Since I’ve realized I have trouble just sitting through webinars, here’s a thread of me watching the ASHA Sig 12 ( #AugComm ) Tele-AAC discussion that was done live last night.
They emphasize that the virtual environment for AAC therapy is different & it’s important to be transparent about what is possible. In some cases an individual may not be easily available for this therapy but consultative services to communication partners can be powerful.
They developed a survey to determine factors to consider when designing a tele-AAC therapy plan. For example- what equipment is available; how comfortable is the communication partner w/AAC therapy techniques; are there manipulatives available at home? Decide where to start!
Work around for the 2nd camera may be: 1 device signed into video conference system as the face-to-face interaction & 1 device (maybe a phone) signed in to the system & muted to be used as the camera on the #AugComm.
Their tips on “tele-engagement” for AAC therapy: 1. clear expectations of partner’s participation 2. involve visuals (e.g. silly videos, the LEGO website, books) 3. carefully manage the amount of verbal info you’re providing 4. Use variable prompting 5. Figure out...
5. Figure out motivating tasks to do & 6. Create bookends- opening/closing routines to a session, be consistent to support focus on content rather than navigation or manipulation.
Here is the link to Nerissa & Hillary’s website with tons of resources on #AugComm Tele-AAC as well as the PowerPoint that they used during the ASHA Sig 12 #AAC presentation I’ve been tweeting about: aaccommunicare.com
