Friday, May 29, 2020

Modern Communication

Hey Tek-ninjas! So here's an interesting development. Communicator 5 has gotten a top-notch infusion of super power! Last week, Tobii Dynavox rolled out an update that at least for now, will work solely on the new i-Series 13 and 16. This update includes a suite of apps known as Join-in.

Join-in includes pagesets or apps such as Facebook, FB Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram,
Google, Google Calendar, Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, MSN and Android Messages. This is exciting news for eye-gaze and switch access communicators. Of course, the device will need to be "unlocked" in order to access the internet.

Now personally, I really like the newer Snap Core First Literate Text pageset for my literate users in regards to talking. But... these days, communication happens in so many different environments including via text, or on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. I am really excited to pair Snap Core First with Communicator 5 to make for a really robust offering of language and functional tools.

If you have an i-Series 13 or 16 - likely they downloaded in the latest update, and you may not even be aware of that fact. They can be added to your desktop quite simply. In the video below I show how to add Snap Core First and the Join-in apps to your Communicator 5.
Happy therapy!



Thursday, May 28, 2020

June is for Learning...

Hey Tek-ninjas! Have I got some good stuff for you. Tobii Dynavox is offering a ton of great trainings in June. All remote, so you don't need to travel! Some offer CEUs, some don't, all are terrific content covering shared reading, core content, beyond requesting, games, and behavior supports. Surely there's something in here to help you be a better clinician!

Date
Time Frame
(EST)
Title
CEU?
Campaign Link
6.01.20
2:00-2:30
Beat the Heat with Shared Reading
No
6.01.20
3:00-3:30 ET
Using Core at Home
No
6.02.20
1:00 -2:00
PM
Introduction to Communicating Beyond Requesting
YES 0.1 CEUs
6/2/2020
3:00 -3:30
Talking with Topics
No
6.04.20
10:00 AM -
2:00 PM
(includes 30 minute lunch)
Communicating with Core Vocabulary in Snap Core First
Yes 0.35 CEUs
6.04.20
7:00- 7:30
PM (Night School)
Bingo, Books and Board Games
No
6.05.20
2:00-3:00ET
Introduction to Implementing AAC for Emergent Communicators
Yes 0.1 CEUs
6.08.20
10:00 -10:30
AM
Talking with Topics
No
6.09.20
10:00-10:30
ET
Using Core at Home
No
6.09.20
5:30-6:00
PM
Boardmaker Learning Lounge
No
6.11.20
11:00 - 11:30
AM
Beat the Heat with Shared Reading
No
6.11.20
3:00-4:00
PM
Positive Behavior Supports in Snap Core First
Yes 0.1 CEUs
6.11.20
7:00 - 7:30
PM
The Magic of Modeling
No
06.12.20
12:00-12:30
Learning Lounge Express
No
6.16.20
12:00-12:30
ET
Using Core at Home
No

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Virtual Core Tour!


Hey Tek-Ninja’s! Back in January I had the opportunity to host a Tobii Dynavox "Core Tour" event here in Chapel Hill, NC. This event rapidly filled up, with clinicians of all types, as well as family members, and the consensus what that it was a remarkable experience.

Well, good news! The event is happening virtually on May 21st. No travel! Excellent content, and CEUs.

What’s a Core Tour? Presenters will guide you as you explore evidence-based approaches for supporting both communication and literacy development for children with complex communication needs. Discussion will revolve around Snap Core First communication software and associated Tobii Dynavox literacy tools to support symbol-based communicators and their communication partners. Presenters will target specific strategies that can positively impact engagement, literacy, and growth.

Who is this event for?
Parents/Family members, Caregivers , SLPs, OTs, PTs, & Assistants Teachers/Special educators/paraprofessionals

Where:
Zoom!!

When: Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:30 AM – 04:30 PM ET

ASHA CEUs: 0.55

Questions?
Contact: learning@tobiidynavox.com

Register now! This event is going to fill up quickly, so don’t wait to register!

After registering for this event, you will immediately receive an email with your Zoom registration. Complete that registration in order to receive your Virtual Classroom link. Remember to check your spam folder for follow up emails.
You must log in 15 minutes prior to start time.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Contact your Representative - let’s support teachers and kids

Hey Tek-ninjas! I want to take a moment to urge you to urge your legislators to use funds for special education! Your urgent action is needed to ensure new #COVID19 relief funds are used to support special education! Remote education is tough... it can be tougher for our special needs kids and their teachers. Let’s make sure they have ample funding.

Regardless of your political affiliation, you can make an impact right now by contacting your state rep, and it only takes a few minutes. Click on this link, which will take you to the website of The Council for Exceptional Children, then enter your zip code, click enter, and you will be taken to a pre-written letter, already addressed to your rep, which you can tweak to truly reflect you, or send it as is.

Monday, May 4, 2020

Everybody's talking about...

Hey Tek-ninjas! Friday my colleague, Lisa and I hosted a virtual workshop titled "Communicating Beyond Requesting". It went really well. But don't just take my word for that... here's what folks are saying:

"I loved visuals and knowledge of the instructor Lisa as well as the rep Jim's knowledge of the devices, software, and AAC in general.  Also, I liked the group chat to ask questions and make comments and voting on Menti to see what other people think or share knowledge."

"This was possibly the best continuing ed experience I've ever had! I so appreciated Lisa being candid about her own experiences. "Early in my career, I made the mistake of..." This helped me remember that we are not perfect; trial/error is part of building clinical expertise in AAC, and it was also a complementary reminder to stay up on the research to support best practices. The "reverse" prompting hierarchy was especially helpful information. Thank you again for a great presentation with so many invaluable resources!!!"

"I can't wait to share the pathways app and goals feature with all the SLP's in my district who work with AAC users."

The good news is that Lisa is hosting the same workshop May 7th. So if you missed it, or have colleagues who missed it... now they can jump on board!


This course is called "Communicating Beyond Requesting", and it's a really solid offering. Lisa will discuss "where do you typically start when introducing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)? If you are like most people, you probably start with activities that involve an individual requesting a motivating object or action. But what happens next? What happens when we run out of things to request? In this session, we will explore key areas to go beyond requesting including vocabulary selection, goal writing, intervention strategies and communication partner tips".

When:
May 7, 2020
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM ET
Please log in (see Zoom registration information) at 8:45 am

Where:
This event will be held virtually. After registering, you will receive an email with your Zoom registration. Complete that registration in order to receive your Virtual Classroom link. Remember to check your spam folder for follow up emails.

Registration on a computer rather than a mobile device is recommended.

This course will be offered for 0.5 ASHA CEUs.

Click on this link if you want to learn more. 

Lisa has over 25 years of experience in speech-language pathology, teaching, and supervision. She previously served as Clinical Assistant Professor in a university setting as well as SLP in the public school, private practice, and outpatient rehabilitation settings. Currently, Lisa is a member of the Tobii Dynavox Learning Services Team, providing implementation workshops for professionals and customers.

And remember, WASH YOUR HANDS!