Practical Solutions for Special Kids

08/26/2022

Check out this graphic for supporting AAC users!

03/30/2022

LAMP Words for Life® is structured to enable early success and allow the client’s vocabulary and communication skills to grow in a way that doesn’t require re-learning along the way. Because this is a pre-programmed vocabulary program, Words for Life doesn’t require extensive customization.

11/03/2021

Welcome to Practical Solutions for Special Kids! Check out our website for more information. www.practicalsolutionsforspecialkids.com Don't forget to like or follow us so you can get resources and other helpful information. Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you soon!

Behavioral difficulties and lack of or limited communication are closely tied together. When children are unable to communicate their thoughts and feelings  it can lead to frustration, tantrums and other behavioral difficulties. Pro-social behavior and successful communication can be taught during ...

09/22/2021

In celebration of AAC Awareness Month October 2021, a number of app developers are offering deep discounts! Date ranges and sale details vary, so check the graphic carefully!

https://bit.ly/AACAppSalesOct21 (live links to app store)

In celebration of AAC Awareness Month October 2021, a number of app developers are once again offering deep discounts! Date ranges and sale details vary, so check the graphic carefully!
I have included information from all developers who provided me with sale details.

https://bit.ly/AACAppSalesOct21 (live links to app store)

W = sale is worldwide
VPP = additional discounts apply when 20 or more copies are purchased via Apple's Volume Purchase Program

This year only, in honor of its 10 year anniversary, GoTalk Now will be on sale for only $10 (normally $99.99) for ONE DAY ONLY on October 10, 2021. While GoTalk Now is not a robust core-based AAC app, you may not be aware that GoTalk Now is an excellent app for making songs, videos (including YouTube videos), and digital books accessible. Grab it while you can on October 10th! Administrators, if you buy 20 or more copies using the VPP, it's only $5.00 a copy! It's a great option for teaching switch access!

UPDATE: Tobii DynaVox’s TD Snap (formerly Snap Core First) for iOS will be 15% off for one day only on October 13th, 2021. (Worldwide/ VPP can be applied)

UPDATE: Talk Suite Pro at 75% off.
Only $49.99. Only this Sunday 10/3.

PDF: https://bit.ly/AACAppSalesOct21PDF (live links to app store)

Image file: https://bit.ly/AACAppSalesOct21PNG

Screen reader-friendly PDF:
https://bit.ly/AACAppSales21screenreaderpdf

Image: a screenshot of my AAC Awareness Month October 2021 AAC and Education App Sale graphic. Color-blocked document in shades of tan, orange and gray with app icons.

09/21/2021

Welcome to Practical Solutions for Special Kids! Check out our website for more information. www.practicalsolutionsforspecialkids.com Don't forget to like or follow us so you can get resources and other helpful information. Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you soon!

Behavioral difficulties and lack of or limited communication are closely tied together. When children are unable to communicate their thoughts and feelings it can lead to frustration, tantrums and other behavioral difficulties. Pro-social behavior and successful communication can be taught during ....

04/24/2021

This is a great explanation for teaching AAC to your child or student!

“Gradual release of responsibility” is a framework for teaching in which responsibility for a task gradually moves from the teacher to the learner (Pearson & Gallagher, 1983). It is often referred to as "I do, we do, you do." The idea is that first, the teacher models a skill, then the teacher supports the learner in performing the skill, and finally, the learner works independently.

We can apply this framework to AAC. We model, we scaffold and we honor autonomy. We can use this model when teaching particular skills (e.g., communication functions, grammar, operational skills). We may be working at different steps for different skills. We can also use this framework to think about the big picture. Becoming a proficient AAC user is a long-term goal, expect to spend a lot of time modeling and scaffolding for your learner.

Image description:
Bitmoji of white woman with brown hair at the left standing next to a three step staircase. Title reads AAC implementation: I do, you do, we do.
Staircase represents increasing skill and/or independence using gradual release of responsibility.
The bottom step says: I Do: Modeling Without Expectation
Knowledgable others communicate using the AAC learner's system to model language for real reasons within naturally occurring interactions. Modeled language is based on what is happening in the moment and the learner’s interests. Think alouds can be used to provide insight into the process.
An arrow move up to the next step, which reads: We Do: Scaffolding
Knowledgeable others partner with the AAC learner
to support expression of their authentic messages. May include encouragement, feedback, modeling, interpretation, and collaborative problem-solving.
Another arrow moves up to the final step, which reads: I Do: Modeling Without Expectation Knowledgable others communicate using the AAC learner's system to model language for real reasons within naturally occurring interactions. Modeled language is based on what is happening in the moment and the learner’s interests. Think alouds can be used to provide insight into the process.

04/07/2021

The National Down Syndrome Society's annual Adult Summit begins next week. The Adult Summit is virtual again this year, so you have access to lots of amazing presenters right from the comfort of your own home. Learn more and register at https://www.ndss.org/2021-ndss-virtual-adult-summit/.

We're one week away from the start of our 2021 Virtual Adult Summit! Register for access to our 40+ live sessions [April 12-30] and receive on-demand recordings for topics such as:

-Business & Employment
-Caregiving
-Health & Vision.

View our first week's schedule here: https://bit.ly/3a1B0U7

And register today! https://give.ndss.org/event/2021-ndss-virtual-adult-summit/e318528

04/06/2021

Here is an opportunity for your special family member to attend a Prom event and dance the night away. Check out this link for volunteer opportunities and for registration.