iPad Giveaway for Those in Need (Autism Speaks)

Autism Speaks is thrilled to announce that this year, 685 iPad Airs will be awarded to financially disadvantaged people with autism. The application is now open!

Eligible applicants are individuals who:

• Have been diagnosed with autism by a licensed professional
• Reside in the United States
• Have limited income and cannot afford to purchase an iPad

The timeline is below:

• November 7: Online application opens at 6:00 a.m. EST
• November 11: Application closes at 11:59 p.m. EST
• November 15 - December 9: Review committee selects recipients
• December 15: Recipients announced and iPads sent out!

Applications must be submitted by the person with autism, an immediate family member of the person with autism, or a licensed social worker or therapist. The Technology Grant Review Committee will review applications and select the iPad award recipients. All applicants selected to receive an iPad Air will be contacted by December 15. If selected, the iPad will be shipped via UPS directly to the address provided with the application. Others will receive an email informing them of their status.

Click here to apply!

You must create a login and further instructions will be provided.

Questions? Contact us at ipads@autismspeaks.org. Please note that emails will take up to 12 hours to receive a response, but every email will be answered! Also, we cannot accept applications from outside the United States.

Autism Speaks

*This year’s iPad program was generously funded by the proceeds from GameStop’s April in-store donation campaign.*

JOBS! AAC Specialist at Tichenor Clinic in Long Beach

SLP/AAC position at the Tichenor Clinic for Children in Long Beach CA. Must have AAC experience. Salary dependent upon experience. For further information please contact Lori Delaney , Director at Lori.Delaney@Tichenorclinic.org or 562-597-3696.

Webinar: Integrating AAC Into the Classroom (Wed, Oct 5 and on demand)

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can be a challenging area. Get practical guidance on how to implement the Student, Environments, Tasks, and Tools framework (SETT) by participating in our live webinar, A Roadmap to Integrating AAC Into the Classroom. Lauren Kravetz Bonnet, PhD, CCC-SLP,* provides expert tips on implementing a range of high-and-low tech solutions, in order to address the individual needs of each student.

Live Webinar | Wednesday, October 5, 2016 | 10–12 p.m., PT Save money with the live event! Registration is open until 9 a.m., October 5.  ($79 Members, $103 Non-member, $229 Group) Can't attend the live webinar? No problem! Take this webinar on demand between October 7, 2016, and October 5, 2017. ($99 Member, $129 Non-Member, $259 Group)

SCAAC-N: Fall Quarterly Meeting, Pasadena (10/18/16)

Well, it's been a little while, and we are back on track for a Fall quarterly meeting in Pasadena! Join us on Tuesday, October 18th, at Villa Esperanza Services for this meeting of the Southern California AAC Network, Pasadena branch.


Topic:
Share and Tell - What's new with you and AAC?
At this meeting we will take a casual approach to catching up with colleagues and sharing new insights, frustrations, and inspirations from the AAC world. Come with something to share, or just armed with your own curiosity. Gwendolyn Eberhard, SLP, will moderate, and fill in gaps where needed with her unique take from AAC-land including: Recent trainings, AAC in the media, and more.

When: 
Tuesday, October 18th, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• 6:30-6:40 Meet, greet, snack, network
• 6:40 Program will begin

Where:
Villa Esperanza Services Board Room
2130 E. Villa Street (brick building on the corner)
Pasadena, 91107

Who:
AAC folks like you - SLPs, SLPAs, OTs, PTs, educators, parents, administrators, etc.

Please contact Gwendolyn Eberhard at socalaacnetwork@gmail.com or (626) 449-2919, ext. 176 for more information. 

AAC Information Workshop (Camarillo, 10/19/16)

A Voice Discovered, will host a FREE, informational evening Wednesday, October 19th, in Camarillo. Please tell a friend! Print and share the flyer.

AVD's Mission: The ability to communicate is a fundamental human right.  Therefore, it is the mission of this foundation to provide  FUNDING ASSISTANCE, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION, SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY to enhance the quality of life for individuals with communication impairments and thus benefit families and their extended community through access to appropriate technology resulting in improved communication means. Visit them on the web.

AAC on TV! (Speechless, ABC, Wednesdays at 8:30)

Have you seen the first episode of Speechless? This fall, ABC has launched a new sitcom that features a central character who has cerebral palsy (played by a guy with CP!) and uses AAC. The series premier aired Wednesday, September 12 at 8:30, and if you haven't heard about it around the water cooler, I suggest you catch up pronto!

From Neil Genzlinger's article in the NY Times:

“Speechless” is a classic domestic comedy — yes, a comedy — centered on a 16-year-old named JJ DiMeo who has cerebral palsy, can’t speak and uses an alternative-communication device to express himself. He’s the eldest of three children, and he’s played by Micah Fowler, who himself has cerebral palsy, a casting decision that alone makes this series stand out.

Minnie Driver portrays his mother, Maya, who like a lot of parents of children with disabilities sometimes turns into a wild-eyed, not-always-rational warrior for her son. JJ has two siblings (Mason Cook and Kyla Kenedy) whose own needs tend to get overlooked, a common thing in such households. John Ross Bowie plays the father, Jimmy, who struggles to keep Maya from sailing off the edge.

Genzlinger includes that the show’s creator, Scott Silveri, grew up in a home much like the one in “Speechless,” with a nonverbal brother with cerebral palsy and other health issues. The depiction 'fits' to Genzlinger from his vantage as a parent of a daughter with Rett syndrome.

Take a watch! And let us know what you think.

AAC Fundraiser - AVD Casino Night

Training from ATEC and Goodwill OC

Parent & Caregiver Workshops:

Understanding Assistive Technology & AT Services Workshop

When: Wednesday, July 6th from 10-11 a.m. (English) and Thursday, July 7th from 10-11 a.m. (Spanish)

Location: ATEC (1601 E. Saint Andrew Place, Santa Ana)

Cost: FREE

Flyer (English): AT Workshop for Parents/Caregivers (English) 

Flyer (Spanish): AT Workshops for Parents/Caregivers (Spanish) 

Description: Have you seen or heard about Assistive Technology (AT) and want to learn more about it? Are you interested to see how AT may benefit your child or loved one? Then this workshop is for you! This workshop will cover topics to learn  more about Assistive Technology devices, equipment and software as well as the services and supports offered. During the workshop, we will cover the following topics:

• Introduction to AT and Equipment Demonstration
• AT Services, including Assessment, Training, etc.
• Funding
• Resources
• Questions & Answers

REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.

To register or for more information about any of the courses, please contact Ivan Medina ativanm@ocgoodwill.org or 714.361.6200 x233.

Professional Development:

Brochure: 2016 ATEC Professional Development Brochure

Registration Form & Course Descriptions: 2016 ATEC Professional Development Registration Form

AT Tools to Support Reading & Writing

Presented by: Kevin Daugherty, Rehabilitation Engineer, RESNA ATP certified

When: Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: ATEC (1601 E. Saint Andrew Place, Santa Ana)

Cost: $60/per person

Description: Practical overview of common AT applications for computers and tablets. Examples include talking word processors, word predication software, speech recognition software and text-to-speech applications. Attendees will learn the general categories of AT and this session will provide ideas for developing a toolkit of AT equipment for evaluation.

Proloquo2Go Crash Course

Presented by: Randi Wasano, CCC-SLP, RESNA ATP certified, Proloquo2Go certified trainer

Assistiveware Trainer Profile: http://www.assistiveware.com/support/trainers/randi-wasano-ma-ccc-slp-atp

When: Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Assistiveware Event Code: EA57F-6921D

Location: ATEC (1601 E. Saint Andrew Place, Santa Ana)

Cost: $140/per person

Description: Full-day, hands-on course where attendees will review layout of Proloquo2Go, how to create a new user and the different vocabulary options available. Review basic programming and editing processes and button/folder properties. Review appearance, speech, access methods, interaction, grammar, prediction, vocabulary, restrictions, privacy, general options, and social sharing. Review guided access, creating manual boards, iPad accessories, etc. Discuss specific cases through case study and discussion.

Spaces already filling up for this course, register now!

 

Introduction to Speech Recognition

Presented by: Kevin Daugherty, Rehabilitation Engineer, RESNA ATP certified

When: Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Location: ATEC (1601 E. Saint Andrew Place, Santa Ana)

Cost: $60/per person

Description: Provide an overview of speech recognition application. Comparison of speech recognition software and how to select the appropriate option. Strategies for providing training and application in a school or work environment. 

REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT AS SPACES ARE LIMITED.

To register or for more information about any of the courses, please contact Lauren Wetzler atlaurenw@ocgoodwill.org or 714.361.6200 x226.

AT Coalition - FREE Upcoming Webinars

Free Webinars - Post-Secondary, Adults & General

ARIA ("Accessible Rich Internet Applications") Made EASI from EASI
Tuesday May 3 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Accessibility Basics from ssbBART at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern (30 min.)
May 12th – Data Tables
May 26th – Keyboard Accessibility

The Importance of Accessibility in Disability Employment from Accessibility Online
Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Introducing CAMI at GA Tech from EASI ((for minority-serving colleges)
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern
  (Note: funded by a US First in the World grant for improving higher education.)
 

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Free Webinars - PreSchool

Getting Preschoolers with a Disability Off to a Great Start from the Colorado DoE
Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern
 

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Free Webinars -  K-12 Educators & Parents

A 2-part series from CTD Cafe:
The ABCs of Accessibility and Accommodations in State Assessments 
April 29, 2016 at 12:30pm Pacific, 3:30pm Eastern (75 min.)
Accessibility and Accommodations Challenges in Technology-Based State Assessments on May 9, 2016 at 12:30pm Pacific, 3:30pm Eastern (75 min.)

Using QIAT to Improve AT Services (2 parts)  from AbleNet
May 9 & May 26, 2016 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Assistive to Inclusive: Technology Perspectives & Trends from CTD Cafe
May 11, 2016 at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern

Games to Promote Student Learning from AbleNet
May 18, 2016 at 9am Pacific, noon Eastern (45 min.)

Keyboards for All Learners from Pacer
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 4:30pm Pacific, 7:30pm Eastern (90 min.)

BeSpoke voices: Empowering personal and social self-identity for those who rely on speech generating devices to communicate from CTD Cafe
May 26, 2016 at at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern

Supporting Students with Dyslexia: Standards, Accommodations, and Strategiesfrom CTD Cafe on June 2, 2016 at 2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern

Two from iCATER: (Scroll down page to May dates) No pre-reg. but log onto thewebinar platform at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern. (Download required 1st time.) Sessions may be 20 minutes.

• May 4 – Virtual Manipulatives
• May 11 - Going Places (No details: GPS?)

SETC
All sessions start at 3:30PM Pacific, 6:30PM Eastern. (1 hr.)
   
May 3 - Speech Recognition
May 4 - Intro to IntelliKeys & Overlay Maker
May 5 - iPad Accessibility: What’s New
May 10 - Managing iPads in Your District- Practical Strategies
May 11 - Chrome Tools    
May 12 - Overview of Switch Access to the iPad: Hardware and Settings
May 16 - AAC with Switch Access for iPad
May 17 - Reading Accommodations using BookShare w
May 18 - Boardmaker: Beyond the Basics
May 19 - AT and 3-D Printers
May 26 - The Role of OTs & PTs in AAC

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Archived Webinars 

The Importance of User Testing for Accessibility from PEAT
Web Accessibility 101 from Deque
Low Tech Engagement for the High Tech Classroom from the Colorado DoE
Remote Support Technology – AT to Support Living at Home from MaineCite

Four from the Kansas State School for the Blind:

• Preparing for an AT Assessment
• Administering an AT Assessment
• How to Use VoiceOver
• Accessibility Basics: Mac & Windows

Four from RESNA Catalyst Project:

• Mobile Technology @ Work for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
• The ADA, Sensory Disabilities, and Assistive Technology: Core Technologies for Nonvisual Access
• An Update on Cognitive Aids for People with Brain Injury
• Assistive Technology and Access to the Vote

8-Day AT Specialist Certificate Program

Registration is now open for the 8 Day AT Specialist Certificate Program Secure the early registration discount through June 10, 2016 There are only 20 spaces in this yearly course. Oops, I forgot to tell you to go to the link and pre-register to hold your spot even if you are paying in July.   I hate telling people there isn't any room so don't wait.   Use this the current budget or pay in July you can indicate which payment date on the pre-registration form. Thanks! The dates for this year: Sept. 7 & 8, 28 & 29, Nov. 2 & 3, and Dec. 12 & 13, 2016  Download the flyer,    click here   OR    G  o directly to the pre-registration link  (Pre-register to hold your place and send personal or district pre-payment by due dates) I hope to hear from you soon or see you at one of the events.  Susan Phone: 626-298-1111     email: Susan@SusanSimmons.com     website: www.SusanSimmons.com

Minspeak E-Newsletter, Issue 144

Spread the Word: "I'm so excited about using music to help teach core vocabulary. I used the songs from the last couple of newsletters. They inspired me to core-out another song for my daughter! She really loves learning through music. I'm telling everyone that music and Minspeak is a great way to learn how to say core vocabulary."  from Miriam in FL

Core It Out: Do you regularly core-out materials for your students? Here's a copy of "Stop! In the Name of Love" cored-out for Unity™60 customized. There's both a PDF and a WORD version, in case you need to customize the codes. If there's something that you've cored out, please send it togvantatenhove@cfl.rr.com to be featured in an upcoming Minspeak.com newsletter.

Teach-Talk-Test: Take the 2016 "America's Next Top Modeler" challenge. Modeling, also known as Aided Language Stimulation, is an evidence-based teaching practice. Challenge #8: Practice modeling the following words and phrases: stop, love, think it over; and then rehearse modeling the song "Stop In the Name of Love".

Spotlight: ASHA SIG 12 is planning a live Online Chat Event with three former recipients of the Edwin and Esther Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture: Chris Klein, Rick Creech, and Bobby O'Gurek. Be on the lookout for announcements about this exciting event.

May 26, FREE Tobii Dynavox Training: Compass, Communicator and Implementation

DOWNLOAD flyer

Thursday, May 26, 2016

9:00 am – 3:30 pm

        California State University, Northridge

Learning Objectives -

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

-Identify key elements of the Compass and Communicator content design process.

-Describe 3 research articles that influenced the content design on the Compass page sets.

-Compare and contrast efficiency and precision communication tools.

-Locate evaluation and therapy resources to support effective AAC service delivery.

Online training from PRC - Friday, 2/26

Making AAC Work: LIVE Online Implementation Classes (For the Week of February 22, 2016)

Getting Beyond Basic Requesting •  Fri, February 26, 2016 •  11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. ET •  Price: $35.00   ASHA CEUs: 0.1 "PRC's online trainings are quick and efficient.  I loved that I could take my lunch to learn something new that I could start incorporating immediately into my therapy plans." - Teresa H. REGISTER NOW

Watch a Clip

Apps to Help Grow Language •  Fri, February 26, 2016 •  3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. ET •  Price: $35.00   ASHA CEUs: 0.1 "I loved this course.  It was fun and really got me thinking about "fun" ways to teach new vocabulary or reinforce learned vocabulary." - Marsha B. REGISTER NOW

Watch a Clip