Posted by OMazing Kids in app. Tagged: App review, Apps for speech therapy. Comments Off on {New App Review} Sticker Picture Articulation by Erik X. Raj
{New App Review} My patients LOVE the newest app from Erik X. Raj! I love how you can move, rotate, resize and layer the articulation stickers and then save your creation to the Camera Roll to send home for practice. The app can be used with either the forward facing or rear camera. Kids love seeing themselves in the picture. 😂
Have you ever had a patient who you knew had something to say but you struggled to find a means of communication?
I spent almost a year trying literally EVERY possible AAC device and app and every type of access option in a quest to find a “voice” for a child who I knew had so much to say. She made it very clear that she wanted to use her hands for direct access despite having minimal use of them. She hated head pointing and eye gaze devices and any type of scanning. I would seriously lay in bed at night and ponder what else we could try. I spent hours scouring the internet looking for PODD resources and watched just about every video I could find. Thank goodness a PODD training finally came close enough and was priced affordably enough that our facility sent two SLPs to get trained. Ideally I would have gone to that PODD training but it didn’t make sense for me to take a spot being so close to retirement. But having two of our SLPs trained gave me access to a PODD book to trial with her and then was able to order a premade one for her. Ideally you would custom make and print a book but the facility where I work had not figured out the logistics of printing on special water and rip resistant paper and spiral binding. So I have customized the premade PODD book for her by using clear packing tape to add symbols. Her older sister has even hand drawn a few symbols and the family has written lists on the back of pages. It may not be perfect but it’s working for her. She is my PODD rock star. Every week I end my session by telling her to “PODD on” (rock on with PODD).
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I’m sharing links to things that were helpful during this PODD adventure and a few lessons learned….
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What does PODD stand for? Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display
. How to get started? Ideally go to a PODD training….. but the reality is they may not be offered anywhere near you and they tend to be very expensive. This was my reality so I learned as much as I could online through blog posts, workshop handouts, videos, Facebook groups, etc….
One of the biggest mind shifts for me was to let go of the need to plan contrived communication opportunities in therapy sessions and instead model initiating saying “I have something to say” through facial expression, raising my hand and vocalizing and then using PODD to share my own thoughts or ideas. I had to get comfortable with doing lots of modeling without any pressure on the child to do anything. And comfortable with writing measurable goals in a whole different way.
Examples of some of the goals that I have written for her during this process:
“__________ will show increasing interest and attention to someone using pages from the PODD aided communication system to talk to her in natural contexts throughout the day. This will be measured by an increase in: looking towards the communication symbols or the communication partner, calming during this process, looking away to the side but with a stillness as if listening, or responding the partner’s message. Will increase from ______ to at least _______ times documented during the auth period.”
“Within natural contexts throughout the day, _________ will initiate use of PODD AAC by raising her hand and/or vocalizing to indicate “I have something to say”. Will increase from _______ to at least ________ times documented during the auth period.”
“After signaling “I have something to say”, __________will express an increasing range of communicative functions such as requests, comments, and directing actions using direct selection and/or partner assisted scanning with pages from the PODD communication book and yes/no responses. Will increase from_______ to at least ________ times documented during the auth period.”
Update 7/24/20: Those handouts are all no longer available. The website indicates they are being updated. Fortunately I had copies saved in the iBooks app on my iPad. I merged them into one PDF and uploaded that to my blog.
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This weekend I found these handouts and videos on Linda Burkhart’s website about PODD:
“Aided Language Stimulation and a Robust Language System: Autism a Case Example” – Presented by Linda J. Burkhart and Aura Baker at Closing the Gap Conference, October, 2016
Partner-Assisted Communication Strategies for Children Who Face Multiple Challenges Handout by Linda J. Burkhart and Gayle Porter ((Pre-conference Instructional course – ISAAC 2006): https://bit.ly/3f4DlNu
Partner-Assisted Communication Strategies for Children Who Face Multiple Challenges: PODD Communication Books – Gayle Porter Handout by Linda J. Burkhart and Gayle Porter (Pre-conference Instructional course – ISAAC 2006): https://bit.ly/2BvPI7y
Jodi Melendez: Making Modeling Fun at Home – AAC in the Cloud 2018 (webinar by a parent who uses PODD with her daughter): https://youtu.be/J6YfJuz1ktA
Getting Started with PODD with Mary Louise Bertram webinar: https://youtu.be/s_mc6AWQOM0 (it’s part of a great series of trainings from the Angelman Syndrome Foundation: https://www.angelman.org/resources-education/communication-training-series/)
Lots of PODD info has been added to the PODD USA website…. I wish all of this had been there back when I was on my quest to learn about PODD: http://www.poddusa.com/links.html .
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Options for purchasing premade PODD books (you have to sign a confirmation that you own both the Boardmaker and PODD software). A big shout out to Rachael Langley & Kelly Fonner for helping me find the first two options! The third one was seen in a Facebook group:
* http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1970606/PODD-Book-Order-Form-3 (several sizes and styles to choose from. This is where we ordered this patient’s book from. The spiral binding is not very large so we had to use a wooden dowel rod to hang it on the PVC stand.)
So I’ve been frustrated that I’m always fumbling through this patient’s PODD book in sessions. I wish there was a “word finder” for PODD (one of the downsides of a no tech system). I’m pretty “at home” with most AAC devices and apps since I have had lots of time to look through them and use them. I wanted to have this same level of ease in using PODD so I decided that I needed a copy of the same style of PODD book that she is using.
Unfortunately I can’t use the Tobii Dynavox PODD pageset in the Compass app to model since it doesn’t look anything like my patient’s PODD book. Since I am only 14 weeks away from retirement it did not make sense to spend about $80 to order a premade PODD book for me. I had seen comments online of folks saving a PODD book as a PDF so that’s what I decided to do. I saved the PDF in iBooks on my iPad. Now I have a way to look through it to get a feel for what vocabulary is in it and the pragmatic branching.
Be forewarned ….. it’s a VERY tedious & time consuming process to save a PODD book into one PDF if you are using Boardmaker 6 on a CD. It took me about 3 hours for a 123 pages of PODD. It’s not hard but time consuming.
Open the first page of your PODD book in Boardmaker.
Go to File – Print Set Up – Print Set Up – selected “Microsoft Print to PDF” – OK – Remember Board Settings for New Boards – OK
Go to File – Print (make sure it says “Microsoft Print to PDF” as the printer) – OK
You have to repeat the process for every single page that you want to include in the PDF of your PODD book. (I don’t have access to Boardmaker Online so I don’t know what the steps are there).
After you have all your pages saved as PDFs, then go to the Small PDF website (https://smallpdf.com/merge-pdf). This website lets you upload an unlimited number of PDFs. I uploaded all 123 of the PDF documents that I wanted included in this PODD book. After they are all uploaded then you hit “merge”. I was surprised how quickly this website handled merging 123 separate PDFs into one 123 page PDF document. I then uploaded the merged PDF from my computer into the media storage on my blog (a secured area that only I have access to). From there I was able to e-mail the link to the iPad that I use for AAC and opened the PDF in iBooks to save it on the device.
. More PODD tips: http://praacticalaac.org/?s=PODD
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Mary-Louise Bertram demonstrates how to make a portable stand for a PODD book, that could also work well for other kinds of communication books.
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How We Speak PODD makes their carrying rods:
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Here are some examples of PODD book stands made out of PVC. The amazing PT tech at our facility made some of the first style ones for us: PODD PVC stand examples
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Gayle Porter has reportedly been working on an “alternative access” version of PODD for quite awhile but as of the time of this post it is still not available here in the USA. So I made these very simple eye gaze boards inspired by PODD to use with a couple of other older patients.
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I may add more PODD resources to this post in the future. Just so it’s clear…. I’m definitely not an expert on PODD. I’m just a speechie who was willing to jump out of my comfort zone to find a means of communication for this patient and thought it would be helpful to share resources that took countless hours to find. If you have questions about this form of AAC I suggest going to one of the Facebook groups listed above. It’s where all the PODD gurus are 😉
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Update 7/22/20:
I recently discovered this unique free AAC app in the App Store. pasco by Ace Centre https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pasco/id1317265884. pasco (Phrase Auditory Scanning COmmunicator). It works on the iPad and iPhone. The auditory scanning options are very similar to those in PODD. There are no symbols. It’s totally auditory. The in app guide is in the “?” area. More info: http://acecentre.org.uk/project/pasco/
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Update 7/26/20:
Digital PODD books are available on the iPad in three ways: simPODD, Grid for iPad and PODD with Compass. This post is based on my personal experiences in trying all three options.
Prices, availability & device/iOS compatibility were all checked in the USA App Store and website links were all working at the time this post was written (11:00am CST on 7/26/20). Prices may vary outside the USA based on the exchange rate. Screenshots and descriptions are based on features available at the time of this post. AAC apps change frequently as updates are released.
Key features:
* SymbolStix symbols
* Lots of high quality voices with the ability to adjust the pitch and speech rate
* Easy to access “Controls” page where you can expand the sentence bar and then use “cursor controls” to be able to delete specific items in the sentence bar. The options vary based on the version of PODD being used. This is also where you can “share” and “copy” messages and adjust the volume to whisper, talk or shout.
* Option to share messages via e-mail, iMessaging, share messages to social media (Twitter and Facebook… must have those apps installed and be logged in), copy them to the clipboard to use in other apps, add to the Notes app, or save to Files (only the text is shared not the symbols)
* Ability to edit multiple buttons at a time
* Unfortunately there is no “Search” option like they have in Proloquo2Go. It would be very helpful for those wanting to find specific items to model on PODD.
* The PODD 15 and 15+ page sets all have the option to show symbols + text in the sentence bar plus the ability to adjust the type of font and color of font.
* Unfortunately there is not an option to show symbols + text in the sentence bar in the PODD 60 page sets. Just text but you can adjust the type of font and color of font.
* In-app “Help” area with links to help articles, AssistiveWare’s user groups on Facebook and e-mail for support (available 7 days a week).
* iCloud backup is done automatically and can also be done manually
* Update 8/2/20: The simPODD app was updated to add the option to adjust skin tones
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Includes 6 PODD book options:
PODD 15 Preschool
PODD 15+ Preschool
PODD 15 School
PODD 15+ School
PODD 60 Expanded Key Word
PODD 60 Complex Syntax
If you have a yearly subscription, it includes the ability to export and print PODD books. Different versions of PODD are available to edit and print than are available digitally. Samples can be viewed within the app:
9 Early Functions
9 Expanded Functions
12 Early Functions
12 Expanded Functions
16 Expanded Functions
20 Expanded Functions
36 Key Words
40 Key Words
48 Expanded Key Words
70 Expanded Key Words
90+ Complex Syntax
100+ Complex Syntax
Group Early Functions VEST
Group Expanded Functions
Group Expanded Functions VEST
2. Grid for iPad app by Smartbox Assistive Technology, iPad only, iOS 11.0 or later. Most recent update: 7/6/20 (this is when they added the option to purchase PODD as an in-app purchase).
Key features:
* PCS / Boardmaker symbols with 6 options for symbol skin tones. Some of the symbols look a little odd when adjusting the skin tone but it’s at least a step towards diversity. Can also edit buttons to use other symbols: PCS High Contrast, SymbolStix, Widgit & Grid 3. You can use a mix of different types of symbols on a grid.
* Several languages and lots of high quality voice options
* Can add recorded speech Message Banking
* Can alter pronunciation of words
* Settings for writing (editing the dictionary for word prediction, chat history, capitalization, auto replace, toggle on/off adult symbols, edit the small words list, abbreviations)
* Has the option to include symbols + text in the sentence bar for all of the PODD grid sets
* Volume controls that are easily accessible in all grid sets. The cursor controls and lots of other controls are included in both PODD 60 grid sets.
* Has a “Search” feature that will show the path to specific items. FYI… the search must match the exact wording on the button in order to find it. Having a Search feature is especially helpful for SLPs and teachers who may be using lots of different types of AAC with students / patients and want to model PODD.
* Has the option to include symbols + text in the sentence bar for all PODD grid sets (this is not an option in the PODD 60 page sets in simPODD)
* Several formatting options for the chat writing area (sentence bar)
* Has the option to have buttons highlighted when activated (options: color cell background, color cell border or no visual highlight & lots of options for the specific color of highlighting). Used with Touch Accommodations in Accessibility Settings.
* Can easily edit the style of a grid set (theme: modern, bubble or blocky font; cell layout: label above or below the symbol; empty cells: toggle between visible/hidden; cell spacing: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, jumbo)
* Lots of color options for the grid background
* Ability to add rows and columns to grids
* Remote editing capabilities via their free Grid 3 software for Windows computers. This is especially helpful in the midst of the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic where lots of services are being provided via teletherapy or distance learning.
* DropBox backup
Has the following PODD Grid options:
PODD 15 Preschool
PODD 15+ Preschool
PODD 15 School
PODD 15+ School
PODD 60 Expanded Key Word
PODD 60 Complex Syntax
There are two versions of the app that both include PODD 15 Preview & PODD 60 Preview grid sets. There is not access to full PODD grid sets within the apps without purchasing the $79.99 in app purchase:
* Grid for iPad – AAC, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/grid-for-ipad-aac/id1064332378 (free and has 30 day free trial but the full PODD grid sets are not included, then requires a subscription for $9.99 per month but in order to have access to PODD you would need to purchase the in-app purchase $79.99 that includes all of the PODD grid sets)
I wish they had included the full PODD grids in the free trial in the app so we could actually trial them on the device that would be used for that patient/student. But viewing them on my laptop at least let me see what was in each grid set and in the controls area on each one. And I was able to install different voices to try.
The PODD Manual for Grid 3 contains info explaining the differences between paper PODDs vs. high tech PODDs and lots of other helpful info: https://thinksmartbox.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PODD-manual-v2-April-2020.pdf. Since the developer of PODD won’t allow the digital versions to be identical to paper PODD books, I found it especially helpful to have info about which digital PODD grid sets correspond best to a particular type of paper PODD book. It’s very helpful that the Grid for iPad app includes these details when looking through the grid sets as well as having it in their manual. Read the manual for in depth details about each grid set. Here’s a brief summary:
* PODD 15 Preschool & PODD 15 Preschool grid sets have a similar vocabulary and organization to the one-page opening 12
per page expanded function PODD paper communication books.
* PODD 15+ Preschool & PODD 15+ School grid sets have a similar vocabulary organization to the one-page opening 20 per
page expanded function PODD paper communication books.
* PODD 60 Expanded Key Word grid set has a similar language complexity and vocabulary organization to the two- grid opening 70 and two-grid opening with a side panel 48 expanded key word PODD paper communication books.
* PODD 60 Complex Syntax grid set has a similar language complexity and vocabulary organisation to the two- grid opening 90+ and the two-grid opening with a side panel 100+ complex syntax PODD communication books.
3. PODD with Compass by Tobii Dynavox LLC, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/podd-with-compass/id907333758, iPad only, iOS 8.0 or later, $299.99. Last update: 12/3/18. FYI… I’m VERY hesitant to recommend this app since Tobii Dynavox has made it clear that they are focusing future development and support on their newer Snap Core First AAC app plus the Compass app without PODD has already disappeared from the App Store and they no longer have this app listed with the other apps on their website. I have even seen several posts this year from well respected SLPs, special education teachers and consultants who specialize in AAC indicating that they have had AAC users and families tell them that Tobii Dynavox sales consultants were pushing them to go with Snap Core First instead of PODD with Compass. Hopefully that issue has been dealt with since those apps are designed with very different purposes and users in mind. I saw a comment one post back in June 2019 that they were working on adding PODD as an option within Snap Core First. If that’s true that would be even more reason to not waste your money purchasing this older app. I know the lower price is tempting but the old saying “You get what you pay for” comes to mind. The only exception I can think of are those who have an older iPad that cannot be updated to the iOS needed for simPODD or Grid for iPad but then you have to consider how much longer that old of an iPad will continue to function. Here’s the PODD with Compass manual for anyone who may need it: https://www.mytobiidynavox.com/Support/Documentation. The Tobii Dynavox Community Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tobiidynavoxcommunity/.
Update 7/27/20: A Tobii Dynavox employee indicated in a comment in their Facebook group that PODD within Snap Core First should be released in September 2020. No other details on exactly how it will be done or the costs. I’ll update this post when I know more info.
——- Which is the best digital PODD option? It depends on what features you need the most. There are features that I love in both simPODD and in Grid for iPad. I wish I could take the best features out of each of them and combine them into one app….. but since that’s not possible here are a few thoughts.
Features that would lead me to choose simPODD… if I needed:
* a simple way to customize and print PODD books all from the convenience of an iPad (this is a huge plus…. especially since Mayer Johnson has indicated that they are still not going to have iPad compatibility when they launch Boardmaker 7)
* intuitive editing and use of grammar pop-ups (especially nice for those familiar with their Proloquo2Go app)
* cursor controls that are easily accessible in all page sets
* an “expand message” feature where you can expand the sentence bar and then use “cursor controls” to be able to delete specific items in the sentence bar.
* options to share messages via e-mail & iMessaging, share messages to social media (Twitter and Facebook… must have those apps installed and be logged in), copy messages to the clipboard to use in other apps, add to the Notes app, or save to Files (only the text is shared not the symbols)
* fast and automatic backup to iCloud
Features that would lead me to choose Grid for iPad with PODD added as an IAP… if I needed:
* a variety of symbol options (PCS is the default but other symbols can be used when editing: PCS High Contrast, SymbolStix, Widgit, Grid 3)
* several language options
* a “Search” feature that will show the path to specific items (FYI… The search must match the exact wording on the button in order to find it). This is especially helpful for SLPs and teachers who may be using lots of different types of AAC with students / patients and want to model PODD.
* the option to add recorded speech Message Banking
* to alter pronunciation of words
* settings for writing (editing the dictionary for word prediction, chat history, capitalization, auto replace, toggle on/off adult symbols, edit the small words list, abbreviations)
* the option to include symbols + text in the sentence bar for all PODD grid sets (this is not an option in the PODD 60 page sets in simPODD)
* the option to have buttons highlighted when activated (options: color cell background, color cell border or no visual highlight & lots of options for the specific color of highlighting). Used with Touch Accommodations in Accessibility Settings.
* free remote editing capabilities. This is especially helpful in the midst of the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic where lots of services are being provided via teletherapy or distance learning.
* DropBox backup
. Comparison of the total costs over time:
1 year period:
simPODD yearly subscription: $139.99
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 12 months = $119.88 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $199.87
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98
2 year period:
simPODD: $139.99 yearly subscription x 2 years = $279.98
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 24 months = $239.76 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $319.75
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98
3 year period:
simPODD: $139.99 yearly subscription x 3 years = $419.97
simPODD 3-year license: $419.99 (purchased at : https://assistiveware.onfastspring.com)
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 36 months = $359.64 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $439.63
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98
4 year period:
simPODD: $139.99 yearly subscription x 4 years = $559.96
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 48 months = $479.52 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $559.51
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98
5 year period:
simPODD: $139.99 yearly subscription x 5 years = $699.95
simPODD 5-year license: $699.99 (purchased at : https://assistiveware.onfastspring.com)
Grid for iPad – subscription: $9.99 x 60 months = $599.40 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $679.39
Grid for iPad – up front purchase: $349.99 + $79.99 for PODD IAP = $429.98
The prices of simPODD vs. Grid for iPad with PODD added are similar especially when you consider most individuals who use PODD for AAC have complex communication needs and would be using it for a long period of time.
Just wanting the ability to make printed paper PODD books? The current price of purchasing a Boardmaker version 6 CD ($399.00) & the PODD CD ($300.95) from Mayer Johnson totals $699.95 in order to be able to just make printed PODD books and you’ll have to do that on a computer. If you subscribe to Boardmaker Online you still have to purchase the PODD CD. It would take 5 years of using simPODD to equal that cost and simPODD can be used on the fly on an iPad plus can be used as a digital PODD in the event that you decide to do that.
So those wanting to look for a more affordable and portable way to make and edit PODD books to be printed should really consider simPODD vs. Boardmaker. I find most kids do equally as well with SymbolStix symbols as they do with PCS symbols. And if you want a very affordable way to create other materials with SymbolStix symbols, take a look at the iESLp app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ieslp/id912953895iESLP, iPad only) a bargain for a one time purchase of $19.99 (no subscription needed) and it includes a large library of SymbolStix and lots of templates. A similar app that can be used to create items with PCS symbols is the Tools2Talk+ app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tools2talk-create-your-own-communication-aids-and-chat/id1074982035, iPad only) for a one time purchase of $47.99.
. Want to suggest PODD resources or info to be added to this list? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page. If you are an app developer and would like to have me review a new digital PODD app for the iPad or PODD that was added to an existing app via IAP, please send the link from the USA App Store so I can look at the info before you send a promo code. I want to make sure that one of my iPads is compatible in order to try it out.
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Update 7/26/20: I’m retired but am still actively posting about AAC and apps and using AAC in volunteer work.
New Articulation App: Apraximations – Mouth Cues by Alissa Holloway
I was thrilled to see that the full version of this app was finally released! I especially like the matching game and the free build option. It’s great to have another tool in my speechie toolkit to help kids who are at the very early stage of learning about production of speech sounds. I used the “free build” screen to show a patient side by side differences between his target sound vs. error sound. I saw him have an “ah ha” moment and get a couple of correct productions in imitation. Having the voice output paired with each visual was what helped. He kept tapping, looking and listening and then on his own imitated the target sound. He sustained attention much longer than I’ve ever gotten him to look at my mouth.
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Wishes for a future app update: It would be cool to have short video clips of each sound in addition to the pictures and then be able to select which you want to use on each activity screen.
Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus and Calm by Whitney Stewart and Mina Braun
Be still my heart! This is the best new kids mindfulness product that I’ve seen in a long time. The boxed card deck includes 50 creative mindfulness games, visualizations and exercises divided into 5 categories to help children feel grounded, find calm, improve focus, practice loving-kindness and relax. Whimsical full-color illustrations on both sides of the cards break down each practice into easy-to-follow steps. Tips on individual cards plus an 8-page instructional booklet show modifications that make these activities inclusive for children of all abilities.
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What I love about these cards:
* Large 5″ X 7″ sturdy cards with a protective coating. The size will be helpful in groups as well as 1-on-1 sessions and the two sided card format is easy to “grab and go”.
* Whimsical colorful illustrations depicting kids of diverse ethnic backgrounds and abilities participating in the activities. The color and style of illustrations are not childish. This makes this card set useable for a wide range of ages (says “ages 4-104” on the front of the storage box)
* The front of each card has a large illustration, activity category with color coded edge, activity title and brief description.
* The back of each card has illustrated step-by-step simple instructions. I love how simple the wording is. Some cards have additional tips or challenges.
* Many of the cards deal with a wide range of emotions…. this set is a perfect addition to any SEL (social emotional learning) program!
* A few cards address “dealing with change”…. this is often difficult for my patients with Autism, OCD and other special needs so I’m especially excited about these cards.
* There are no religious images, words or symbols. This will make this card set usable in a wide range of environments.
* The instructional booklet has simple kid-friendly explanations about mindfulness and the five categories of activities. Also includes tips for modifying activities.
* The cards come in a sturdy storage box with hinged lid covered in whimsical colorful illustrations.
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List of cards included in each category:
Start Your Day: Stay Grounded. Feel strong, focused and confident as you begin each day.
* Mindful Breaths
* Mindful Mood
* Mountain Rising
* Rooted Like a Tree
* Inhaling the Universe
* Cloud Burst
* Mindful Jungle Movement
* Reflection Pond
* Words to Yourself
* Rings of Light
Find Calm: Ride Your Waves. Learn to handle tricky or challenging emotions.
* Shake the Sillies Out
* Balanced Breathing
* Tummy Ride
* Mind Bubbles
* The Power of Blue
* Joyful Jellyfish
* Happy Hum
* Fist Squeeze
* Finding the Pause
* Peaceful Place
Focus: Strengthen Your Mind. Wake up your brain, build concentration and sharpen your sensory awareness.
* Tap and Wiggle
* Finger Fiddle
* Mind Castle
* Wise Old Owl
* Mental Snapshot
* Mind Magic
* Open Ears
* The Nose Knows
* Sharp Eyes
* Mindful Munch
Open Your Heart: Accept Life with Kindness. Feel a sense of self-acceptance and connection to the world.
* Sharing Friendship
* Everything Changes
* Sitting With It
* Name That Feeling
* Finding Feelings
* The Inner Me
* Cooking Up Connections
* Breath by Breath
* Loving-Kindness
* Heart Garden
Rest & Relax: Unwind Your Tangles. Reflect, relax and ease your busy mind.
* Animal Dance
* Swaying Trees
* Figure Eights
* Rain Shower
* Safekeeping
* Rock, Roll and Rest
* Squeeze and Release
* Floating Smiles
* I Am Thankful
* Folding Flower
{Book Review} “The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun Loose at School” by Laura Murray
Uh-Oh! This leprechaun is trouble!
After a mischievous leprechaun makes a mess in the school band room, the Gingerbread Man vows to catch him. He follows the leprechaun’s clues all around the building finding chaos everywhere–even in the library! But then he finds a clue that almost scares the buttons off of him. It says the leprechaun’s next target might be a house made of gingerbread! Luckily, the Gingerbread Man makes it to his classroom in time to set a trap for the leprechaun. He’ll show that mischief maker that he messed with the wrong cookie this time. ”I’m on a mission! I’ve got a good plan. I can catch him! I’m the Gingerbread Man!”
. What I love about this book:
* wonderful rhyming text that is fun to read
* funny illustrations (many have speech bubbles)
* lots of great verbs & adjectives
* clues for where the leprechaun is going next
I can’t wait to use this book in March as part of a St. Patrick’s Day theme ☘🍀.
{Book Review} My Pillow Keeps Moving by Laura Gehl
A clever pup ends up in a cozy home, and she’ll do anything to stay there. She impersonates everything the lonely homeowner needs–a pillow, a footstool, a jacket. But in the end, being herself works best. Laura Gehl’s spare, humorous text and New Yorker cartoonist Christopher Weyant’s expressive characters will leave young readers giggling and begging for more.
What I love about this book: Over half of the pages in this fun book are wordless…. great for sparking conversations about the comical illustrations. The pages that contain text have lots of adjectives. This book is a fun new addition to my speechie library 📚.
a.c.t. – Apps, Consulting & Training
Jackie Bryla founder of a.c.t. – Apps, Consulting and Training is a speech language pathology assistant (SLPA). Fabulous info about kids apps & great videos of her using them in therapy.
AAC Funding Help
Great general info about AAC funding under Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, private insurance, etc. Includes info about federal laws related to AAC & AT.
Educational App Talk Facebook Group
Great App Chat on Thursdays 8:00-9:00pm CST. Great info about apps & some promo codes. An extension of Teachers With Apps
Kreed's World
This is the story of how we were able to become part of Kreed’s World through his communication device. Kreed learns to communicate more and more each week and this is our attempt at documenting how Kreed found his voice and is finally being heard.
Linda J. Burkhart
She’s been doing Assistive Technology & AAC before the internet, cell phones or iPads were invented. She’s a guru of low-tech solutions, PODD & the original MacGyver in the special needs world!
On Sarah's iPad
Another great group for info about kids app deals.
On the Train With Sophie
I started this blog to chronicle our journey with Sophie who was diagnosed with autism in 2012. A “routine” MRI revealed Bilateral Perisylvian Polymicrogyria, a rare brain malformation. Our journey just took a detour. Sophie is still Thomas’ number
Our Ordinary Day
An ordinary mom sharing glimpses of her life, including transracial adoption, special-needs kids, and the typical stuff of life
Small Steps in Speech Grant
Their grant will fund an assistive technology device and/or iPad AAC app (does not fund iPads). Very specific criteria & application deadlines.
Speak For Yourself Users Group
Fabulous supportive FB group! Open to discussing anything related to AAC or special needs in addition to SFY.
Star in Her Eye
Star in Her Eye is a blog by author, Heather Kirn Lanier, about mothering a little girl with a rare genetic condition called Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Great posts about presuming competence & AAC (uses SFY)
Technology for Special Education Needs
I love integrating technology with classroom instruction. It offers differentiation and accessibility to all students. I also enjoy the creativity it offers the classroom teacher.
Uncommon Sense
Blogging our way through special needs parenting with honesty and sarcasm. A lot of sarcasm.
United Healthcare Children's Foundation
Medical grant to be used for medical services & equipment not covered or not completely covered by commercial health benefit plans. Very specific criteria.
Variety Club – The Children's Charity
Variety aids children with physical challenges whose families cannot afford, nor obtain through insurance, necessary mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, specially-designed adaptive bikes, and other mobility devices.
Vlinder Communication Therapies
Vlinder is Dutch for ‘butterfly’. One family I worked with long ago thanked me with butterfly-themed items along with an analogy. This family felt that their loved one had been “trapped” in a cocoon by his inability to effectively communicate.
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