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Like many children with cerebral palsy, Javora struggles to vocalize and move most body parts consistently.  He always appeared to be very happy and even whimsical at times, but no one could really guess the depth of his personality until he started to use an accent with a joystick at about 10 years old.   Now he blows everyone away with his intelligence, wit, and very comedic responses.  Javora is an extraordinary example of what is possible!

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL Topics could include: AAC Implementation Core Vocabulary Vocabulary Selection Access Methods Motor Planning Aided Language Simulation  AAC Apps All content should be 50 minutes in length.

Thanks to Lauren S. Enders SLP for putting together this graphic of October's App deals!  Even if your child/student already has one of these apps, it may be worth putting the app on your own device so both  of you can talk using the same mode of communication.

Just searching AAC on the app store can quickly lead to some regrettable experiences.  Most AAC Apps do not incorporate best practice and, the few that do, offer varying design layouts and features that may not impact every user the same way.   So I created this video to demonstrate a platform on which AAC Apps can be compared based on design, and review some key features  that should be considered based on the user. The video covers: Misconceptions of AAC Motor Planning/Core Vocablary Comparing Apps based on a Motor Planning to Grammar Scale Key Features to look for in Apps based on user need.

Too often parents can be the least trained members of an AAC/IEP team! This can set up AAC for failure since children spend the MOST time at home, and require the most modeling at home. However, I was blown away at the knowledge and dedication of this parent!  Mom describes her own experiences as an English language learner, and relates her own frustration to her son's struggles with verbal communication.  Her testimony of how the AAC talker increased her three year-old son's verbal speech and social skills is inspirational. The video concludes with a session between mom, son, and the speech language pathologist that highlights important modeling cues, and how to address issues such as repetition and introducing new words. Professionals in the video: Christie Zeringue, M.A CCC-SLP The Device SpeakForYourself  iOS application with iPad