This week, we share Part 2 of Rachel’s interview with SLP and host of the SLP Happy Hour podcast, Sarah Lockhart! They continue their discussion of Sarah’s clients, including a nonverbal client who uses lots of scripts to communicate. Rachel shares ideas for how to choose targets for therapy, why we should be modeling language that is important to the AAC user, and how motivating materials during AAC assessment can help get a better picture of his or her true ability.
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel finish answering the question from last week about a student with a complex medical history that includes cortical visual impairment (CVI). Chris and Rachel discuss ideas for using books and TV shows the student loves to make therapy more fun, including watching YouTube and eliciting language from the video. They also talk about what to look at when the student isn’t making progress, including whether or not the activity they are doing is fun.
Key ideas this week:
🔑 When modeling, are you showing them language they might want to use? For example, it may be better to model “I don’t want to wake up” for a teenager than “Good Morning Mom”. Both are important, but, in this case, a modeled protest may be used spontaneously more readily than a greeting.
🔑 The most valid assessment is one in which the AAC user is motivated to engage - if we are assessing but forcing the student to label something uninteresting, they may not demonstrate their true skills.
🔑 How can we figure out where to start teaching language? One idea is to look at how AAC users are communicating nonverbally. If a child is already demonstrating non-verbal communication, it is an easy transition to giving them language to use instead of that gesture or action.
🔑 What are other ideas for choosing targets? Ask the communication partners - what does the student do all the time when no one is around? It can give us insight into what they are motivated by, such as sensory seeking behavior or refusal, which can then give you insight into targets and activities.
Links from this week’s episode:
Talking with Tech Episodes related to CVI: https://www.talkingwithtech.org/search?q=CVI
For resources related to coding, go to Code.org
Rebecca - Increasing the Quality of Assistive Technology Support in the Schools
Jeanette Washington & Mai Ling Chan - Creating Effective and Engaging Presentations
Stacy Maijala - Streamlining AAC Evaluations with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Tracy Kovach: Re-Defining the Role of AAC Specialist (Part 2)
Tracy Kovach: Re-Defining the Role of AAC Professionals (Part 1)
Tali Kellerstein - Using Games to Engage Students and Motivate Communication
Key Takeaways from ATIA 2022 (Part 2)
Key Takeaways from ATIA 2022 (Part 1)
Kris Brock: Using Animated Symbols to Improve AAC Instruction & Comprehension (Part 2)
Kris Brock (Part 1): Using Animated Symbols to Improve AAC Instruction & Comprehension
Jenifer Eaton & Marya Haff (Part 2): Collaborating Effectively with ABA Providers
Jenifer Eaton & Marya Haff (Part 1): Collaborating Effectively with ABA Providers
Kara Cotter: Creating Self-Paced Training for Communication Partners (Part 2)
Kara Cotter: Improving AAC Training Opportunities for Teachers and Families (Part 1)
Ashley Larisey: Effective and Respectful Therapy Materials for Older Students
Tools, Strategies, and Takeaways from ASHA 2021
Rachel Dorsey: Taking a Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Therapy
Michaela Ball: Is an AT Certification Worth It?
Small Talks V: Mark Brown, Meryl Schnapp, Jennifer Edge Savage, Kim Albrecht, & Colleen Warn
Alexandria Zachos: Supporting Spontaneous Speech in People Who Script
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