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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Friday, September 30, 2016

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.


Thursday, September 29, 2016

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.
Webinar: A Roadmap to Integrating AAC Into the Classroom
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.

Register for Live Webinar ($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.

Register for On Demand Webinar
($99 Member, $129 Non-Member, $259 Group)

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

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. 

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

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