OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

Languages Available in the Top 11 iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps

Posted on August 15, 2021 by OMazing Kids

Are you looking for info about languages supported in the most commonly used symbol-based AAC apps?

That is one of 98 rows included in my AAC Feature Matching Chart.

Here is a free one-page PDF with the “Languages” row from the Feature Matching Chart for the Top 11 iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps: https://bit.ly/2VYeaZj (PDF)

It is also available as a freebie on my TPT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Languages-Available-in-the-Top-11-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Apps-7148289

This is just one of the 98 rows included in the Feature Matching Chart for the Top 11 iOS Symbol-Based AAC apps that can be purchased on my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-the-Top-11-Robust-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Apps-6867853

Have questions? The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/. That way messages don’t get lost among the spam in my e-mail.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

Tech Tips: AAC & “Screen Time”

Posted on August 10, 2021 by OMazing Kids

Have you encountered resistance to AAC use due to someone thinking that all “screen time” is bad?

Or they want to limit AAC options to only low-tech or no-tech out of a misguided fear that AAC use would expose them to “screen time” that could inhibit their development?

This free handout will help you dispel those myths with easy to understand info about the differences between active and passive screen time, key discussion points and links to where you can find more info from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association & the US Department of Education.

It’s available as a freebie on my TPT store: https://bit.ly/3xAqYCi

Want to save time and have tons of AAC info at your fingertips?

Check out info and shout outs for my Feature Matching Chart for the Top 11 iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2021/07/20/feature-matching-chart-for-the-top-11-robust-ios-symbol-based-aac-apps/.

It’s available for purchase here on my TPT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-the-Top-11-Robust-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Apps-6867853

Have questions? The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/. That way messages don’t get lost among the spam in my e-mail.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

https://lampwflapp.com/support/faqs.

Tech Tips: Installing iOS Apps on Multiple Devices

Posted on August 9, 2021 by OMazing Kids

Have you ever wondered how many devices you can load an iOS app on? Or the legalities surrounding app usage?

The new website for LAMP Words for Life has a nice simple summary. Here’s a screenshot:

Most major AAC app developers have similar info on their website or defer to the Apple info linked below.

I also frequently share this easy to understand info from Tactus Therapy:

https://help.tactustherapy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024699251-We-have-lots-of-devices-How-many-copies-or-licenses-of-each-app-should-I-buy-

If you want to read more in-depth legal descriptions about this, read the Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/us/terms.html.

See more about devices associated with an Apple ID: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204074. You can have up to ten devices (no more than five computers) associated with your Apple ID for purchases at one time.

And info about Family Sharing for those in the household: https://www.apple.com/family-sharing/ (FYI…. in-app purchases and subscriptions may not be eligible for Family Sharing)

School systems and other organizations can get a discount when purchasing apps in bulk. See the Apple School Manager info: https://support.apple.com/guide/apple-school-manager/how-to-buy-content-apde19b23f7f/1/web/1 (also: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206960 & https://www.apple.com/business/docs/site/Apple_Business_Manager_Getting_Started_Guide.pdf)

Note: Rules regarding app usage may vary outside of the USA

If you are looking for a way to share customized programming with another person who owns an app, check that AAC app company’s website.

Want to save time and have all of that info (and so much more) at your fingertips? Check out my Feature Matching Chart for the Top 11 iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2021/07/20/feature-matching-chart-for-the-top-11-robust-ios-symbol-based-aac-apps/

This info is also available as a FREE handout on my TPT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tech-Tips-Installing-iOS-Apps-on-Multiple-Devices-7127363

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

Personal Professional Facebook Page (linked to OMazing Kids): https://www.facebook.com/angela.moorad (adding “friends” who have a direct role in AAC or Assistive Technology – AAC / AT app or product developers, AAC / AT consultants, SLPs who specialize in AAC, other professionals who specialize in AAC or AT, etc.)

OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

Feature Matching Chart for the Top 11 Robust iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps

Posted on July 20, 2021 by OMazing Kids

This major update adds an 11th app (Talk Suite Pro) to the AAC feature matching chart

This chart includes an in-depth comparison of features & support resources across 11 robust iOS symbol-based AAC apps:

• Avaz AAC – Lifetime Edition

• Clicker Communicator: AAC

• CoughDrop

• GoTalk Now / GoTalk Now Plus

• Grid for iPad VPP

• LAMP Words for Life

• Proloquo2Go

• Speak for Yourself

• Talk Suite Pro

• TD Snap (formerly known as Snap Core First)

• TouchChat HD with WordPower

Preview:

This product also now includes free exclusive access to an unlisted YouTube video (58:32) with time-stamped sections highlighting the unique features in each app.

Thanks SO much to Lauren S. Enders for this shout out for my AAC Feature Matching Chart in her presentation on 6/24/21 at AAC in the Cloud! See the whole presentation and get her handouts for “Personalizing AAC – A Deep Dive into Vocabulary Customization”: https://presenters.aacconference.com/videos/UVRRd1FUSXg=?. Be sure to also check out her Waklet with links to resources: https://wke.lt/w/s/7ldtJE.

Thanks Vicki Clarke / Dynamic Therapy Associates Inc (aacchicks)! The shoutout for the AAC feature matching chart in your IG Stories on 7/20/21 made my day 🥰

It’s available for purchase on my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-the-Top-11-Robust-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Apps-6867853.

If you already purchased it be sure to go download the update for free.

Recurring monthly subscribers on Ko-fi can access this as part of their subscription: https://ko-fi.com/post/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-the-Top-11-iOS-Symbol-B-R6R85DVLH

This freebie on my OMazing Kids TPT store has been updated to add the Talk Suite Pro app: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-to-Get-Access-to-the-Top-11-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Apps-TPT-Freebie-6869004

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac/

Using Doodling Keyboards as a Whiteboard in AAC Apps (plus a sneak peek at Talk Suite Pro)

Posted on July 17, 2021 by OMazing Kids

Using Doodling Keyboards as a Whiteboard in AAC Apps (plus a sneak peek at Talk Suite Pro)

I’m working on an update for the Feature Matching Chart for the Top 10 (soon to be the Top 11) iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps. As I was adding more info to the row about “Button Action to Open a Whiteboard”, I thought about how cool it would be to have a work-around for adding a drawing area to apps that don’t have that feature. Guess what… there is!

AAC apps that allow use of the iOS Keyboard open up the possibility of using a whole array of keyboard extension apps. As I searched the App Store I found three “doodling” keyboard apps that I liked and they worked well within those AAC apps. These doodling keyboard areas could be used as an additional means of communication, just for fun or even as a way for some AAC users to draw their own pictures to then be used as symbols on buttons within their AAC app.

Apps seen in the video:

• Talk Suite Pro, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/talk-suite-pro/id1079239198, iPad only, iPadOS 9.0 or later

• Inkboard, https://apple.co/3wRuKqA, iOS Universal, iOS 12.0 or later (this one was my favorite since it has so many different drawing tools)

• DrawBoard Keyboard for Doodling, https://apple.co/3ilRMQP, iOS Universal, iOS 8.0 or later

• ScribbleKey, https://apple.co/3hJbqao, iOS Universal, iOS 8.0 or later

Want to learn more about which iOS AAC apps allow use of the iOS Keyboard? Or which iOS AAC apps already include a Whiteboard area? Those are just two of the 95 rows of features included in the Feature Matching Chart. It’s available on the OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Teachers Pay Teacher store. The chart is very comprehensive, totally up to date and will be expanded in the next update to include an 11th app: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-the-Top-10-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Apps-6867853

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

AppPeeps Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac/

Tech Tutorial: How to Add Symbols and GIF Videos to WordToob, GoTalk Now and TouchChat (includes access to my Google Drive folders with cropped symbols, GIF videos & the GoTalk Now communication book file)

Posted on July 5, 2021 by OMazing Kids

Quite a few folks asked how I did this after I posted about it on social media on 7/1/21.

YouTube:

Facebook: OMazing Kids page, also in the AAC for the SLP and AppPeeps groups

Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angela Moorad ~ AAC Consulting (@omazingkidsaac)

So I decided to make this tutorial and offer it on my TPT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tech-Tutorial-How-to-Add-Symbols-and-GIFs-to-WordToob-GoTalk-Now-and-TouchChat-7005534.

Recurring subscribers on my Ko-fi site have free access to this resource as part of the subscription. See the post at https://ko-fi.com/post/Tech-Tutorial–includes-video-tutorial-files-wit-T6T557PXT

This tutorial package includes:

* A handout (3 page PDF)

* Access to a Tutorial Video (12:34, unlisted on YouTube) that shows the whole process for cropping symbols, finding GIFs, converting the GIFs to videos, how to save them, how to add those to buttons in WordToob, GoTalk Now and TouchChat, the pros and cons of each of those options, etc…

* Access to a secured Google Drive folder with all cropped symbols and GIFs converted to videos used to make the 84 button board in WordToob plus a few extra videos used in GoTalk Now and TouchChat

* Access to a secured Google Drive folder with the GoTalk Now Core Board with GIFs .gtbz file that can be imported into GoTalk Now or GoTalk Now Plus (plus info about how to get my hack for importing a single page book into the GoTalk Now Lite app)

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac/

A success story using the QuestionIt app

Posted on June 24, 2021 by OMazing Kids

Boom! Take that you darn Wh-questions! One of my 8 year old patients had a HUGE breakthrough in OMazing Kids speech therapy today. After what seems like an eternity of working on Wh-questions, it finally totally clicked today. The QuestionIt? app by Language Learning Apps, LLC has been an integral part of this breakthrough with the scaffolding, symbol enhanced text, multiple repetitions and feedback about the correct answer to a __ (who, what doing, when, where) question. This is a patient who previously could not answer a Wh-question at all. Instead he would either not respond or would respond with some random fact about numbers, maps or Luigi (all high interest areas of his). Guess what he was able to do today?! Sorting (Level 3 – no scaffolding: 95%), Answering Sentence (Level 3 – no scaffolding: 95%), Answering Advanced Sentences (Level 2 – no scaffolding & variations on the word order: 90%). So then I turned my iPad around where he just had to listen to the sentence & question in the Advanced Sentence level. His responses were a little slower but he still rocked it at 85% accuracy. At that point I was on the verge of SLP tears of joy. But it gets even better!

Our conversation as we walked back to the waiting room:

Me: “What are you doing for Spring Break?”
Him: “No homework”.
Me: “Yeah… No school & no homework! What fun things are you doing this week?”
Him: “We are going to a birthday party”
Me: “When?”
Him: “Today”
Me: “Whose birthday is it?”
Him: “_ (child’s name)… my brother’s friend”
Me: “What did you buy for a present?”
Him: ……. (to be honest my brain cut out at this point from the shock of him taking this many conversational turns, maintaining a topic & answering non-structured Wh-questions)

When we arrived to the waiting room, his mom confirmed that all his answers were accurate & we basked in the glory of how far he has come. When I first started seeing him a few years ago, he was minimally verbal & had huge meltdowns at even the mention of the words “birthday” or “party” (tons of sensory issues).

We still have lots more to work on but for today I am enjoying this moment of how far he has come. I share this for all the parents out there & all the therapists who work with their children…. the tunnel may be long but there is definitely hope & light at the end of that tunnel.

Info about this app: https://languagelearningapps.com/app-questionit.html & the review I did on The Appy Ladies: http://theappyladies.com/questionit. (Unfortunately my in-depth review about this app disappeared when The Appy Ladies website disappeared)

Full paid version: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/questionit-ed/id1071917440

Free lite version: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/questionit/id458737797

(This was originally posted on my OMazing Kids Facebook page on 3/16/15: https://bit.ly/3zNwnrM. I’m in the process of saving some of those posts here on my blog to make them easier to link / share during presentations)

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac/