The Augmentative/Alternative Communication Spectrum

Have you thought of Augmentative/Alternative Communication as a spectrum? There is a whole range of options from low/no tech to high tech solutions to empowering individuals with speech impairments. The folks at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism have put together an article covering the spectrum of AAC.

To view the article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/the-augmentative-alternative-communication-spectrum

Save the date!

PECS Level 1 Training

Presented by

Jill Waegenaere, M.A., CCC-SLP

September 12th and 13th 2016

Carmel, Indiana

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a language training package that is used to teach communication skills rapidly to those with limited functional speech. PECS promotes communication within a social context, without lengthy prerequisite training. Training in PECS begins by teaching a spontaneous request and goes on to teach additional communicative functions such as responding to questions and commenting.

For more information and to register, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/pecs

Co-Sponsored by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism and Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.

Cyberbullying and children with special needs

Last week, in it's "All Tech Considered" section, NPR posted an article discussing the online bully who happens to be a child with special needs. Written by a bully counselor, the author suggests that parents "discuss, monitor, and educate" their children in online rules of social etiquette.

To read the entire article, please visit:
http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/04/04/472422820/what-happens-when-the-online-bully-is-a-child-with-special-needs

CeDIR Citings Fall Edition - Assistive Technology

Fall is here and with it comes another edition of the Center for Disability Information and Referral's biannual newsletter. This edition focuses on assistive technology. The newsletter highlights a book review, both national and Indiana-based websites, and a resource list of books that can be checked out from the CeDIR Library.

To see the new edition, please visit:
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/styles/iidc/defiles/CDIR/10-14.pdf

Innovative technologies to benefit children on the autism spectrum

"Innovative Technologies to Benefit Children on the Autism Spectrum brings together relevant theoretical frameworks and empirical research concerning the emerging technologies that benefit individuals living with autism. This book is an essential reference source for parents, teachers, special educators, researchers, academics, and other professionals seeking relevant information on the emerging technological advances available for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders." -book description

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Technology tools for students with autism

Technology tools for students with autism: Innovations that enhance independence and learning offers a variety of technologies that support students on the spectrum in their classrooms and communities. From apps to video modeling, the book explores the current and the future of interventions for learning to help teachers make the most of new tools and strategies.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Mobile App Monday -- Autism Apps for Android

Got an Android instead of an iPhone? As the the number Android users grows, the number of autism-related apps available for the Droid should grow. To date, there are literally hundreds of autism apps for Apple products but under 100 apps for Android. Finding those particular apps can be quite challenging, too. But thanks to the folks at iAutism, a list has been created to allow users to browse those apps identified for use with people on the spectrum. To see the list in its entirety, visit: http://www.iautism.info/en/2011/03/25/list-of-apps-for-android/

Individualized Technology Plan Helps Student with Autism Achieve Learning Goals

Got a child with autism who is struggling to learn? One teacher aide decided to try using technology with a third-grader who has severe autism. His results were terrific! The child learned in two months what he hadn't been able to learn in two years.

Read the entire article at: http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/05/individualized-technology-plan-helps.html

iPads for kids with autism

The HollyRod Foundation is donating Apple iPads to kids with autism who are either nonverbal or have severe difficulty communicating. Fortunately, the iPad in combination with special software can give many of these kids the ability to communicate. To receive an iPad, families must meet income requirements. Software for the iPad will be purchased with a gift card from the foundation, and a professional (speech pathologist, doctor, teacher) working with the child must take responsibility for the card.

To apply, download and complete the application here: http://fifthfreedom.org/u/55. ("Holiday 2010 iPad Application" at the bottom of the page.) If clicking the link does not work, copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar.

Attach some documentation of your child's diagnosis and verbal abilities, and financial need. Applications are due by 11:59 pm on December 31, 2010. Grantees will be notified in January of 2011.

For more information about the HollyRod Foundation, visit http://www.hollyrod.org.

INDATA Project to Host Demo Day on Autism

From the Folks at INDATA and Easter Seals Crossroads:

INDATA Project to Host Demo Day on Autism
*Editor's Note: Media interested in covering the event should contact
Sara Croft at 317-466-2013 or scroft@eastersealscrossroads.org
to confirm appointment times.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Autism affects more than one million Americans and is the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Autism Society of America. People with autism benefit from assistive technology in areas such as social interaction skills, expressive communication and understanding the environment.

The INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads is hosting a year-long series of free statewide "Demo Days" showcasing assistive technology devices for a wide variety of disabilities. The next "Demo Day" will feature devices that assist people with autism and will take place Thursday, August 19, at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, 2853 E. 10th St., in Bloomington.

To register for your free half-hour appointment during "Demo Day," contact Carol Girt at 1-888-466-1314. Please register by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18. If you are interested in learning about assistive technology devices for other disabilities, please contact Carol Girt.
A variety of devices will be demonstrated, with a particular emphasis on autism, including: touch screens, adaptive keyboards, trackballs, Visual and Schedule Assistant and some communication devices.

The "Demo Day" gives those individuals who make an appointment the opportunity to experience an abbreviated one-on-one device demonstration, during which they learn how assistive technology can increase independence through a hands-on session with the many low-tech and high-tech assistive technology devices available.

In some cases, the assistive technology provided can ultimately determine whether someone is able to work outside of their home or attend a public school. In addition, that technology can be used to help better the interaction and communication between individuals and their families or friends.

For more information, visit the INDATA blog at blog.eastersealstech.com.