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....

Sometimes Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are held back from children even though communication is essential if one is to be able to maximize function and learning within a society.  Speech being the accepted primary means of communication, when children have impediments to speech and language that does not mean that they can not learn. It just means that we have to provide appropriate bridges that facilitate language acquisition...

Special Education Advocates Are Highly Valued -

By The U.S. Department Of Education

In a land where coffee flows like rivers and memes reign supreme, there exists a peculiar group known as special education advocates. These valiant warriors of inclusion, armed with stacks of paperwork and hearts full of compassion, have a single mission: to ensure that every child receives the education they deserve. Yet, despite their noble cause, they find themselves trapped in a vortex of...

EDUCATION ADVOCACY IS FOR EVERYONE

IT IS AN ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE

When I think of education advocacy I see Batman’s utility belt, but instead of gadgets, it endows parents with superpowers to fight for their children’s education rights. You could think of it as a mix of Professor X’s telepathy and Hermione Granger’s knowledge of magic spells- empowering parents to make informed decisions, creating positive change, and the getting of functional outcomes...

PLAYING NICE IN THE SANDBOX

MANAGING DISAGREEMENTS

Managing disagreements and ineffective interactions is a core skill of professional special education advocacy. We must choose whether we want conflict or peace. Learning peace comes from getting out of the inner conflict of attack and grievance maintenance which means getting out of the ego side of the conflict.

Parents come to us with an inner war that is going on already that they are outwardly expressing. We do not...

Please Tell Me That You Walk on Water

This could be the entreaty of those parents who have the distinct feeling that, at the IEP table, their comments are magically heard by team members only in a foreign language. Another common perception is that all comments by parents will be met with rolling eyes, sighs, and harumphs if not another adjustment in the team member seats and a chorus of clearing throats.

While this may be an exaggeration, if you are a parent feeling this way, something...