This week, Rachel interviews Alma Partida (@aacforyouandme on Insta), Sarah Lee (@aac_together), Melissa Tapia (@hablame_de_language), and Maria De Leon (@code.switch.slp) about Bilingüe AAC (www.bilingueaac.com), a platform that supports evidence-based, culturally affirming Spanish AAC. They discuss many aspects of bilingualism and AAC, including core word considerations and strategies for family-based AAC assessment.
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel talk about the difference between “progress” and “success” when we are talking about an AAC user’s communication journey. For some, making progress with using AAC demonstrates success. However, if we are not making progress fast enough or are using a tool that doesn’t promote language development (e.g. a 4 icon core board) then we aren’t really working towards true success, which includes independent, spontaneous communication.
🔑 When assessing a bilingual student for AAC, take a family centered approach to assessment. Try and get an interpreter involved (if necessary) and talk to the family about how they communicate in the home. If we get a bilingual word inventory of the student and discuss vocabulary with the family, we can get a better picture of what words will be most useful for that student.
🔑 Generally, we don’t want to directly translate core word lists between two languages. Depending on the languages in question, the core words may be somewhat different (e.g. English and Spanish) or completely different (e.g. English and Chinese). In either case, shouldn’t assume that the core words are exactly the same.
🔑 When assessing a bilingual student, do a home language survey that includes the amount the family uses each language. In some cases, they may speak 90% english with only little bit of Spanish, or vice versa.
Links this week:
Diverse AAC YouTube channel
AAC App Crosswalk- table with different AAC app features, including languages offered
Soto and Cooper (2021): An early Spanish vocabulary for children who use AAC: Developmental and linguistic considerations.
AAC in the Cloud Presentation on diverse AAC implementation
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Supporting AAC Users with Aggressive Behaviors
Meghan Betz: Improving Collaboration & Communication with Parents & Teachers
Kelly Key: Supporting Core Words & AAC Implementation School District Wide
Gail Van Tatenhove: Aging and its Possible Impact on AAC Users
Charlotte DiStefano: Researching ASD and Complex Communication Needs
Productivity “Hacks” to Improve Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Collaboration - Part 3
Productivity “Hacks” to Improve Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Collaboration - Part 2
Productivity “Hacks” to Improve Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Collaboration - Part 1
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)
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