Monthly Archives: November 2021

Repetition With Variety When Modeling Language Using Augmentative/Alternative Communication

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When modeling core vocabulary on augmentative/alternative communication (AAC), it is important to repeat the same word used in different ways and in different contexts. This shows the AAC user that the word isn’t just used to mean one action or thing in one specific situation, and helps them learn all of the meanings and uses of the word. For example, “turn” can mean physically spinning something in a circle (turn around) and can also mean it’s time for you to perform an action (it’s your turn). Communication partners can help those learning language using AAC by modeling the word in all the varied ways the word can be used.

This YouTube playlist features a number of videos featuring specific core words demonstrating how each word can be used in a variety of ways. Use these videos to introduce or reinforce the word you’re teaching.

 

Using a Digital Calendar to Maintain a To-Do List

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Digital calendars can be used to create a to-do list and prompt reminders. Putting appointments and due dates on a calendar is what it was made for! Using a calendar as a to-do list and for reminders provides one convenient location for keeping track of everything that needs to be done. Use the following handy tips to get started:

  • Set up to-do items and plan out stages of projects by marking events as an  “All Day Event”. This puts it on your calendar on a date you want it “due” without a specific time slot.
  • Have a big project? Breaking it down into smaller chunks makes it more manageable. “Due dates” can be set for each smaller chunk of the project so that you work on it all along instead of cramming everything into the day before!
  • Set notifications to remind you at a certain date and time which can help you remember that the event is coming up.
  • Set up a repeating appointment or event, such as setting a consistent weekly reminder to take the trash out on a specific morning.
  • Events can be set with a visual reminder, such as an emoji specific to the event, like using a waste basket 🗑️ for the reminder to take out the trash. 
  • Whole calendars and/or specific events can be shared with others. Parents and/or educators can work with a student to help them learn what types of actions should be events, what reminders might be necessary, and when those should be scheduled on the calendar. 

Use the following guides based on the digital calendar you are using:

Getting Started With Google Calendar

Get Started with the Outlook Calendar

Learning Where The Words Are Located on AAC Through Practice

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Supporting someone learning language using augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) means modeling the use of vocabulary by use the AAC yourself. No matter the AAC being used, finding where the words are to model them takes effort, time, and practice. The following are some ideas for how to learn where the words are:

  1. While watching television together, listen for the use of core words (the most frequently used words) and practice finding them as you hear them in the show or during commercials. Try finding a few fun, high-impact, fringe words (less commonly used words) too!
  2. Get peers or siblings involved by inviting them to randomly call out words for you to find and then switch roles where they search for words. Peers and siblings make excellent communication partners!
  3. Most robust AAC applications have a search feature that helps users locate words. Use the search feature whenever stuck on where to find the sequence of buttons to press to say that particular word.
  4. Going slow is a good thing! Taking time to find the word while modeling can provide the time necessary for the AAC user to process the language.
    Word Finder on LAMP:WFL

    Use the Word Finder function on the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words For Life application to search for the location of words.

    Keyboard icon circled on LAMP:WFL

    Use the Keyboard button on the home screen of the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words For Life application to access the Word Finder function

    The Search Feature of Proloquo2go

    How to Locate the Search Feature of Proloquo2go

Improving Visibility of Content Displayed on iOS Devices

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Display & Text Size

Display & Text Size in Accessibility Settings

Whether using an LCPS provided or personal Bring Your Own Technology device, iPhones and iPads have a number of useful features helpful for those who need assistance seeing the content on the screen which can be accessed through the Settings application. Some features include changing the contrast, increasing the font size, and bolding the text. The site Adjust the display and text size on iPhone explains each feature listed on the Display & Text Size menu embedded with the Accessibility portion of the Settings menu. The video Apple iOS Display and Text Size explains how to use a few of the more commonly used display options. Explore the different settings to see which adjustments should be made to improve the visibility and the usability of the content displayed on the screen.