Apple Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month with “Dillan’s Voice”
Autistic high school student Dillan Barmache, has so much to say and people around the world are listening. "Dillan's Voice" can be seen on Apple's website in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month. Apple has chosen Acceptance over Awareness and it's a big deal. Why ? Because 16 year old Dillan Barmache communicates using an iPad, you don't see that in the mainstream media every day. And because Autism Acceptance Month was started by #ActuallyAutistic people. ( You can read more about it's evolution from organizer Paula Durbin-Westby ) The world is listening and it's so exciting. Not being able to speak doesn't mean you don't have a
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite Shares Strategies to Promote Literacy for ALL
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite addresses the topic of overall good literacy instruction. She presents information about how to teach students with significant disabilities using fairly common literacy instruction strategies. There are 11 short video posts to help you get started. She discusses the issues of AAC and suggests strategies that are easy to implement and highly effective. Keep Calm and Watch On…
5 Ways to Elicit Language from PrAACtical AAC
PrAACtical Suggestions: 5 Ways to Elicit Language Without Asking a Direct Question SLPs love to talk, of course, but sometimes that works against us. Over-prompting. Jumping in to repeat the last question. Re-phrasing the previous comment. Nature abhors a vacuum and sometimes we just can’t stop ourselves.
Modeling, AAC Style
Modeling AAC Style - This is a strategy that is too powerful to ignore! Here’s why Aided Language Input is at the top of our list of skills that all clinicians should master: 1. It expands our sphere of influence 2. Other communication partners will imitate us. 3. If WE use it, then parents and teachers are more likely to as well.
I Am Here To Make A Difference For My People
"I am here to make a difference for my people. I hope that you listen to what I have to say. I want people like you to stop judging me." Tres Whitlock
AAC Helps Learners with Complex Communication Needs Reach Their Full Potential
" A lot of these kids end up not reaching their full potential because they suffer from low expectations. People think they don't speak well, so we shouldn't have them in the regular classroom, but a lot of the kids I work with, they're cognitively fine. They're perfectly capable. They just need a viable means of communication to really help them through that." Cathy Binger
PrAACtical AAC | Presuming Competence and Using The Least Dangerous Assumption
PrAACtical AAC's latest post on the importance of presuming competence.
Autistic Teen Uses Tech to Break Silence
A brilliant 16-year-old boy who has autism is breaking through his silence and making people realize what autistic kids can do. Ido Kedar has difficulty controlling his body, and he cannot talk.
The Most Important Information About AAC Use in the Classroom
Presumption of competence combined with support and collaboration from team members helps the learner with complex communication needs have a voice in the classroom.
Ido In Autismland
We love Ido In Autismland, a blog by Ido a young autistic advocate who types to communicate.
My Top Ten
These are the top 10, now top 18 things I need for teachers, therapists, doctors, friends and family to know.
My iPad Is Not a Toy
Please never refer to my iPad as a toy. It is not. It is my voice. Imagine if you could not speak with your mouth how important your iPad voice would be.
Outing The Prejudice: Making The Least Dangerous Assumption
We highly recommend this brilliant article by Zach Rossetti and Carol Tashie on their interpretation of Anne Donnellan's concept of presuming competence, the least dangerous assumption.
HALO
MISSION Helping Autism Through Learning and Outreach is a non-profit organization supported by parents and professionals nationwide who are dedicated to the use of Soma® Mukhopadhyay's Rapid Prompting Method for improving academic success and communication for persons with autism and similar disorders. http://www.halo-soma.org
TumbleBookLibrary
TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of TumbleBooks � animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. TumbleBooks are created by adding animation, sound, music and narration to existing picture books in order to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you. The TumbleBookLibrary is a collection of licensed titles from children's book publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Chronicle Books, Candlewick Press, Charlesbridge Press, Harcourt, Little Brown, Walker & Company, Lerner Books, and HarperCollins Publishers, amongst others. The TumbleBookLibrary provides enrichment to students who are reading independently with a variety of
iPad Summer Institute
Blog on the topic of assistive technology, eLearning, mind mapping, project management, visual learning, collaborative tools, and educational technology Presenters Brian S. Friedlander, Ph.D. & Christine Besko-Maughan, M.S., ATP July 10, 2012 Enhancing A
Kathleen McClaskey
EdTech Evangelist, innovative leader, consultant, presenter and trainer of tools! Truly amazing resources for Founded on the vision that every child should have the opportunity to develop a foundation of 21st Century learning skills, EdTech Associates provides services to empower all students to succeed.
OlliNepal: Why Nepal ?
You can help kids with diffabilities in Nepal. We’re making it super easy. For person that joins our community we will donate $2 to support children in Nepal.You’ll also be entered for a chance to win an iPad at the same time. Now share this with everyone you know and show the world how easy it is to make a difference.
Apps in Education
Greg Swanson is a Visual Arts teacher who is interested in Computer Integration, Web 2.0 and engaging students in their own learning through innovative technology and collaborative classroom practices. One of the hardest thing with using the iPad in the classroom is finding the time to go through all of the apps in the iTunes Store listed under the education banner. Apps in Education has started to list some of the apps they've found under each of the Key Learning Areas.
The Family Center on Technology and Disability
The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. We offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive and instructional technologies. Whether you're an organization, a parent, an educator, or an interested friend, we hope you'll find information that supports you in your efforts to bring the highest quality education to children with disabilities.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Eight | “On Common Ground”
"On Common Ground": While in Houston to speak to teens at "Stand Up! For Inclusion" a conference aimed at inspiring youth to make a difference in the world, Larry takes time to exchange creative ideas with a young artist.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Thirteen | “The End Of The Road”
"The End Of The Road": Larry and Tracy take time to reflect on their spiritual journey of disability awareness as they prepare for the theatrical premiere if their film, "Wretches & Jabberers" in New York City.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Nine | “Lightning Rods”
"Lightning Rods": The Vermonters meet up with Stephen Kuusisto, author of "Planet of the Blind". He interviews Larry and Tracy about the journey they took while making "Wretches & Jabberers" and shares a few insights of his own about his disability.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Ten | “Apple Store Adventures”
"Apple Store Adventures": While in New York City to promote the theatrical release of the film, the Vermonters take an opportunity to visit the Apple Store and try out the new iPad 2.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Seven | “Stand Up! For Inclusion”
"Stand Up! For Inclusion": Larry, Tracy, Harvey & Pascal speak to teens in Houston at the 26th Annual BBYO Lonestar Convention. The theme of this year's convention is "Stand Up! For Inclusion" to inspire youth to make a difference in the world around them.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Twelve | “All That’s Newsworthy”
From our friends at Stories from the Road, "All That's Newsworthy": Larry and Tracy join director Gerardine Wurzburg on the WPIX Channel 11 Morning News to discuss the upcoming theatrical release of their documentary 'Wretches & Jabberers'. The guys get the star treatment as they share their experiences with anchor Jim Watkins.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Eleven | “Teaching The Teachers”
"Teaching The Teachers": The Vermonters are invited to speak at Teachers College at Columbia University. A subway ride brings them to their destination as they find open minds, caring hearts, and an invitation for beer!
Stories From The Road | Chapter Six | “Mile-High Marvels”
"Mile-High Marvels": Larry, Tracy, Harvey & Pascal are asked to speak about their experiences making "Wretches & Jabberers" at the 35th Annual TASH Conference held in Denver, Colorado.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Five | “A Small World After All”
More from the amazing W & J and State of the Art/Dan Curl. "A Small World After All": Tracy invites Finnish friends Henna and Antti to join him at his monthly task force meeting at Community Developmental Services in Barre, VT. Here other people with autism advocate for people with communication challenges, quality of life initiatives, and increase public awareness.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Four | “Breakfast at Larry’s”
From our friends at Wretches & Jabberers, "Breakfast at Larry's": Larry invites visiting international friends Chammi, Antti & Henna to his home for a traditional Vermonter breakfast. With the help of his sister Sally, Larry hosts a meal not soon forgotten!
Stories From The Road | Chapter Three | “Wretches Reunite”Stories From The Road | Chapter Three | “Wretches Reunite”
"Wretches & Jabberers" co-stars from Finland and Sri Lanka descend upon Burlington, Vermont to visit Larry and Tracy and discuss how the film has impacted their lives.
Stories From The Road | Chapter One | “A Night With The Stars”
"A Night With The Stars": Larry, Tracy, Harvey & Pascal take to the road to promote a new documentary titled "Wretches & Jabberers" following their recent "World Intelligence Magnified Tour". Their first stop is Syracuse, NY where they meet with the Disability Cultural Center Initiative at Syracuse University and answer questions about the film.
Stories From The Road | Chapter Two | “Syracuse International Film Festival”
"Syracuse International Film Festival": Larry, Tracy, Harvey & Pascal on the road to promoting "Wretches & Jabberers" following their recent "World Intelligence Magnified Tour". Their second stop was Syracuse, NY is to present the film and their personal narratives at the Syracuse International Film Festival.
60 Minutes: Studying Autism and iPads
Canadian professor Rhonda McEwen studies the use of iPads by autistic children in Toronto's Beverley School. She tells 60 Minutes Lesley Stahl that progress is slow, but learning to "play with language" is the first step.
Apps for Autism on 60 Minutes
People with autism whose condition prevents them from speaking are making breakthroughs with the help of tablet computers and special applications that allow them to communicate, some for the first time. Lesley Stahl reports.
Institute on Communication and Inclusion
The Institute on Communication and Inclusion (ICI) is a research and training center that is part of the Inclusion Institutes of the School of Education at Syracuse University. Formerly the Facilitated Communication Insitute, our new name - the Institute on Communication and Inclusion - represents a broadened focus developed over the past 20 years, reflecting lines of research, training and public dissemination that focus on school and community inclusion, narratives of disability and ability, and disability rights, as well as research and training on faciltiated communication. Its initiatives stress the important relationship of communication to inclusion. Led by Director
Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs
The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) is a national, member-based organization, comprised of state Assistive Technology Act Programs funded under the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act). ATAP was established in 1997 to provide support to state AT Program members to enhance the effectiveness of AT Programs on the state and local level, and promote the national network of AT Programs. ATAP facilitates the coordination of state AT Programs nationally and provides technical assistance and support to its members. ATAP represents the needs and interests of the state AT Programs and is the national voice of the AT Programs.
University Students Design Tray to Fit Most Walkers and Wheelchairs
THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS At 5 years old, Dakota Tomac wants to do things himself. He doesn’t want his cerebral palsy to require others to carry his book or figure out how he will get his lunch on the table. His independent spirit got a boost with a tool created by Grand Valley State University students, thanks to an idea from a physical therapist at the Kent Intermediate School District. The students made a tray that fits onto Dakota’s walker so he could move around at school and carry his iPad, which helps him communicate. “It’s so
A Few of Our Favorite Things
There are so many products, doctors, therapies, and places out there that can help. Here's a list of some of our favorites. We'd love to know what your Favorites are and why. Shoot us an email at olli@ollibean.org and spread the love.
