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
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!
Small Talks with Dana Nieder, Erin Sheldon, Lindsey Paden Cargill, Eleanor Francis, and Tabi Jones-Wohleber
Xceptional Podcast Network Holiday Episode
Curt & Ana Warner: Raising Twin Boys with Severe Autism
Live from ASHA Ep. 2: Jenna Rayburn Kirk, Marlene Cummings & Matt Hott
Live from ASHA - Jill Senner & Matt Baud and Meredith Poore Harold of The Informed SLP
Erin Sheldon: Effective AAC Strategies for Students with Cortical Visual Impairment
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
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