Spectronics Advent Calendar of Accessible Games & Activities

CLICK to follow the Calendar yourself!

Creating Visual Supports with SymbolStix Online

SymbolStix provide the visual icons used in the communication applications TouchChat, Proloquo2Go, and Sonoflex. This library of symbols was originally developed for use in the weekly online newspaper News-2-You, and thousands of SymbolStix can be accessed online with an annual News-2-You subscription ($149). While there is no option to download the library to your computer (must be accessed online), this is a valuable resource for visually supporting learning activities of all kinds.

The SymbolStix online library is searchable, and also categorized. The online search makes analogies or relationships in its search results that the communication apps (TouchChat Proloquo, Sonoflex) might not make, which can be useful when you're  search for the perfect symbol for your button message. 

The SymbolStix online search above was for the word "good." TouchChat brings up 8 results for "good," Proloquo brings up 6, Sonoflex brings up 11. The SymbolStix online search for "good" comes up with 28 symbols, including some related symbols that the apps do not associate with the word. Symbols entitled "hit" and "good sport" as well as "good idea," might be just what you want for your user, but they don't come up in the search results in your communication app unless you search the exact name assigned to the symbol. Why? I have no idea! Side-by-side searching for the best symbol sounds a bit tedious, but once you're familiar with the options, you'll get the hang of it. (Be warned that the sign language symbols and some others in the SymbolStix online search are not available in communication apps)

SymbolStix online has templates for static display communication device overlays, allows you to create unique visual aids to support symbol-word association, and can act as a clip art generator for any learner who benefits from visual supports.  add visuals to existing materials that reflect the exact icons included in the learner's communication system. 

 
(This social story was created in Word, SymbolStix were copied and pasted into the doc. The SymbolStix for "calm down" was used for the phrase "It's OK")

Communication Board Template - carrier phrase

GoTalk 9+ Template View

(The SymbolStix for "danger" was used for the phrase "be careful")

Watch it on Netflix - Wretches & Jabberers documentary

CLICK HERE to go to Netflix

Give a Gift of Assistive Technology

Give a Gift of Assistive Technology Assistive technology can be a great gift for a wide variety of individuals.  E-reader   Jar opener   TV remote Not every e-reader is created equal. Make sure to check that it has the access features needed, such as text-to-speech or larger font sizes. Click here for a comparison chart.   Opening jar lids can be a struggle for individuals with limited hand strength due to medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, arthritis, and strokes. This motorized jar opener from Hamilton Beach is available at home and department stores for less than $30.  TV remotes can be activated by touching large buttons, switches, or voice commands. For individuals with cognitive impairments, TBI, or Alzheimer's disease, a simple remote with fewer buttons can make the TV easier to control. Discount stores like Ross and T.J.Maxx often carry remotes in the men's gift section.

Free Adapting Toys Workshop  @ T.A.S.C., Huntsville, AL Saturday, December 8 Drop in 9 a.m.-noon  Bring a battery powered toy to adapt or choose from one donated by the Margarita Ball. Adapted toys can be purchased from various vendors, including http://enablingdevices.com.

STAR Training funded by STAR, Alabama's Asssitive Technology Resource 1-800-782-7656 Content created by T.A.S.C.   (256) 859-8300    tasc@ucphuntsville.org

SCAAC-N Fall Meeting Notes - 11/15/12

Coming Soon...

AAC Video Modeling - Work, Shredding Paper

Video modeling is one powerful teaching strategy found to be effective with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Cassie Helland, SLPA, at Villa Esperanza Services' Speech & Language Center demonstrates use of an iPad and the FREE app called Picture Card Maker in videos filmed with an iPad2 and shown to students on that same iPad prior to a work period (not the best resolution, but sufficient for our needs!). 

In Villa Esperanza's Non-Public School Transition Program, one vocational training position involves paper shredding. In the following videos, Cassie models three expressive communication statements related to this student job.

Links to 3 Videos - More, Help, Break

The American Speech & Hearing Association's special interest group on AAC has a brief review of studies that use video modeling to teach requesting using AAC to individuals with autism, CLICK HERE to view the abstract. 

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders hosts a body of Evidence Based Practice briefs with one entire unit dedicated to the use of video modeling as a teaching technique for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. CLICK HERE to view the evidence base, PDF. More evidence based practices in Autism, CLICK HERE.

Understanding Assistive Technology: Simply Said