This week, we have the privilege of presenting Rachel’s interview with Hannah Foley, a senior at University of Illinois who is pursuing a career in Assistive Technology & AAC. Hannah has cerebral palsy and is an incredible adult AAC user who works as an ambassador for Saltillo!
Before the interview, Rachel & Chris talk about Christine Derse’s article, A Call for Consistency in AAC Picture Systems. Rachel and Chris discuss their agreement that using different symbols sets can be confusing at times, but note it isn’t clear a universal symbol set would lead to better modeling. For example, adults often use labels, rather than pictures, when modeling, and once a motor plan is in place the pictures become less important.
Key ideas this week:
🔑 Initially, Hannah was against using AAC because she felt her dedicated device was unsightly and it made her feel even more different. Working with Matt Baud, she came to see the importance of communication for her independence and started using an iPad.
🔑 Response time is incredibly important when communicating with an AAC user - it is critical that we give enough time to respond and become comfortable with silence.
🔑 People often assume that Hannah is intellectually impaired, can’t go to college, or manage her care independently because she uses AAC. This is, of course, totally incorrect!
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Visit bit.ly/twtpod for access to previous episodes, resources, and CEU credits that you can earn for listening to TWT episodes!
Resources
ABCs of AAC - Part 2 (Earn CEU Credit)
ABCs of AAC - Part 1 (Earn CEU Credit)
The Golden Rules of AAC Competency - Part 2 (Earn CEU Credit)
The Golden Rules of AAC Competency - Part 1 (Earn CEU Credit)
Listener Questions III: Promoting Literacy for AAC Users, AAC & Echolalia, & More
AAC Apps Update - Part 2 (Earn CEU Credit)
AAC Apps Update - Part 1 (Earn CEU Credit)
Stephanie Pitts & Rachel Kapp: Strategies for Supporting Academics & Executive Functioning
Small Talks with Erin Sheldon, Kelly Fonner, Lance McLemore, & Mo Buti
Brian Whitmer: Supporting Open & Free AAC Symbols, Communication Boards, & More
Alyssa Hillary Zisk: Adults With Autism Who Use AAC Part-Time
Carly Stoltenberg: An SLP’s Journey Recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (Part 2)
Carly Stoltenberg: An SLP's Journey Recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (Part 1)
Charlie Danger: Working with AAC Users From Different Cultures
Researching AAC Teaching Methods with Shannon Graham, Courtney Kaczmarek, Lizzie Llewellyn, and Payton Yates
Melanie Pensak: How Mindfulness Can Promote Joy, Prevent Burnout & Improve Therapy
Facebook Live with Matt Hott: ASHA's AAC Clinical Specialty Certification (Part 2)
Facebook Live with Matt Hott: ASHA's AAC Clinical Specialty Certification (Part 1)
Katya Hill: Developing an ASHA Specialty Certification for AAC
Lance McLemore: Learning to Become a Proficient AAC User
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