Resources for Remote Learners
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We are all in this together!
Individuals from around the world use different forms of augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) to model a message of hope and caring during the COVID-19 pandemic. The video illustrates that a strategy to help someone learn to use AAC is to experience others modeling language on that same AAC.
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Secondary Means of Communication
In order to help you and your AAC user to be well prepared for an unexpected hospitalization, we recommend that all AAC users have a backup plan for communication. This secondary means of communication could be useful when communicating with emergency personnel and medical staff. It is recommended that this form of communication be portable and not require a power source.
Printed materials may be an excellent and very useful option in the case of an emergency. It is recommended that pages be constructed in the familiar language of the AAC user. A list of common communication vendors and links to printable pages have been compiled for you and are listed below. Click on the links to be taken to the free, downloadable, and printable pages from these vendors.
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TobiiDynavox
Pentke Romich
Saltillo
EyeGaze
Avaz
Cboard
CoughDrop
AsTeRICS Grid
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Project Core Boards
Picture Exchange Card Maker
Super Core
Eye Gaze and Flip Charts Alternative Pencils with Instructions
Amy Speech Language Therapy
Patient Provider Communication
Speech Ninja
Mind Express Activities
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Secondary Means of Access
When choosing a secondary means of communication, you must also think about how the user will access it and whether or not they may need a secondary means of access. If they are able to make selections through touch, they should be able to make choices through direct selection on a secondary source.
However, for someone who relies on an alternative access method, such as scanning or joystick input, communication could be a greater challenge when their primary device and input method are not available to them. Alternative access, including Eye Gaze through the use of frames, should be explored. Having prepared frames, charts, and/or books with familiar vocabulary before they are needed may be helpful.
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Clarity TL200 TV Listener
Listen in as our staff demonstrates the TV Listening device.
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Easy Reacher Seat Belt Grabber
Come along with Scout as he demonstrates the ease of the Easy Reacher Seat Belt Grabber.
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Upcoming Webinars with
Missouri Assistive Technology
Tobiidynavox - Telepractice Basics: Implementing Snap Core First
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 – 11:30 PM CST
Interested in telepractice? Join us as we discuss ways to implement the Snap Core First software using a telepractice platform.
OrCam Read
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 – 3:00 PM CST
OrCam Read is a handheld reading device for people who have reading difficulties, dyslexia, and certain levels of low vision.
Lesson Pix
Thursday, April 23, 2020 – 2:00 PM CST
LessonPix has powerful language tools that enable you to search by sound or find minimal pairs, as well as templates for great visual materials. Learn more at this week’s webinar.
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AT Overviews and Training Videos
Lesson Pix
LessonPix is a creative tool that enables the user to easily create materials using communication symbols and pictures. Quickly, the user can generate materials such as:
- AAC device overlays
- Board and Bingo Games
- Writing and Drawing Pages
- Picture Cards for picture exchange systems and AAC
- 100+ other templates
The user can also combine symbols, uploaded photos, and export all of their symbols to use in external software, such as Microsoft Office.
For those that want to learn more and would like the opportunity to try the program for
free
,
Eric Carson from
Lesson Pix is conducting an introduction webinar and training, Thursday, April 23 at 2:00 CST.
Register for this training.
Everyone that participates in the webinar will receive a
30 day free trial of Lesson Pix
!
Lesson Pix can also be a valuable tool for distance teaching. Lesson Pix offers formats that are great for telepractice for SLP’s, therapists, and teachers.
Take a look.
CaptiVoice
CaptiVoice has partnered with Google for Education to help teachers provide accessible materials to their students. CaptiVoice is designed to read web pages, documents, and un-protected ebooks from browsers, Dropbox, Google Drive or Clipboard with naturally-sounding text-to-speech voices.
You can find more information here.
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Google Talkback Braille Keyboard
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Google announced last week that it now offers a
Braille
keyboard integrated directly into Android. The company says the new feature will make its operating system more accessible for people who are visually impaired, without requiring extra hardware. The TalkBack Braille Keyboard uses a six-key layout. Here are a few places to get more information:
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Free Offers
Lesson Pix
30 Day Free Trial after completing the
Lesson Pix webinar
scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at 2:00 CST
tobii dynavox
FREE 90-day trial of Boardmaker Online
- Access Picture Communication Symbols (PCS®) for over 40,000 words, including Coronavirus symbols, and behavior support templates, such as daily schedules.
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Special Price Changes and Offers
Nanopac
Introducing the
Merlin Mini by Enhanced Vision
– a VisioBook but with a better camera and larger screen options. Through the summer trade-in any VisioBook, working or not, for a $250 discount on the Merlin Mini.
Prices with trade-in: Merlin Mini 15” $2,745, Merlin Mini 17” $3,245. Please contact NanoPac for more information,
info@nanopac.com
or 1-918-665-0329.
N-Focus
The ClearView Go offers the same reading comfort, ease of use, and functionality as a desktop video magnifier, but in a compact and portable design.
Please contact N-Focus for more information, 1-866-963-6287
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