Monthly Archives: December 2023

Communication Partner Buddies at Elaine Thompson Elementary School

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October was National Augmentative/Alternative Communication Month. In recognition and celebration, learners at Elaine Thompson Elementary School engaged in an experience where they explored augmentative/alternative communication. Led by speech language pathologist, Hannah Schroyer, and supported by an ensemble of other educators including resource teacher, Emily Davis, and Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology, Joyce Sharp, students explored the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words for Life application. The students learned how the app was organized, explored how to find words, and discussed what it meant to be a supportive communication partner to their peers who are using the application to help them learn language. What follows are actual quotes from those who participated:

The hands of two students touching an iPad with an AAC app on it

Learners work together to explore words on AAC

“I’ve never experienced this type of technology, but it was fun to learn it because I wanted to communicate more with my friends. I’ve had a lot of chances to use it. I liked how if you tapped on one thing like ‘work,’ it would bring you to this other screen with multiple words on it like ‘job’ or ‘hammer.'” -Ishanvi

Four learners collaborating at a table while using iPads with an AAC application.

Students explore how words are organized and where to find them to communicate a message to their peers.

“I loved the concept of giving every single student a voice, especially ones that aren’t able to speak. I can’t wait to further do this. I really liked how we learned and how you guys taught us like how you went into a very deep description of everything we needed to do. I loved all of the ‘who can do this the fastest’ type of stuff to get muscle memory going.” -Delilah

five students sitting at a table each with an iPad exploring the AAC

Students learn how to be awesome communication partners

“It was fun, but it was kind of difficult to see where everything was. It helped me learn a bunch about [my classmate] and how he would use the iPad to speak. My favorite part was learning where everything was so it would be easier for me to talk to [my classmate].” -Gabby

If you’re interested in leading a similar event, reach out to the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology who works at your school!

My Overall SETDA Panel Experience

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Shaelyn and her dog Ivory in front of a sign that read SETDA Leadership, Technology, Innovation, Learning

Shaelyn and her dog at the SETDA event.

This post is written by guest author, Shaelyn Wheeler, a high school student in Loudoun County Public Schools.

My name is Shaelyn Wheeler. I am a high school student in Loudoun County Public Schools. I was offered an opportunity to be in a Student’s Voices panel for the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA)’s Ed Forum by John Millar, my Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology. This invitation was for me to be interviewed by Chris Bugaj, the Assistive Technology Specialist. Mr. Bugaj happened to be my Assistive Technology Facilitator when I was just two years old and participating in Early Childhood Special Education in Loudoun County, VA. He was also the person who helped my team select my first speech device.

I was actually out of town in Ohio for 2 weeks training with my service dog when we got the email from John Millar, asking if I wanted to come. Of course, I said yes! Participating in this event would allow me to express myself and give me the opportunity to show people why assistive technology is so important. 

Shaelyn, her Golden Retriever, and Chris

Shaelyn, Ivory, & Chris at the SETDA event.

I was accompanied by my parents and my service dog, Ivory, for the event which was held in Arlington, VA. I was interviewed and asked specific questions related to my personal experiences with assistive technology and how Loudoun County Public Schools has helped me, as well as what LCPS could do better. I discussed my experiences, my wins and my hardships dealing with using a communication device. At the panel, I shared the difference between getting used to my old speech application LAMP:Words for Life and my current application Proloquo4Text. LAMP:WFL primarily uses pictures. Over the years, I found myself primarily using the keyboard feature of LAMP:WFL and not the pictures. Therefore, we considered something more specifically designed to produce text. Proloquo4text helps me communicate quickly by supporting my use of text

I thought the questions were challenging but by answering them, I was able to show others how I persevered. Chris Bugaj provided us with the panel questions ahead of time which allowed me to type my responses and store them in my communication device for use at the event. Typing out my responses obviously takes more time than it does for people to just speak, so preparing them ahead of time was very helpful. Mr. Bugaj did add onto those questions during the interview which allowed me to type out additional responses on the fly. I enjoyed the audience being able to ask questions they had, make any comments, and share their appreciation. I wasn’t nervous at all being in front of a lot of people in the conference room. It felt very natural talking to Mr. Bugaj up on the stage. 

I’m truly grateful I was nominated for this event. I can’t thank Mr. Millar enough for choosing me. It was such a great opportunity to participate and it is an experience that I am hopeful I can use later in life.

Shaelyn and Chris on stage

Shaelyn & Chris on stage at the SETDA event

Transcribing Audio to Provide Translatable Text in Microsoft Word Online

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Sometimes educators share content through audio. Text can be created from the audio file and then copy and pasted into a translation tool as a way to represent the content to those who have not yet learned the language of the words spoken in the audio file. Educators can use the Transcribe feature in Microsoft Word Online to convert the words in an audio file into text. They can then use Microsoft Translator or Google Translate to convert the text into various languages.

Screenshot of the Transcribe feature in Word Online

The Transcribe Feature in Word Online