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, January 16, 2012

Powerful Intel Processor - More Natural Communication

PRESS RELEASE (originally posted on Market Watch from the Wall Street Journal)
Jan. 10, 2012, 1:11 p.m. EST

Powerful AAC Device With Intel® i7 Processor Enables Natural Communication for Stroke, ALS and Autism Patients

ComLink LT(3G) Provides the Highest Performance and Longest Battery Life for AAC Devices

MANSFIELD, Ohio, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- FRS Custom Solutions announced a processor modification in the popular ComLink LT(3G) and the ComLink LT(3G) with Enable Eyes to make it the most powerful augmentative, alternative communication (AAC) device available on the market. Extended tests show that the new i7 processor is up to seven times faster than most other AAC devices, providing faster processing, longer battery life and more memory storage.
"The speed of the new processor allows me to have a more natural conversation with people," said Sean Carter, motivational speaker and advocate against drunk driving. "I am able to sit and participate in life, thanks to the ease and speed of the ComLink's processor."
The speed of the new 2.13 GHzI Intel® Core(TM) i7 series processor in the ComLink speech generating device allows for faster, more responsive communication. The longer battery life enables the user to go for longer periods of time between charges. 

Sean Carter, spokesperson of When Sean Speaks, is unable to talk without an AAC device. The versatility of the ComLink LT(3G) enables Sean, and others with similar disabilities, to utilize the full Windows platform to support other software applications in addition to speech.
"Sean uses all the capabilities of the ComLink LT(3G)," said Jenny Carter, Sean's mother. "His brother recorded numerous phrases and programmed them into Sean's ComLink."
The ComLink LT(3G) augmented communication device is also available with the Enable Eyes capability. All ComLink AAC devices come standard with the patented FRS FlexABLE(TM) Stand and FRS FlexABLE(TM) Handle for easy gripping, maneuverability and the most optimal screen visibility.

For more information about the ComLink LT(3G) featuring the most powerful Intel processor on the market, visit www.FRS-solutions.com or call 1-888-884-2190.

FRS Custom Solutions is a division of Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. that has provided innovative assistive communication technology solutions to individuals with all levels of disabilities since 1987. Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. offers a comprehensive selection of AAC devices for those with ALS, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, stroke and veterans with disabilities. For more information on all AAC devices including the SoundPOD Wearable AAC System visit www.frs-solutions.com
SOURCE FRS Custom Solutions
Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
Comtex

Friday, January 13, 2012

8th Annual ATI - Feb 10 (Costa Mesa, CA)

Registration now open for the 8th Annual ATI @ Orange County Dept. of Ed. (Costa Mesa).

Pre-conference on Feb. 10th, 2012 - $50 with CEUs for SLPs through CSHA; $25 no CEUs.
"Update your AAC Toolbox:  Assessment, Current Devices, iPad Apps and More!"

Full Day Conference on Feb. 11th - $25
Keynote speaker Rick Hohn.

Pre-Registration Required! 
$pecial prices for bundling Fri/$at. 
CLICK HERE to register.
For more info visit: http://ati.atec-oc.org

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

LinkedIn - AACP, New AAC Network for Professionals

Thanks to Maggie Mahoney, Los Angeles Area Representative- Adults & Healthcare Market DynaVox Mayer-Johnson, for this tip!
      

"There is an active Augmentative and Alternative Communication Professionals group at LinkedIn! Now therapists, ATs, teachers, behaviorists, and the professionals that surround them can find each other, network, and share the services they provide with those we serve.

It is up to us to ensure the network within the field of AAC continues to evolve, and this is just the first step. Like any network or community it’s strength and value hinges on its members! That being said… JOIN TODAY and please forward this email along to anyone in your network that would benefit!"

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4233487&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr


Monday, January 9, 2012

Signs of the Week - Asking Questions

Save the Date: ISAAC Biennial (Pittsburgh)

The 15th Biennial Conference of ISAAC will be held from July 28 to August 4, 2012, in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
July 28-29, 2012
Pre-conference Workshops
Concurrent full-day workshops will be held at the Westin Hotel over the two days preceding the Main Conference.
AAC Camp
To be held at the Omni Hotel.
Executive & Council Meetings
These ISAAC governance meetings are scheduled during the two days prior to the Main Conference.

July 30-August 2

Main Conference
The Main Conference program will offer something for everyone with an interest in AAC. Concurrent oral presentations will feature papers related to different clinical populations and ages, with reports on leading edge research, and clinical and educational interventions. People who use AAC will have the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives. Posters will focus on a wide range of interesting topics, and the Exhibition will showcase new technologies or applications of technology.
Exhibition
The ISAAC community is growing! Conference attendance reached nearly 1,400 for the 2010 ISAAC Biennial Conference in Barcelona and the numbers are expected to increase in Pittsburgh. The Exhibition is an ideal opportunity to showcase your products and services. The move-in date for exhibitors is Sunday, July 29, and the closing date is Thursday, August 2.
Town Hall Meeting
A lively, open dialogue among people who use AAC is a vital component of each Biennial Conference. The Town Hall is both a celebration of leadership of individuals who use AAC and a discussion on how the global community can support people who use AAC in achieving shared goals.
Presentation of Sponsored Awards
Awards and scholarships are presented during the conference. ISAAC is proud to be working with a number of organizations to help foster experience and opportunity for individuals around the world who use AAC.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

AAC Open House - Jan 31, PCDA

Pasadena Child Development Associates will showcase their new Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Center with a FREE open house event.
 
Tuesday January 31st
5:30-8:00pm
620 N. Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

 
PCDA utilizes technological advances in communication devices in our assessments and intervention for non-speaking individuals.

There will be a tour of our equipment and facilities for AAC, as well as an opportunity to learn how it can help your child. Refreshments will be served.

FREE but please RSVP to Buff at (626) 793-7350 x282

Monday, January 2, 2012

Save the Date - SCAAC-N Winter Quarterly Meeting, 2/21/12

Happy New Year from SCAAC-N!

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 21, 2012, and join us in welcoming Cindy Cottier, M.A., M.Ed., C.C.C., at our quarterly Southern California AAC Network Meeting (FREE as always).  If you missed Cindy's presentation at the 2011 American Speech-Language Hearing Association conference in San Diego - you're in luck! We'll meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Villa Esperanza Services in Pasadena, CA, and hear about Cindy's experiences using iPad applications with multiply handicapped individuals. 

Cynthia, A. Cottier, M.A., M.Ed., CCC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist who has been working in the field of AAC since 1980. She has extensive experience working directly with individuals ranging in age from 2 to 75+ years and of all disabilities. In addition, Ms. Cottier has vast knowledge of a wide variety of state-of-the-art augmentative and assistive systems, techniques and strategies.
Initially, Ms. Cottier coordinated and developed the Los Angeles Unified School District's Augmentative Communication Program for 7 years; then in 1992 she began her own private practice in Pasadena, CA, that is dedicated to servicing all individuals who use augmentative communication devices and assistive technology systems. She has participated in numerous projects, studies and grants to further professional knowledge and clinical guidelines for augmentative communication service delivery.  Ms. Cotter has given numerous presentations at state and national conferences, as well as conducted various workshops and seminars for training institutes and state universities. 

Hope to see you then!