Present Notes:
On this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Alexia Bassin, a seasoned speech-language pathologist with 15 years of expertise within the NYC Public Faculties! With a ardour for empowering fellow SLPs, Alexia shares her journey working in particular schooling and her experience in Augmentative and Different Communication (AAC). From her position as an assistive know-how evaluator to creating ‘AAC Nook,’ a collection of bite-sized movies to assist SLPs grasp AAC, Alexia’s dedication shines via. Tune in for sensible suggestions, collaboration recommendation, and real-world methods that may enable you to elevate your AAC recreation within the classroom. Let’s dive into all issues AAC!
This is what we realized:
- Evolution of AAC know-how from clunky gadgets to apps like Proloquo2Go.
- Significance of selecting a versatile AAC system that grows with the scholar.
- Leveraging Instagram and on-line communities to remain up to date on AAC methods and instruments.
- Balancing scholar pursuits (e.g., Disney Vehicles) with age-appropriate content material.
- Encouraging exploration of latest, age-respectful subjects via AAC.
- Collaboration with academics and different associated service suppliers to implement profitable methods.
RESOURCES
Study extra about Alexia Bassin:
Instagram: alexia_slp_chroniclesTikTok: lex_slp_chronicles
Study extra about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:
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The place We Can Join:
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TRANSCRIPT
00:01:59 Hallie: Welcome to SLP Espresso Speak, the podcast designed completely for speech language pathologists who work with older college students, grades 4 to 12. I’m your host, Hallie Sherman, your SLP behind Speech Time Enjoyable, the Speech Retreat Convention, and the SLP Elevate membership. And I am thrilled to carry you conversations, methods, and insights that gives you the jolt of inspiration that you just want. Whether or not you are tuning in throughout your morning commute, on a break in between classes, and even throughout a well-deserved leisure time. I’m right here, for you each week. Let’s do that SLPs.
00:02:39 Hallie: How is everybody doing? Guess what? The Speech Retreat registration, November ninth, is open and accessible beginning now, beginning in the present day. So, when you have not claimed your ticket to our subsequent Speech Retreat, November ninth, head to speechretreat.com and register in the present day. The deadline for getting your mailed swag is Friday. So, for those who wanna get mailed SLP goodies proper to your door, ensure you register by Friday.
00:03:08 Hallie: Do it in the present day so you do not overlook. And this manner you may assure your spot of six hours {of professional} growth. Not like some other, you are gonna get $40 price of digital swag. You are gonna get nail swag for those who register earlier than Friday so do not miss out. And I’ve considered one of our audio system. Whats up, what’s up?
00:03:29 A: Hello…..
00:03:29 Hallie: How is it going?
00:03:30 A: I am good, how are you?
00:03:32 H: Superior. Everybody watching, listening. Inform everybody a little bit bit about your self and your SLP journey.
00:03:38 Alexia: Hello everybody, I am Alexia. At the moment, I am a highschool primarily based SLP. I’ve achieved, oh my god, it has been 15 years. It is loopy, the time goes by so quick. However the majority of my expertise has been with 14 to 21 years outdated. So, I began in a highschool, particular schooling highschool. After which I attempted elementary as a result of that was the factor. And everybody desires to work with the infants. They usually’re so cute. However then I accepted a place as assistive know-how evaluator. So, half time, I do this. After which I went again to the highschool particular schooling setting. So, the vast majority of my expertise is highschool.
00:04:18 Hallie: What recommendation would you give to somebody listening, watching proper now that’s new to the highschool world and saying, assist, get me out of right here? What recommendation would you give to them?
00:04:28 Alexia: For me, it is all about connection. So, I do know we wish to dive in, and now we have, like we’re fascinated by knowledge and assessments and IUPs and it is so loopy and also you wanna get just like the numbers in and our schedules are in all places. However, the connection piece is big, whether or not it is with the scholars or reference to the individuals that you just work with, the academics, the paras, the opposite associated providers. I really feel like for those who begin there, you possibly can’t go fallacious.
00:05:00 Alexia: Such as you catch extra bees with honey. So, making an attempt to love work the room, make individuals fall in love with you, then they’re extra prone to hearken to your methods and no matter you wish to implement within the classroom.
00:05:13 Hallie: That is additionally true. I at all times say connection earlier than knowledge assortment.
00:05:17 Alexia: Oh, sure.
00:05:17 Hallie: I assume we want the info, but when they are not prepared to work with us, you haven’t any knowledge anyway, so it is a distinction.
00:05:22 Alexia: Precisely, precisely. In order that’s enormous for me.
00:05:26 Hallie: Did you guys talking on November ninth all about AAC past requesting. If somebody’s saying like, I do not know the place to start with AAC, all, , I’ve that pecs mentality of like, they need to request for stuff. Like, what would you say to somebody, , begin first beginning out with AAC?
00:05:43 Alexia: Yeah, it is robust. And like with the PECS, I’ve a variety of youngsters that come into highschool, they usually nonetheless have a PECS guide with like, their raggedy symbols that they’ve had for years. And persons are afraid to attempt greater tech know-how, or they suppose that there is some kind of prerequisite earlier than, like they need to grasp their PECS guide, however they did not get to degree 5, section 5 earlier than they will transfer on to one thing that is extra sturdy. And the identical factor, it begins with connection. In case your scholar does not such as you or you do not have that rapport, it will be actually arduous to get them to make use of a brand new system, particularly in highschool.
00:06:22 Alexia: In the event that they’re being launched to AAs like a better tech AAC in highschool as a result of they’re already set of their methods, they usually have their established communication programs. Possibly they’re utilizing a variety of gestures and that is okay and also you wish to honor all of that. However I’d begin first the connection piece at all times after which begin with the issues that they like, their preferences and customise, make these customizations to their gadget as a result of we hear rather a lot about like core vocabulary.
00:06:53 Alexia: After all, you wish to use like these excessive frequency phrases, so you will get the most important bang in your buck with these phrases, however you additionally wish to incorporate their private core, of their communication gadget and issues that they like and actions and issues like that.
00:07:09 Hallie: What would you say to somebody that claims, effectively, , their pursuits will not be age acceptable or, , I do not know the place to start as a result of they’re in highschool, however they’ve by no means had a tool earlier than. What would you say to all these various things when these questions come up?
00:07:23 Alexia: You realize, the Instagram web page, I feel it is AAC creatively, she had a very nice submit on this a couple of weeks in the past about presenting issues which might be age respectful. So, I’ve had 16-year-olds that they love Vehicles, they usually love, like Lightning McQueen, Vehicles the Disney film so that they like Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. And I would begin off with these issues to get the buy-in, however you do wish to expose them to age-respectful issues as effectively and provides them these experiences with like constructing on their pursuits. So, for those who like Vehicles and Tow Mater, let’s take a look at perhaps some NASCAR and let us take a look at some YouTube clips of NASCAR and also you just like the race vehicles, let’s attempt that. So, you wish to begin with what they like, however then additionally expose them to age respectful issues as effectively and construct there.
00:08:17 Hallie: Love that. And what would you say to somebody who says, Hey, they’re in highschool. It is too late.
00:08:22 Alexia: Give it a attempt. And we additionally need to be respectful that these are younger women and men, and they won’t wish to use it and that is okay, however now we have to provide it a attempt, make it accessible and have these alternatives, give them these alternatives to make use of it.
00:08:36 Hallie: I find it irresistible. And so, , you are gonna attain out all about past requesting. What are another language features that we will begin fascinated by as we await the speech retreat?
00:08:45 Alexia: Yeah, feedback, jokes a variety of my youngsters like simply because they’re non-speaking that does not imply they do not have a humorousness, they usually wish to share these issues. I like programming jokes in, particularly like TouchChat, they’ve a cool like jokes web page like knock-knock jokes and stuff like that. So different features like feedback making feedback social expertise interacting with their friends, asking their friends, how was your weekend? So perhaps you program that query into one button, so it does not need to be a number of steps. So, asking questions, making feedback. So, requesting is a good way to get that preliminary buy-in and to construct like that rapport together with your scholar. However to go on high of that, it might be like commenting, asking questions, interacting socially, protesting. That is enormous. These are younger women and men. For those who do not wanna do this, let me know. Like, no, no, thanks. Or I do not wish to do this proper now. Or perhaps I do not need speech in the present day. Like, , be actual with me, that is cool. Find it irresistible.
00:09:47 Hallie: Giving that language to reject even us.
00:09:49 Alexia: Yeah, I like once they’re like, no. I am like, okay, that is nice. They usually had been, they get like type of sassy, like, okay, yeah, youngsters, they’re youngsters. So, they’re gonna inform us like, no, or I do not need it. I do not wish to do this. I do not prefer it.
00:10:01 Hallie: Find it irresistible. How did you get into or really feel extra assured when it got here to AAC? What was like, inform us a little bit bit extra about your expertise and like the way you type of constructed your experience with that. For somebody who may be questioning, , hey, I am not acquainted with this. That is like not one thing that I am comfy in. What would you say?
00:10:17 Alexia: Now, I want Instagram was the best way it was years in the past, trigger in grad college, I feel AAC was perhaps an elective 15 years or 16 years in the past. So, wasn’t a requirement. And after I walked in like the primary day of labor, I used to be so overwhelmed. Like what’s AAC? What is going on? I’d positively attain out to love your different SLPs collaborating. I have been so lucky to work with wonderful SLPs, who’re prepared to assist and share assets. So, I have been so fortunate there.
00:10:51 Alexia: After which I would additionally examine like PRC, Tobii Dynavox. They’ve so many free webinars, free assets. Instagram is wonderful. You had been one of many first accounts that I adopted, like speech accounts for older college students. So, Instagram is nice for assets. YouTube, for those who’re unsure. And like the massive firms, you may additionally attain out to their rep for those who want coaching on one thing, however I’d take a look at their free, there’s so many free assets. Begin with Tobii Dynavox or PRC, so many free webinars and issues like that.
00:11:26 Hallie: So, so true. The sector has modified a lot. I even bear in mind my first job. It was like they stated just like the day earlier than I did like clunky, like 10 pound.
00:11:35 Alexia: They had been enormous.
00:11:36 Hallie: Such as you needed to manually do every button that was like a button button. And I used to be anticipated to love know easy methods to program it for a 13-year-old who . And I used to be like, I do not even know….There is not any assets on the market, likes they’re offered out proper now, so.
00:11:55 Alexia: And the primary app that I bear in mind popping out was Proloquo2Go. And our faculty bought it, and everybody had Proloquo2Go and that was the massive to do. And now there’s so many alternative functions on the market. It is loopy how the know-how has grown.
00:12:09 Hallie: And such as you stated, there’s so many choices the place you do not have to say, okay, it is not a one dimension suits all anymore.
00:12:15 Alexia: Yeah.
00:12:15 Hallie: It is what’s individualized for the scholar. What would you say to somebody who’s overwhelmed with that typically, discovering what’s acceptable for the scholar?
00:12:24 Alexia: Effectively, first it is, like entry to what you could have. I do know in faculties, restricted budgets. So, for those who do have a pill, a free app like GoTalk Now, I’ve used to begin there. And I at all times attempt to begin with the most important grid dimension, until there are some like visible issues, I at all times attempt to go greater, and you may manipulate that by hiding some symbols. However while you begin with an even bigger grid dimension, as your scholar is mastering the vocabulary, you do not have to shift to get one thing greater.
00:12:56 Alexia: So, you could have solely two symbols on the web page, they’ve mastered that, now you wish to change it to one thing like 10 on a web page, now these symbols have modified and we’re messing with the motor plan. So, I’d begin with, if you do not have something, free apps and take a look at with the most important grid dimension doable to show them.
00:13:15 Hallie: We would like them to have essentially the most sturdy vocabulary language doable. We would like them to develop, we have to have it accessible to them. That was one thing I had realized the arduous means. I made a variety of errors. So, placing it on the market, I made many errors within the AAC realm myself as a result of I had nobody to show to and needed to make the errors and study by.
00:13:35 Alexia: I used to like, oh my God, PECS. I cherished PECS. I cherished the Velcro, like pulling it off. I like however that is the best factor with this subject, such as you’re at all times studying and unlearning what you do the most effective you possibly can with what you bought and transfer ahead.
00:13:53 Hallie: And a part of simply being the lifelong learners that we’re on this, the sphere is altering. We now have to at all times type of study and develop. And that is why I like, I like having you coming in on November to speak all about it. Since you’re in it, doing it each day. And like, I like with the ability to study from individuals which might be doing it and never simply discuss it. I find it irresistible.
00:14:11 Alexia: Oh yeah, I am so excited.
00:14:12 Hallie: Yeah, I am so excited. So, everybody watching, pay attention, when you have not grabbed your ticket but for November, speechretreat.com, Alexia is considered one of our wonderful audio system. We now have eight audio system speaking all issues from AAC to stammering, to only all language studying, all of the issues. For those who register for Friday, you get mailed swag. You have gotten the mailed swag prior to now.
00:14:31 Alexia: I find it irresistible. Yeah. I like prizes. I like video games, I like prizes. I find it irresistible.
00:14:38 Hallie: The occasion, like some other, the place to be surrounded by like-minded SLPs, sensible and related skilled growth. So, when you have not signed up but, positively ensure you do this. If you’re not following Alexia, ensure you observe her on her Instagram so you will get suggestions and tips engaged on AAC, all issues highschool. She’s at all times sharing wonderful issues there. Anything you wish to share earlier than we let everybody fall asleep?
00:14:58 Alexia: I… evening evening. You are doing nice and we have got it. I really feel like this 12 months it is all about leveling up and the most effective practices and it is gonna be a tremendous 12 months.
00:15:09 Hallie: Superior. Thanks a lot, Alexia. I can not wait to study extra from you on November ninth. Thanks everybody for watching.
00:15:14 Alexia: Bye bye. Thanks.
00:15:15 Hallie: We’ll see everybody quickly. I hope to see you all stay on November ninth. Bye, everybody.
00:15:21 Alexia: Bye.
00:15:27 Hallie: Thanks a lot for tuning in to a different episode of SLP Espresso Speak. It means the world to me that you just’re tuning in each week and getting the jolt of inspiration you want. Yow will discover all the hyperlinks and knowledge talked about on this episode at my web site, speechtimefun.com. Remember to observe the present so you do not miss any future episodes. And when you’re there, it might imply the world to me for those who would take a couple of seconds and depart me an sincere assessment. See you subsequent week with one other episode stuffed with enjoyable and inspiration from one SLP to a different. Have enjoyable guys.
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