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
Adrienne: Using Sign Language & AAC to Support Language
Jenna Rayburn Kirk: Founder of Speech Room News & Popular TPT Contributor
Dana Nieder: Presuming Potential for High-Tech AAC
Roundtable: Writing Effective IEPs and Goals for Students Who Use AAC
Lindsey Paden Cargill: Using Communication Partner Meet-Ups to Improve AAC Modeling Skills
Rebecca Moles: How AAC Can Help Prevent Abuse and Neglect
"Should I Start an AAC Business?" & Other Listener Questions
Julie Freed: How to Identify Key Tools for Dynamic Assessment with the APT
Eleanor Francis: Creating a Video Modeling “TV Show” and Other Insights from Australia
Traci Peplinski: Funding Options for AAC
Jill Senner & Matt Baud: Teaching Communication Partners to Model Effectively
Betsy Furler: Running a Successful Private Practice
Carrie Baughcum: Using Drawing to Teach Language
Nicole Wingate & Angie Sheets: Using Videos to Teach Core Vocabulary
Barbara Fernandes: CEO of SmartyEars, Developer, and “GeekSLP” Blogger
Stacey Landberg: Should we Limit Screen Time for Young AAC Users?
Calum Hartley: Why Do Some Children Have Difficulty Understanding Pictures?
Tabi Jones-Wohleber: Supporting Communication Partners in the Classroom
Rachael Langley: AAC Specialist, Educator, and Conference Co-Founder
Carole Zangari: AAC Educator and Co-Founder of Praactical AAC
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