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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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

FREE AAC Continuing Ed Webinar from ASHA

Are you an ASHA Member? Even if you're not, we have free trainings coming your way from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association to commemorate 15 years of professional development offerings.

These 15 hours of free CEUs start in July 2015. The first one is right up our AAC alley! 












One hour will be available each month, for only that month, on a variety of topics. Link to the offerings HERE.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

SGD Funding News from AbleNet

AbleNetView OnlineView Text Version
AbleNet Funding Services
AbleNet TechnologyAbleNet CurriculumAbleNet ServicesAbleNet 800 322 0956
Exclusive Speech Generating Device (SGD) Funding News from Chris Gibbons
What an exciting time to be in our field! The SGD funding challenges of 2014 inspired a response that galvanized our community and has resulted in the potential to make essential features of modern communication available to SGD users. This, in conjunction with the continuing evolution of mobile technology and tablet platforms, opens a world of communication potential and custom solutions for people who deserve it most. Be proud of what we accomplished this year, but we aren’t to the finish line yet. I’ll keep you in the loop as we advocate for the implementation of Medicare’s National Coverage Decision and Congress’ Gleason Act to ensure that our voices have been heard. Stay tuned…

Chris GibbonsChris Gibbons, PhD, CCC/SLP
Director of SGD Services
Toll Free: (800) 322-0956, Ext 2201
Direct: 651-294-2201
Skype: gibblit
Email: cgibbons@ablenetinc.com
Announcing QuickTalker Freestyle!
QuickTalker FreestyleAbleNet introduces our most customizable iPad-based SGD, QuickTalker Freestyle. Unlike other SGDs available today, QuickTalker Freestyle provides greater customization by harnessing the power of the iPad, providing the flexibility to prescribe nearly any AAC app, the protective case of your choice, and speaker. Additional access and mounting options are available.

The custom design of the QuickTalker Freestyle SGD reflects the needs of your client. As a funded SGD, we ensure that each QuickTalker Freestyle complies with the policies of the funder whether Medicare, Medicaid, or Private Insurance, and our Funding Services team provides top-notch support throughout the process.
QuickTalker Freestyle
USSAAC Funding Webinar
If you missed the April 8, 2015 USSAAC webinar, Funding for SGDs in 2015: Updates and Implications for the AAC Community – Part I, I encourage you to watch the recorded version.
View Funding Webinar
Part II of this presentation will be hosted by ISAAC on June 3rd and I will look for a recorded version of that webinar to pass along in the future for those of you who were unable to register and attend.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

JOBS! AAC SLP at Elliott Institute (La Crescenta, CA)


Elliott Institute & Dr. Alicia A. Elliott Speech Pathology Inc.
2506 Foothill Blvd.
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818-236-3603)     Fax: (818) 236-2670
www.draliciaelliott.com

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR AN SLP!

Elliott Institute Non-Public School and Speech Clinic in La Crescenta has an immediate job opening for a Speech Language Pathologist with a strong background in AAC. This is a full-time position working in a small non-public school and clinic. We are seeking a detail-oriented person for this role, who possesses leadership qualities and enjoys working independently, as well as training and helping others. This is an intimate school that offers personalized instruction where parents are closely involved in the IEP process. Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) specialists help verbally disabled people communicate. Augmentative and alternative communication specialists teach clients to use facial expressions and body language, which are known in the field as “unaided” communication. They also help clients use communication books, graphics, iPads, computers, text to speech and high- and low-text devices, known as “aided” communication.
Please email your resume and cover letter to: jbalam@elliottinstitute.com

Monday, June 1, 2015

New Module! ATIM: Family-Centered AT


The family plays a vital role in supporting the development, learning, and successful participation of young children with disabilities across multiple environments. In this module, we will describe the strategies that early intervention and preschool teams can use to promote family participation and engagement in the AT selection and implementation process, a process that is linked to improved outcomes and decreased likelihood of device abandonment.