Monthly Archives: September 2021

Who Uses AAC?

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Silhouette of a variety of people

The quick answer to the question of “Who Uses AAC?” is everyone! The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) defines AAC very broadly: “AAC includes all of the ways we share our ideas and feelings without talking.” By that definition, every person is an AAC user but only some people can rely on speech as their primary mode of communication.

A common myth is that a person needs to be completely non verbal or non speaking to require AAC. Let’s bust that myth together today! We can start with the name, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC. What was that first word?? It was Augmentative. To augment means to add to, or to supplement. AAC can be used by a person who does use verbal speech, or sign language, or a letter board, or pictures to communicate purely to make their message clearer!

“An individual does not abandon simpler strategies in the march toward independence. Instead, the individual acquires more and more sophisticated communication methods to add to an existing repertoire.” Blackstone & Hunt Berg, 2003

Watch this video to see how AAC is used to augment Philip’s verbal approximations, gestures, and voice.

3 Ways to Access Voice Typing on a Chromebook

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Introducing typing/writing options to students gives them the flexibility to choose which modality works best for them. One option that is readily available throughout the Google Suite, Schoology, and built into Chromebooks is Voice Typing. It is also commonly referred to as Speech to Text, Speak to Type, or Voice Dictation. There are multiple ways to access this feature in the Google Suite. 

  1. Dictation Accessibility Feature – Turn on the built-in accessibility feature called Dictation on a Chromebook. This allows a user to use Voice Typing in virtually any digital environment. Watch this video to learn more and/or use the following directions:
      1. Go to Chromebook Settings
      2. Type “Accessibility” into the search field
      3. Select “Manage Accessibility features”
      4. Scroll down to the “Keyboard and Text Input” section
      5. Click “Enable Dictation (speak to type)”

A microphone icon will appear at the bottom of the screen to use in Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Chrome, Schoology, and more!

2. Tools Menu or Keyboard Shortcut in Google Docs –

In Google Docs, under the Tools menu, select “Voice Typing” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S. A microphone icon will appear on the screen to turn on and off the voice typing feature.

Voice Typing Icon that looks like a microphone

Voice Typing Icon

3. Read&Write for Google Chrome – Install the Read&Write for Google Chrome extension. Selecting the headphone icon instantly activates Voice Typing in the Google Suite and for web browsing.

Read&Write for Google Chrome Speech Input icon

Read&Write for Google Chrome Speech Input icon

Read&Write for Google Chrome Logo

Read&Write for Google Chrome Logo

 

🤖 Robots for Everyone and Especially For Those Learning Language Using Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) 🤖

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Educational experiences involving robots have proven to be an engaging and empowering way to teach expressive language concepts to those who use augmentative/alternative communication while simultaneously improving computer science skills. During the 2020-2021 school year, Instructional Facilitators of Computer Science worked with Classroom Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and other educators to design and deliver educational experiences using robots to practice expressive language with students with autism. This collaboration has continued and expanded in the 2021-2022 school year with the inclusion of students with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities. Learn more about how robots can be used by everyone to learn language by checking out the following resources:

Reading on the Move! Storywalks for Everyone!

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A story walk is an interactive experience where learners travel along a path discovering different parts of a narrative which has been broken up and placed around an environment using signs, posters, or some other display. The following are some tips for creating a storywalk so that everyone can enjoy the experience!

  • Font
    • Use a font size of 20pts or higher. 
    • Use a font that is thicker at the bottom, such as the Open Dyslexic Font.
    • Use black on white or white on black to provide a high contrast between the text and the background colors.
  • 3D Object Integration
    • Include tactile objects of items represented in the story at some or all of the stops that can be held, felt, and explored through touch.
    • Invite learners to make objects to be added to various stops throughout the story.
  • Multiple Means of Representation of Text
    • Use Braille on the bottom of the page.
    • Use QR Codes linked to an audio version of the text displayed at the stop.
    • Use symbols used on communication boards to compliment the story.
  • Environment
    • Create the walk in an environment that can be traversed by wheels such as those on walkers and wheelchairs.
    • Post the story pages at adjustable or multiple heights for people of varying sizes to access. 
  • Pages
    • Laminate pages for durability and protection from weather in a glare-free location.
    • Post pages with Velcro so that they can be held for readability and the replaced when finished.
    • Always have a second copy!
  • Additional Ideas
    • Invite students to create a walk of their own for family, peers, or the community. Students can work together breaking up the tasks including writing, illustrating, determining the route, mapping the course, making objects, and issuing invitations. Get everyone involved!