Communication Toolkit

In this episode, we are joined by Shay Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Verbali and father to a non-verbal son. In an attempt to find the most optimal AAC system for his son, Shay developed MaTalk AI, an innovative new app that combines traditional communication supports with an AI component. In this interview he discusses the current features of his app and what he hopes for the future of AI and AAC. Check out the following resources for more information...Verbali - linksWebsiteMa-Talk on the App StoreMa-Talk on Google PlayVerbali on the social networks:YoutubeXLinkedinFacebookInstagram

In this episode we chat with Matt Newton, an instructional and assistive technology coordinator with the T/TAC at Virginia Tech, about Artificial Intelligence or AI. He share some of his favorite AI tools and how they can support access and participation in instruction for our students with disabilities and also enhance teaching and increase time management for our educators. Check out the following resources mentioned in this episode...

In this episode we have a discussion with two teachers who are implementing core vocabulary in their classrooms and discuss how this has enhanced the language of their students and improved their overall instruction. Please check out these links to come of the reources mentioned in today's episode...Project CoreWord of the WeekUsing Core in the Classroom

This episode takes a deeper look into core vocabulary and discusses the importance of focusing on core words when you are teaching students to use AAC and some great resources to get teachers and teams started!The following resources are discussed in today's episode...Article: A Few Good WordsStepping Into AACEscondido Union School District Email BlastAssistiveware's Core Word ClassroomLessonpix

In this episode we take a deeper look into the importance of print knowledge, phonological awareness and oral language skills as it relates to emergent literacy. Each of us share about our experiences teaching these skills to young learners and we also describe some of our favorite activities and materials for targeted these skills in therapy sessions! Check out the following links for more information on some of those suggested items...Story Champs Using Green Screen

In this episode we dive into the three foundational areas to support literacy development for young learners. Oral language, phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge provide the foundation for learning to read and write in elementary school, as lined out in the 2008 study by the National Eearly Literacy Panel (NELP). We discuss the importance of each of these domains and how we might incorporate these skills into speech and language therapy. Check out the following resource from Reading Rockets for more great ideas...https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/preschool-and-child-care/articles/nelp-report-developing-early-literacy

In this episode we wrap up our discussion around supporting literacy instruction for our students with the most complex needs. We present an overview of the book, Comprehensive Literacy for All, by Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver, and share some of our favorite strategies and take aways. Check out the following links for more information on this topic. Center for Literacy and Disability Studies Tar Heel Shared Reader Buy the book: Comprehensive Literacy for All

This episode focuses on supporting literacy instructions for our complex learners. We are joined by two all star special education teachers from Russell County to share their about their experiences. Please check out this link for more information!

In this episode, we wrap up our discussion on play and share some final thoughts on fostering a language rich environment. For more information, check out the following links... Neuroscience and learning through play:  a review of the evidence The Connection Between Play and Language

In this episode we interview a preschool special education teacher and an SLP to hear about how they collaborate to provide a language rich environment and incorporate play throughout the day. Check out this resource for more suggestions... NAEYC: Creating a Playful, Language-Rich Preschool Environment

This episode discussed the importance of play based therapy for young children. We are joined by Hillary Billings, an SLP from Grayson County, VA, as she discusses some of her favorite activities to target language development within the context of play. Check out these links for more information... ⁠Ideas for Using Critter Clinic⁠ ⁠Boosting Speech and Language Through Play Based Learning

In this episode, we discuss using adapted books to target literacy. We share some of our favorite tips and tricks for adapting books and the importance of targeting literacy skills especially at the early childhood level. For more information check out some of our favorite sites for additional suggestions... https://autismlittlelearners.com/adapted-books-for-special-education/ https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/modifying-books-students-multiple-disabilities/ 10 Benefits of Using Adapted Books in the Special Education 

In this first episode of season 2, we introduce the topic of language and literacy and the integral role the SLP plays. Check out this article from ASHA for more on the roles and responsibilities with respect to reading and writing. https://www.asha.org/policy/ps2001-00104/ For a transcript of today's episode click here

In this episode, we wrap up our year long conversation around AAC by sharing our favorite takeaways and resources.

In this episode, we discuss transition strategies to ensure students have the essential communication supports needed to be successful from year to year. Here are some helpful resources to help teams get started... AAC Community = AAC Users and Transitions TIES Center = Preparing the AAC user for the Next Grade PrAACtical AAC = 5 AACtionable Steps to Support the Transition Process SLP Summer Fun = Adapting Games for Targeting Speech and Language Goals

In this episode we interview Whitney White, an SLP from Pulaski County VA Schools, as she reflects on supporting her AAC users this school year. She shares about lesson learned, her top tips for implementing and plans for the future. For more information on Assistiveware's Core Word Classroom visit the following link https://www.assistiveware.com/blog/assistiveware-core-word-classroom

In this episode, we have a conversation with Denise Walker, an SLP from Pittsylvania County as she recounts her experiences from this year in terms of strategies that have worked and suggestions for moving forward with best practice in implementing the use of AAC devices. https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/aac-implementation-framework-steps-to-learning/ Integrating AAC into the Classroom (ASHA Leader, 2004) https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac

In this episode we continue our conversation with Chris Bugaj regarding the Specific Language Systems First Approach. He discusses the benefits of using this approach and shares implementation strategies. Link to Chris' course = https://christopher-s-site-3450.thinkific.com/courses/specificlanguagefirst Talking with Tech Podcast = https://www.talkingwithtech.org/about SLFSA episode = https://www.talkingwithtech.org/blog/the-specific-language-system-first-approach-to-aac

In this episode, we share part 1 of our discussion with Chris Bugaj, author, podcast host, and more, on the Specific Language Systems First Approach. To begin this conversation, Chris explains this approach and discusses the benefits that he has seen when working with teams that have utilized this approach to address communication needs. Please check out the following links for more information... SLSFA information -  https://www.talkingwithtech.org/blog/the-specific-language-system-first-approach-to-aac Link to the  course -  https://christopher-s-site-3450.thinkific.com/courses/specificlanguagefirst Podcast - https://www.talkingwithtech.org/about

In this episode we chat with Caroline Gaddy from Tobii Dynavox about her experiences both as a gestalt language learner herself and in serving students who are GLPs. She shares tips for practitioners to better identify and support these types of language learners. The articles mentioned are in the SIG 1 Perspectives December Issue. The forum Caroline co-edited with Amy Donaldson is Considerations for Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices:https://pubs.asha.org/toc/persp/8/6 (scroll down a touch to get to the forum articles). This is the open access GLP article: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00098 This is the article co authored by Caroline and Hillary: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00106 Autistic Communication: A Survey of School-Based Professionals: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00107

This episode introduces the topic of gestalt language processing. Specifically what this terms means and how to identify if a student may be this type of learner.

In this episode we discus the Descriptive Teaching Approach and how it can be used in instruction to provide further practice of core vocabulary. For more information on this topic check out this blog post from AAC Community.

In this episode we review the definition of core vocabulary and discuss how these flexible messages are the foundation of building language and should be taught first when introducing an AAC system. Check out this Daily Routines Planning Form from Project Core to help you determine what core words to focus on and how to provide multiple opportunities to use these words in meaningful activities throughout the day.

In this episode, we continue our discussion about setting up opportunities for our students to use their AAC systems in meaningful ways throughout the day. This blog post from Cough Drop, 10 AAC Tips for Teachers, is a great resource for basic tips on implementing AAC in the classroom.

We kick off this discussion by interviewing a school based SLP, Susan Heck, with over a decade of experience working with students with a wide range of communication needs and hear her top tips for implementing AAC systems throughout the school day. Check out this article from Assistiveware for more suggestions!

In this episode, we complete our discussion on prompting by talking about the least to most prompting hierarchy. Remember, we always want to be sure that we are using aided language stimulation but when prompting users for responses here is a great resource for guiding decision making on which prompt(s) to use.

In this episode, we begin a two part conversation about prompting. Prompting can be a useful tool in teaching students to use their AAC system. However, we have to make sure that we fade these prompts as quickly as possible to avoid prompt dependency. This post from AVAZ provides some great suggestions for prompt fading.

In this episode we wrap up a two part discussion about Aided Language Stimulation; specifically how to implement this evidence based practice throughout the day. This form helps to lay out Roles and Responsibilities of team members as part of a collaborative implementation plan. Teams may also find these suggestions for Planning for AAC Througout the Day useful in identifying natural teachable moments.

In this episode we begin a two part discussion about Aided Language Stimulation. Today we discuss what it is and why it is important. Check out this video Aided Language Stimulation Explained for a more in depth description. And this resource titled AACtion Point, from AAC Institute, for a great example of what this might look like in action. Click here for a transcript of today's episode.

This episode features SLPs discussing busting common myths associated with AAC (augmentative alternative communication). Resources referenced in this episode include the Communication Bill of Rights and the AAC Continuum chart. To dive into these myths a little deeper check out 10 Things You May Not Know About AAC. Click on this link for a transcript of today's episode.