We record a lot of videos these days, whether to send to our friends, or post online. Teachers create videos to support learning in the classroom. We can make sure that everyone can access these videos, whether it be someone…
Kathryn Helland (page 3)
AT Tip (Question) of the Week: Can We Speed Up Text To Speech?
When someone uses AAC, it is important that they learn to be proficient with their device so they can communicate quickly. Speed is relative, but AAC use is slower than spoken language. This can make it hard to keep up…
Some Quick and Easy Tools for Creating Visuals to Support Learning
Many people with complex communication needs (CCN) can benefit from the use of visual supports to help them anticipate their daily schedule and make them aware of changes in their routines. Visuals can also be used to break down new…
AT Tip of the Week: Using QR Codes to Support People with AAC
Did you think QR codes had gone the way of the dinosaurs? Not at all useful? Who needs them? Well, changes in iOS 11 have helped make them relevant again. When you point your iPhone camera at a QR code,…
AT Tip of the Week: Using AirDrop
It might seem simple, but not everyone knows about AirDrop. It is a way to share photos, videos, Notes, and PDFs with other Apple devices. Back in the day, you needed a separate app, called Bump. You would select a…
Using both AAC and Spoken Words.
AAC is not simply for those who cannot speak. That’s why it’s called Augmentative and Alternative Communication. On Twitter, I have encountered several autistic adults who speak and use AAC. They have a lot to say and I am learning…
AT Tip of the Week: Restrictions and Privacy on the iPad
Guided access is a great tool to keep someone in an app. For AAC learners, this may be an important part of teaching them to regard the iPad as their voice. A few years ago, however, I had a student…
Working with What You Have: Using the Entire iPad Screen as a Switch
People who use iPads for augmentative and alternative communication often know that it is possible to hook up switches to the iPad. This way, it can be used by someone with complex physical needs. This can be done either by…
Free Webinars on AAC
While looking for resources online, I found a PDF on the ASHA website containing links to free webinars on different topics in AAC. The webinars have all been produced by the AAC – RERC. What is that, you say? It…
AT Tip of the Week: Text to Speech AAC on the Fly
If you have an Apple device, you can turn it into an instant text to speech, speech generating device. Of course, AAC selection is a process and this instant text to speech is not a long term solution. But, it…