iPad. As we don't download applications unless they are educational, our students are only able to use the iPad for educational purposes, even if they don't stay working on the app the teacher wants them to!

Angela: How are apps purchased and distributed?

Dawn: Each student is provided with an iTunes gift card. At the start, this was $50. The teachers are then provided with a list of suggested applications that total the amount and are asked to download these applications onto each iPad. For some older students, we quickly learned that some needed the restrictions applied, as Justin Bieber had been downloaded "accidentally" onto one iPad! But this has been part of the learning process for us.

When teachers plan at the end of each term for the following term, they identify applications that will fit with their topic and are then given vouchers that total the required amount. It is more beneficial to use iTunes vouchers, as there are always special offers, for example, buying $50 for $40. However, if a teacher desperately needs an app, our IT Manager will gift it to them.

Please share in the comment section how your school is using iPads and the success and/or challenges you have encountered!