The Southern California Augmentative and Alternative Communication Network...

...is a support group for professional development, problem solving, leadership, mentoring, and training in the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to develop communication in non-speaking and minimally verbal individuals in the Southern California Region.

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Monday, July 29, 2013

LAMP - Temecula, 8/12/13

Putting LAMP to Work: AAC Strategies for Promoting the Development of Communication for Individuals with ASD

At Temecula Valley Unified School District, Temecula, CA
08/12/13 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
0.5 ASHA CEUs
Fee: $79

REGISTER HERE

This workshop will cover the role of readiness to learn and share focus in the implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The importance of using motor patterning to develop motor automaticity and implementation strategies for teaching children with ASD to use AAC will be discussed.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

PRC AAC Language Lab - New and Improved!


Welcome to the New and Improved


The AAC Language Lab:  A Rich Resource of Learning Tools for Using and Teaching AAC.

The new and improved AAC Language Lab offers real-life solutions in support of language development.  Already a popular online resource, the AAC Language Lab has been expanded to include materials specifically designed for Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), Educators, and Parents.  This valuable collection of resources includes lesson plans, Can-Do Activity cards, implementation tips, the "Let's Talk AAC" blog and much more.  Discover the AAC Language Lab at aaclanguagelab.com.  To view a short video tour of the lab, click here.
We Believe Everyone Deserves a Voice.™




 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Closing the Gap - 2013


Closing The Gap is excited to share with you the presentations and hands-on lab sessions for October 2013!
  
Presented by distinguished professionals from around the world, presentation topics include iPads as AT, access strategies, AT assessment and implementation, augmentative communication, autism, mastering the Cloud, apps for special education and rehabilitation, and more!
  
In addition to the just-announced presentations, there are  19 preconference workshops  offered and a state-of-the-art exhibit floor to explore.
  
CEUs and academic credit are available.
  
With many registration options and discounts available, we invite you to learn more about the over 200 presentations and hands-on lab hours and register now!
 
Jan Latzke
Closing The Gap Registration
507-248-3294

Friday, July 19, 2013

Re-Post: Apps to learn about summer vacations

Re-Post from 7/16/13 Praacticalaac.org

Apps to Prepare, Learn, & Talk About Summer Vacations

Vacations are great! But all  great vacations need preparation because new experiences and change can be stressful even if the stress is good. Vacations are also opportunities for lots and lots of meaningful language experiences. Here are some apps specific to vacations but also don’t forget your schedule apps (e.g., Choiceworks, Kids Calendar, etc) or your story creations apps (e.g., Pictello, Story Creator, iCreate… Social Skills Stories, etc.) to customize for specific personal vacations.

Prepare, Learn, & Talk About Summer Vacations:
Miko Goes on Vacation: An interactive bedtime story book for kids about Miko’s first beach holiday, where he enjoys swimming and making new friends
Roxie’s a MAZEING Vacation Adventure

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

ATEC Newsletter - July 2013

In This Issue
Contact Information
Loan and Reuse Service
Quick Links
Contact Information
ATEC
Address:
1601 E. St. Andrew Pl
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone:
714.361.6200

Email:
atec@ocgoodwill.org

Website:
www.atec-oc.org
 
Social Media
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on YouTube

Join Our Mailing List

The Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC), a program of Goodwill of Orange County would like to share it's latest news, service information and upcoming training opportunities.
 Fitness and Technology Center
Recently, our Technology Specialist, Julie Dunbar presented on Core Vocabulary for Everyday Settings for the Accessible Technology Coalition (ATC), a project of the Center for Accessible Technology, which provides AT resources and trainings with a free membership. In this presentation, also available as an archived webinar on the ATC website, shares about how important core vocabulary is for people who use AAC devices to communicate. For more information and article on this valuable topic, please visit: http://atcoalition.org/article/aac-essentials-core-vocabulary.

Assistive Technology Highlight 
New Tobii I-Series from Tobii ATI
  • Updated eye gaze system from Tobii ATI
  • Has integrated eye tracking
  • Hot swappable batteries with up to 9 hours of use
  • New "Wake on Gaze" and "Sleep on Gaze" features
  • Lighter weight
  • Use of Corning's Gorilla Glass for increased durability
  • Dual cameras
  • Use of Daessy and REHAdapt Mounting Systems
  • Solid State Hard Drive
  • 3 Eye control options: Gaze Selection, Mouse Emulation, and Tobii Communicator Interaction Method
  • http://www.tobii.com/en/assistive-technology/north-america/products/hardware/
AT Loan and Reuse Service
AT Network Assistive Technology...Tools for Living Logo
ATEC is a Device Lending Library through AT Network (www.atnet.org) where individuals with disabilities, professionals, families, and caregivers can try out various Assistive Technology (AT) for FREE. Equipment is loaned on a short-term basis (typically for 4-weeks), depending on availability, and includes items such as: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, Alternative Computer Access, Low  Vision and Blindness Technology, Educational Technology and Aids for Daily Living.
Individuals can also obtain used equipment through ATEC's reuse program. Items include: Durable Medical Equipment (i.e. walkers, wheelchairs, etc.), Amplified Telephones, and Aids for Daily Living.

To inquire about a loan, please visit: https://exchange.atnet.org/ or contact Julie Dunbar, Technology Specialist at (714) 361-6200 ext. 233 or julied@ocgoodwill.org.
AT Workshops, Groups & Training Opportunities

ATEC's Assistive Technology Consultation Labs
Demonstration and trial of various software and hardware.
Free but Reservations Required
Dates:Client using a device at ATEC
July 17, 2013
August 21, 2013
September 18, 2013
October 16, 2013
November 20, 2013
Times
1:00-3:00 p.m.
(Appointments: 30 minutes per visitor)
Contact: Deanna Cowan, Services Assistant at
(714) 361-6200 ext. 221 or deannac@ocgoodwill.org
 For more information visit: www.atec-oc.org
 
Proloquo2Go Crash Course
A Professional Development Workshop
Get ready for the school year, everything you wanted to know about Proloquo2Go! Topics covered include; getting started, adding and editing vocabulary, options, tips and tricks and much more in a one-day workshop! 
Presented by: Randi Horikawa, M.A., CCC-SLP, certified Proloquo2Go trainer
When: Thursday, August 22, 2013 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $99
Space is limited, registration is required!

For more information or to register, please contact Deanna Cowan at (714) 361-6200 x221 or deannac@ocgoodwill.org
  
AAC Users Group "J-Chat"
A fun and exciting group for adults using AAC
Dates:
July 31, 2013
August 28, 2013
September 28, 2013
October 30, 2013
November 27, 2013
Contact: Kathy Rausch, SLP at (714) 361-6200 x228 or kathleenr@ocgoodwill.org

Hosted AT Vendor Trainings

Prentke Romich Company 
Hosted by: ATEC
Dates: TBD
Free One-Hour Appointments - Reservations Required
Contact: Margaret Perkins at mcp.cons@prentrom.com
For more information visit: www.prentrom.com

DynaVox Technologies
Hosted by: ATEC
Dates:
July 11, 2013
September 5, 2013
November 7, 2013
Free One-Hour Appointments - Reservations Required
Contact: Mara Marshall at
For more information visit: www.dynavoxtech.com
 
Tobii ATI
Hosted by: ATEC
Dates: TBD
Free One-Hour Appointments - Reservations Required
Contact: Michele Lagui at michele.lagui@tobiiati.com
For more information visit: www.tobiiati.com
 
Individualized Workshops & Trainings for Organizations
The clinical and technical staff at ATEC can provide individualized workshops and trainings on specific areas of assistive technology for your organization! Topics include, but not limited to; Introduction to AT, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), iDevices and Apps, Microsoft Accessibility, and specific AT equipment and software, such as Dragon Naturally Speaking, ZoomText, JAWS and much more!
 
Contact Deanna Cowan at (714) 361.6200 x221 or deannac@ocgoodwill.org to inquire about an individualized training or workshop for your organization.  
For more information visit: www.atec-oc.org