Key Advocacy Techniques for AAC/SGD Implementation

Welcome back to our blog series on Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). As advocates we are always filling in the blanks looking for the needs missed, incompetence presumed, challenges not considered etc., etc. In this day and age you would think that the provision and implementation of AAC/SGD devices would have little resistance, especially since the positives so outweighs the...

SLPs Drive the Success of ACC & SGD Implementation

Welcome to the final part of our blog series on Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). In our last post, we delved into the key responsibilities of speech and language pathologists (SLPs). Now, let's continue to explore their crucial role in AAC/SGD implementation.

More Responsibilities of an SLP

1. Providing the Appropriate AAC/SGD System: SLPs provide the appropriate AAC/SGD system and...

Welcome back to our blog series on Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). Now that we have debunked the common myths surrounding AAC/SGDs, let's move on to understanding the roles and responsibilities of speech and language pathologists (SLPs).

The Responsibilities of an SLP Implementing ACC/SGD's

SLPs hold a pivotal role in the implementation of AAC/SGDs. They work as part of a team that may also include an assistive technology specialist....

EDUCATION ADVOCACY SKILLS

"ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTION IS OFTEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN HAVING AN ANSWER. A RIGHT QUESTION CAN LEAD TO THE RIGHT ANSWER."

Marie Lewis PhD, BCEA

The world of Special Education leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to transparency and direction.  Some of that is simply a matter of variation as the manifestation of most diagnoses are on a continuum somewhere between mild to severe. In addition there is frequently at least one or two secondary diagnoses...

Self Advocacy Makes Transitions Work

If the truth be told, when it comes to transition, parents are frequently in the dark as to all of the areas that transition covers and just how comprehensive the umbrella of transition can be for their student. When there are inexperienced teachers, or other factors that do not support an informed set of goals in the areas necessary to making a reasonable transition from Secondary to Post-secondary education and independent living, it is up to the...

GIFTED IEP DEVELOPMENT FOR

Professional Education Advocates

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A gifted student’s identified educational needs must be met through a plan called the Gifted IEP. It is designed to provide a meaningful educational benefit. The gifted student has an educational need in one or more subject areas,...

5 IEP CURRICULUMS  #3 EXPANDED / FUNCTIONAL

Usually, parents do not think of accommodations or modifications as part of an actual curriculum.  It does help to look at things from a different perspective because each of the 5 curriculum areas complements each other so that the child can have as full a life as possible.  It's not just reading, writing, and arithmetic that we address in the IEP. The purpose of the IEP is to come up with a plan that will allow the child to access ...

5 IEP CURRICULUMS

Surprise, surprise, its not just reading, writing and arithmetic that we address in the IEP. The purpose of the IEP is to come up with a plan that will allow the child to access all of their education. That means that  the accommodations and modifications that can be associated with an IEP must also address non academic issues that get in the way of learning. Today's focus is on academics and the core curriculum as well as the extracurricular, recreational, and leisure...

IEP VS. A 504 ACCOMMODATION PLAN

The Section 504 plan is NOT an IEP and that is the only part that is clear. Understanding the differences can be critical. If you have a child who should have an IEP and you are given a 504 accommodation plan instead, you will not be able to get the supports necessary for functional outcomes because most of them are not available under a 504. 

504 Plan

Section 504 is a part of a civil rights statute called the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

It prohibits...