by Samuel Sennot
Check out this simple and terrific article by Ralph Schlosser from the ASHA Leader:
Evidence-Based Practice in AAC
10 Points to Consider
I really like this section of the article where evidence based practice in AAC is defined.
Therefore, Schlosser and Raghavendra define EBP in AAC as “the integration of best and current research evidence with clinical/educational expertise and relevant stakeholder perspectives, in order to facilitate decisions about assessment and intervention that are deemed effective and efficient for a given direct stakeholder” (p. 3). In most cases, the direct stakeholder is the person who is, or will be, using AAC by virtue of being the direct recipient of any ensuing decisions arising from the EBP process.
This consideration of not only the science, but the stakeholders is a powerful message. Staying person focused and family focused keeps the best and current research and practice workable and in the zone of proximal development. Here are a few brainstormed applications of this definition:
- Spending more time than you would think co-programming components of an AAC system together with an individual.
- The AT specialist carefully considers what communication, learning technology, and environmental supports are most culturally valued by a elementary level child and family being served combined with considering what will be most helpful for communication, independence, and learning. A lively conversation is had with the child and whole family about this.
- An SLP helps develop a holistic AAC system for an individual that considers what the classroom and home environment will best support.
This balance of research, practice, and the expertise of individuals involved is a great focus for us in the field of special education and AAC.
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by Samuel Sennott
Check out the Talking Photo Ball by Brookstones for creating a simple four location story telling voice output device.
Each of the four sides has a switch that can hold a recorded message. This could be a helpful tool for sharing short co-planned sequenced social scripts for direct selectors. Theoretically you could switch adapt each of the four switches. For the reasonable $15 price tag, I might get out the soldering iron myself and give it a try.
One drawback is that the switch tops are removable and could be a constant temptation to pull off. Definitely check this out next time you are in a mall, as sky is the limit with ideas for this tool. Here are six:
- Use it to send home a story from the day. Print out four pictures and co-construct the script.
- Write four line poems and put the text from each of the lines on each of the four sides.
- Buy 7 of them for $105 and you can put one letter of the alphabet on the sides. Countless games can be made up with this from taking all the caps off and matching them back on, to using it in a game with alphabet key words.
- Try putting the weeks word wall words and chants on them and use them during your word wall instructional time.
- Use it for providing key lesson instructions that student may want to hear repeated.
- Use it during the memorization or reminder phases of writing strategy instruction.
Feel free to leave more ideas in the comments section.
