Toca Boca recently released their newest app, Toca Band. After thoroughly reviewing the app, I am thrilled to report it can effectively be used for speech and language therapy.  Here is a lesson plan I recently used: Here's how the app works: 1) Select your band members from 16 available choices. Each band member plays their own instrument ...

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 ...

I have loved reading about SLPs' experiences with the iPad over the last year, and am enjoying the ADVANCE AAC and App review blogs. I am still a newbie when it comes to the iPad, and am looking forward to an iPad workshop and having one to use at school in the fall. Over the last two weeks I have had the opportunity to meet 2 very different ...

Last week I posted the first half of my interview with a trained speech language pathologist who is now using her speech and language skills in a new role, as an Assistive Technology Consultant/ Professional Development Specialist. Today I would like to share the second half of my interview where my guest provides instructive and helpful ...

Today I would like to share the first part of my one-on-one interview with a trained speech language pathologist who is now using her speech and language knowledge and background to work as an Assistive Technology Consultant/ Professional Development Specialist. She has worked in the school setting for over 20 years with students ranging in age ...

This past week my theme for therapy has been vegetables. Here's the list of vegetables I decided to use: cabbage (green and purple) carrots green beans (great to snap in half) broccoli lettuce (easy to tear) peas peppers (green, yellow and orange) tomato eggplant cucumber I put each vegetable in a tightly sealed clear container to ...

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, ...

This week I'd like to continue with specific therapy material suggestions for new graduates and the books and manuals that have worked for me, with a focus on cognitive-linguistic resources. Cognitive-linguistic therapy is a very important aspect of our work in geriatrics and long-term care (LTC). At the very least, we should be supporting ...

This week I would like to share some of my personal and professional reflections on using the iPad. I have been incorporating the device into my therapy sessions for just one short month. However, over these past four weeks I have seen some very positive changes in my sessions. Here are several of them: The iPad is EXCITING: The ...

Thank you to everyone who has been writing in over these past few weeks regarding the iPad apps and the many ways that the iPad can be used in speech therapy sessions. I love hearing your feedback and the various ways you are using these apps in your sessions! This week I would like to share my next iPad passion, namely the full version of ...