This week, we share Part 1 of a previously recorded Talking with Tech Live show with listeners from Oregon. This week, the listeners ask several questions related to conducting language and AAC assessments virtually, including how to make them more effective.
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel have a lively discussion about Gestalt Language Processing and how we can support AAC users who script. Rachel shares several ideas, including putting the student’s preferred scripts on their device as a way to make the device more interesting and motivating.
🔑 One tool that listeners suggested for virtual assessment is the Communication Matrix. https://communicationmatrix.org/ This assessment allows you to get input from caregivers through an online for. One benefit is it doesn’t require the chid to have to sit in front of a screen.
🔑 When we are trying to observe a person’s communication skills virtually, it may be better to have the caregivers video the student at hoome communicating in the ways they normally communicate. It can be difficult to truely observe a child during Zoom sessions - the child may not communicate the same way on Zoom because there is greater pressure to “perform.”
🔑 If we are considering a virtual assessment, it is important to consider training communication partners on how to optimize the virtual assessment. Is the student seated in their chair? What is the background noise situation? Preparing in this way can help the assessment go more smoothy.
Emily Quinn’s webinar on the Communication Matrix from Echo Voices https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-S-rVgOrozwa36mGxaW0ZQcNob2brWTx/view
Visit talkingwithtech.org to access previous episodes, resources, and CEU credits that you can earn for listening to TWT episodes!
Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech!
Dr. Laura Clarke: Free Literacy Resources for Emerging Readers
Chloe Rothschild: Teacher, Author, Advocate, and Part-Time AAC User
TWT Live: Colorado’s SWAAAC
Brian Schobel - Supporting Assistive Technology During the Transition to Employment
Chris Klein and Lance McLemore: Creating an AAC-User-Led Conference & Nonprofit
Marge Blanc & Alexandria Zachos (Part 2): Supporting Gestalt Language Processing With AAC
Marge Blanc & Alexandria Zachos (Part 1): Supporting Students with Echolalia Using the Natural Language Acquisition Framework
Becca Eisenberg: Using Video Modeling to Teach AAC Communication Skills
Dr. Cheri Dodge Chin: Teaching Caregivers to Model via Video Chat
Joanna Holmes (Part 2): The Benefits of Open AAC
Joanna Holmes (Part 1): Finding the Right AAC Access Method for your Child
AACessible: Improving AAC Assessment and Trialing
Daniel Parker, Kathy White, & Stacy Duffy: Assistive Technology Microcredentials
Hank Poore: AAC User, AAC Ambassador, and Foundation Director
Ken Hackbarth, Christine Baudin, and Michael Dicpinigaitis: Using 3D Printers to Make Inexpensive AAC Keyguards
Gemma White: Teaching Personal Safety Awareness to AAC Users
Tami Altschuler - Improving AAC Access and Training in the Hospital
TWT Live from Oregon (Part 2): Getting Buy-In from Teachers who Refuse to Support AAC
Sean Sweeney (Part 2): Evaluating Resources & Apps for Therapy with FIVES
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Navigating Life After 40
Teaching Learning Leading K-12
Regenerative Skills
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast