Dynavoxes are the AAC devices that are similar to what Stephen Hawking uses. [link]
At school, Grace can answer questions. During the IEP/conference, Leslie asked Grace what that morning's story was about and Grace knew to push the button that said Reindeer. They also have lowtech PICS folders for the kids. So she can create folders that say things like I like _______. Or I want to do ______. And the blanks are filled with little pictures of activities.
We need a PICS box for her at home to communicate.
Or, if I could afford it I'd get her an iPad with this software: [link]
There was just a sweet Buffy reference on the Daily Show.
It was basically a bit about
Gov't oversight of toy safety that compared the gov't big brother to various TV big brothers, none of which are any good. The punch line was, maybe we need a big sister? And they showed a clip of Buffy protecting Dawn from Glory, and totally kicking ass.
The whole audience cheered like crazy.
Well there was more detail than that...but it would be more boring and complicated to explain.
We need a PICS box for her at home to communicate.
Owen LOVES Board Maker! He still makes social stories in his special ed class, even though we don't really use them at home anymore. Say, I have three social stories books with CDs for printables if you think you might want them. They're basic, preschool and behavior stuff.
I have a mild autistic spectrum condition. I use pictures and bits of British Sign Language when I'm stressed and to follow some instructions. I only learnt the systems as an adult, though, so I'm trying to practice more. It works. I was a classroom assistant with kids with learning disabilities some years ago, and we used lots of picture systems. Lots of the kids really seemed to benefit.
Oh, that's fascinating, Kat. Is it easier for her than signing?
Cashmere, we'd LOVE it!
ita, yes! Much easier than signing because she lacks some of the fine motor control necessary to make signs. She does know a fair number of signs -- for example, she knows how to sign Merry Christmas but her sign for Merry looks more like her doing the Chicken Dance. It's like the physical version of learning to talk.
Seska, the AAC stuff is super interesting. I think the iPad is the way to go for schools because Dynavox systems often cot $5000+. So an iPad + software is less than a $1000.
Trying to unlock what Grace knows will continue to be a challenge.
Great, Kat. I'll stick them in the mail.
