Data Collection with AAC Use

Data Collection with AAC Use

I am currently working with several school-based speech therapists to introduce some simple communication activities with their students through virtual outreach. Since all are at home right now, I’m spending a lot of time on the phone trying to simplify and explain the process for collecting data so these family members can actively participate. We need to know what works and what doesn’t, but we don’t want them to feel overwhelmed.

Read More

Molly's Voice: Books and Diversity

Molly's Voice: Books and Diversity

This is the third in a series of blog posts highlighting the great work of the University of Memphis graduate students in speech-language pathology. For their AAC class with Vicki Haddix (one of the TN Talks project leads), they choose their own final projects, and many of those final projects are potentially very useful for those of us working with students who use AAC. WIth the students’ permission, the work is being shared here.

Read More

AAC for Pediatricians

AAC for Pediatricians

This is the second in a series of blog posts highlighting the great work of the University of Memphis graduate students in speech-language pathology. For their AAC class with Vicki Haddix (one of the TN Talks project leads), they choose their own final projects, and many of those final projects are potentially very useful for those of us working with students who use AAC. WIth the students’ permission, the work is being shared here.

Read More

A Day at the Market AAC Literacy Unit

A Day at the Market AAC Literacy Unit

This is the first in what will be a series of blog posts highlighting the great work of the University of Memphis graduate students in speech-language pathology. For their AAC class with Vicki Haddix (one of the TN Talks project leads), they choose their own final projects, and many of those final projects are potentially very useful for those of us working with students who use AAC. WIth the students’ permission, the work is being shared here.

Read More

Supporting AAC use Through Telepractice...

Supporting AAC use Through Telepractice...

While we are all staying safe at home, Tennessee Talks is working to figure out new, innovative ways to provide ongoing services to students, their families, and speech therapists through virtual outreach. And, even more importantly, we are trying to help YOU serve the AAC needs of your students while at home.

Read More

Visual Supports at Home

Visual Supports at Home

As I have talked with parents throughout this quarantine time, I keep hearing that the kids are not focusing to do the assignments. There can be many more distractions at home. This is where I begin my talk of visual supports. These are very important as children with communication difficulties can have difficulty in processing language focus on a task and with transitions. Visual supports such as a first then task schedule, visual timer, key chain behavior support, and full visual schedule.

Read More

Language & Literacy

Language & Literacy

As children listen, they learn to speak. Speech helps them learn to read, which helps them read to learn. A perfect snowball, right!? Not always. Many of the students we serve have communication, cognitive and/or physical challenges that impede typical development of speech and language skills…which creates a different kind of snowball.

Read More

Tangible Object Communication Activities

Tangible Object Communication Activities

Where do you begin when introducing object symbols for communication? When initiating communication activities for any child with significant disabilities, we must first look at their receptive skills to see what is understood with regards to people, places, objects and specific core vocabulary words.

Read More

Guide to (Mostly Free) Resources for Implementing Core Vocabulary in the Classroom

Guide to (Mostly Free) Resources for Implementing Core Vocabulary in the Classroom

Want to incorporate core words into your daily classroom routine? Not sure where to start? Created by the Assistive Technology Center at LTVEC, this is a guide to (mostly) free resources for implementing core vocabulary in the classroom, including lesson plans, activities, books, and games.

Read More

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) for School Teams

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) for School Teams

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) for School Teams

Janice Reese, M.Ed., OT/L, ATP Director of Assistive Technology Little TN Valley Educational Cooperative TN Talks Project Leader Middle & Upper-Cumberland Regions

Read More