LAMP & Words for life

Please visit the app store to downloadAlexicom AACa free app for use during this presentation.Top o the mornin to yaLAMP & Words for lifeIMPLEMENTING AAC STRATEGIES IN THE CLASSROOMAndrea Dalton MA CCC-SLPKate Morris MA CCC-SLPWith Special GuestDoreen Devitt MA CCC-SLPWhat is LAMPWhat is Words for LifeBreakout: Communicate w/core vocabularyReview Language & Communicative FunctionsDiscuss challenges in the classroomExamples of classroom useBreakout: Make a plan!Questions & Problem SolvingOverview

AAC in ActionWhat is Lamp?The approach: Language Acquisition through Motor PlanningThe device: iPadThe app: LAMP Words for Life

Accessing each word on the device with a consistent, unique motor pattern provides a means for developing independent communication.

Motor plans for communicationFor speech

For Written communication

Without a motor pattern, user must rely on symbols

ParentsRelying on symbols can restrict vocabulary by providing fewer opportunities for generalization.

What is LAMP: Words for life?

Masking: target vocabulary while maintaining motor pattern

Percentage of Core words vs. FringeQueen: We are the ____, my friend, and well keep on fighting til the end.Billy Joel: Sing us a song, youre the _____ man.Big Bird & company:Can you tell me how to get, how to get to ______ ______?Core Words; Unity Sequenced 84; LAMP Words For Life 84Core words allow for more interactions with A smaller developing vocabularyQueen: We are the people, my friend, and well keep on fighting til the end.Billy Joel: Sing us a song, youre the music man.Big Bird & company:Can you tell me how to get, how to get to that place?

Some Fringe vocabulary is necessaryExample: Goldfish

More goldfish.I want goldfish.Get the goldfish.Where are the goldfish?He took my goldfish!Have some goldfish.Do you like goldfish?No more goldfish.Core & Fringe Vocabulary The same vocabulary should be consistently available in all settings and needs to include a combination of core words and nouns.

Breakout: exercise your vocabulary

Breakout: Exercise your core vocabulary

Implementing AAC Strategies in the ClassroomWhat does language look likeusing an AAC?

Tools to facilitate choice and participation (not language)Choice boardsMenusiPads/Interactive computer gamesVisual schedulesAdapted books and songs

AAC should support functional communication across all environments. It should be flexible, recognizable and dynamic. The language elicited through AAC should be the same language you are trying to elicit in verbal students.What is functional communication?Functional communication allows someone the ability to access their environment for a variety of different purposes to interact socially, meet their own needs/desires, and gain and share information. There is an intent evident and it is effective.What are the different functions of language?Handout: Pragmatic Functions of Language

SocialDirectiveAsking questions/Seeking InformationNaming/LabelingRequestingRejectingCommenting/NegatingWhat functions can you identify in this scenario?

Seems easy enough

What are the challenges?Behavior managementFocus on other goals of the activity (handwriting, math, STAR, etc.) or IEP goalsFeeling incompetent, juggling multiple modes of communication (verbal, sign, pictures, other devices)Feels unnatural and takes effort: contrived interactionsWe have adapted to atypical expectationsAnything weve missed?Something to think aboutKids with atypical or delayed language development need a reason to communicate and often motivation to interact with others.

Adults working with children with atypical language development need ideas for facilitating language and interaction AND motivation to use them.

More on this laterIf children need a reason to communicate,lets give them one!Handout: Tricks of the Trade

Tricks of the TradeBREAK OUTLook through the ideas listed on the handout. These are techniques commonly used to elicit different language functions.Pat yourself on the back for all the techniques you are already using in your classroom.Consider the students who might use LAMP. Which technique could you start using or use more of when you return to your class?Thinking aheadOptions

Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS) Shawn Henry &Brenda Smith MylesConsider all activities of the day and think about how the student will communicate within each activity, specifically what language he/she will use.Lets TalkLook at one activity, area of the classroom, or routine and think about how you can target different functions of language.Tips included at the bottom of the page as reminders for creating successful communication exchanges.

BREAK OUTChoose a planning sheet (CAPS or Lets Talk)Consider target words. Use first 5-20 Core wordsThink about what functions of language you would like to targetIf using CAPSWrite out target activitiesFill in Communication Social SkillsFill out MethodIf using Lets TalkChoose an activity to plan (Where do you want to focus first?)Fill out target one, two and three word phrases in Core BankConsider functions of language you would like to targetUse Tricks of the Trade to fill out what you will do and sayShare with partner and/or group

Sample Target ActivitiesDaily Activities/RoutinesTeacher workSnack/lunchBathroom/Washing handsGroupSocial Play/GamesSensoryCars, blocks, trains, potato head, etc.Books

Gen Ed. ParticipationSpecialsMorning meeting Desk workRead to selfDown timeTransitionsEntering classGetting ready to leaveCommunity ActivitiesEmployment

Is that it?Your student has motivation to communicate through child choice, natural reinforcement, reinforced attempts, and plenty of opportunities to show off known skills.Your student has a reason to communicate because you have so many ideas!You have a plan.What is your motivation?Lets do this!Natural reinforcers:Students language improves.Effective communication reduces frustration.Its fun!

If you find that you need more:Choose one technique as the Technique of the WeekFUNctional Fridays: Use golf click counter to track the number of times paras/teachers elicit language during the day. Number of daily clicks gets averaged over one month. Highest number earns an incentive. Use a white board to highlight Success of the WeekOther ideas?