(FREE) Training: Snap + Core First & Implementation (Loyal Truong)

Former SCAAC-Networker, Loyal Truong will be flying out from Chicago to offer this excellent day of training. Free ASHA CEUs. Don't miss it!

Saturday, October 13, 2018, 9:00-3:00

Casa Colina Hospital, Pomona

Communicating with Core Vocabulary in Snap + Core First 

9:00-11:45 am

In this session, we will review a core word strategy approach supporting both communication and literacy development for individuals with complex communication needs.  Based on best practices, participants will review research and strategies to support core vocabulary for communication as well as core word lesson plans to support literacy development.  We will review the Snap + Core First communication software and demonstrate how to target core vocabulary in communication activities across learning environments. (register at this site)

Learning Objectives:  Upon completion, participants will be able to: (1) Review three language characteristics of a core word strategy. (2) Describe three targeted activities that support communication with core vocabulary across learning environments. (3) Describe two types of implementation strategies that support literacy development through core word vocabulary.

Participants are expected to be present for the entire program.  Individuals who are not present for the full program will not be recommended for ASHA CEUs.  No partial credit will be provided.

 Course Content Level: Introductory

ASHA CEUs: 0.25

Implementing AAC for Emergent Communicators

1:00 – 3:00pm

This implementation-based workshop will focus on the emergent communicator and how we can best provide augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports and strategies that help everyone realize their communication potential.  Participants will review the stages of pre-intentional and intentional communication as well as low and high tech AAC communication supports with the goal of moving our emergent communicators toward symbolic communication. (register at this site)

Learning Objectives:  Upon completion, participants will be able to: (1) List three characteristics of an emergent communicator. (2) Identify two tools for assessing emergent communication skill. (3) Identify two high-tech AAC solutions that can be implemented with the emergent communicator population.

ASHA CEUs: 0.25

Cost: Free of Charge

Presenter: Loyal Truong

Loyal has prior experience as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluator and trainer serving clients of the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center in Los Angeles and the Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC) in Orange County, California. As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), Loyal served children and adults with Cerebral Palsy, ALS, Traumatic Brain Injury, spinal cord injury, and other medically complex needs focusing on communication and computer access. Loyal’s passion for his clients and AAC technology led him to the Learning Services Team at Tobii Dynavox where he currently supports internal and external customer training and implementation needs as a Learning Consultant.

October is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month

Rett Syndrome Awareness Month has finally arrived! There are many  opportunities to make a difference for those living with Rett syndrome. Rett syndrome has had the upper hand for too long: robbing loved ones  of their voice, abilities and strength. But it cannot steal our hope.  Rettsyndrome.org is making great strides toward treatments and a cure,  and we need your help.
HELP US OVERPOWER RETT
Show Your Power Together we're stronger. Write #OVERPOWERRETT on your arm, post a selfie and tag Rettsyndrome.org. Be creative! Tag your friends, family and care team. Challenge them to join you.
Use Your Voice Spread the word. Share your Rett syndrome story to OVERPOWER Rett.  Visit our website for free resources and downloads to share on social media.  Follow Rettsyndrome.org on Facebook and Instagram.
Donate to Change Lives Together we can create a world without Rett syndrome. Help us raise over $100,000 this month for Rett syndrome research toward a cure. Give today!
Get Involved Attend an event. Check out our event calendarand find one near you. Start a fundraiser for Rettsyndrome.org. Start a Facebook Fundraiser.  Learn more here.
Rettsyndrome.org is accelerating research for treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome. As a leader in Rett research, we have funded more than $44 million in peer-reviewed research grants and programs to date. We empower families to make a difference. We are a 501(c)3 organization, earning Charity Navigator's most prestigious 3-star rating. Visit www.rettsyndrome.org to learn more, or call (800) 818-7388. Rettsyndrome.org 4600 Devitt Drive Cincinnati, OH 45246

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.