Classroom Toolbox Training

The Classroom Toolbox is a virtual toolbox of resources to help teachers provide adapted communication supports to students in their classrooms. In here you'll find the Classroom Communication Supports Checklist to help you determine what supports you already have in place, ones you have but aren't using, and ones you are interested in exploring. For every communication support, there's a learning module to explore, with photos, descriptions, components, links to comprehensive resources and curated YouTube videos. These modules will help you confidently increase the communication supports for your students!

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Building the Communication Classroom Series

  • Getting Oriented (3 lessons)​
  • Present Level of Performance: How do my students communicate? (3 lessons)​
  • Can You Hear Me Now?   Classroom Routines, Expectations & Visual Supports (7 lessons)​
  • Simple Communication Systems: Light Tech (5 lessons)​
  • Embedding Communication Into Your Classroom (5 lessons)​
  • IEP Time! Progress, Present Levels and Goals (2 lessons)​
  • AAC 101: Simple Steps for Student Communication​
  • The Core Word Classroom​

There is a wealth of information and materials for you on our website, so you may be asking yourself, "Where in the world do I start?" No worries, we've got you! This is the first stop in your training! In this unit we will be answering some primary questions to get you started!

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Starting Young: Communication in Early Intervention & the Preschool Classroom

Our specialized training hub dedicated to supporting communication success in Early Intervention in the home and our preschool classrooms

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Communication Systems Series

  • Getting Started with a New Communication System (3 lessons)​
  • Understanding Robust AAC Systems (3 lessons)​
  • AAC Feature Considerations (5 lessons)​
  • Speech Generating Devices & Applications (3 lessons) ​

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Partner Strategy Kits

  • Interaction Strategies (3 lessons)​
  • AAC Access (3 lessons)​
  • Engagement (3 lessons)​
  • Language Support Strategies (5 lessons)​

Partner Strategy Kits

AAC Partner Strategy Kits are engaging posters/handouts, descriptions and short videos explaining and modeling techniques for you to use to help your student be willing, and able to communicate using their AAC system!

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AAC Assessment Series

  • Communication Matrix:  Forms & Functions​
  • Student Communication Goals Grid​
  • Every Move Counts, Clicks & Chats: Motivators, Sensory Needs, Forms & Functions​
  • Communication Sample & Analysis​
  • Dynamic AAC Goals Grid (DAGG)​
  • AAC Evaluation Genie Training​
  • AAC Communication Skills Assessment-2​
  • Dynamic AAC Advanced Consultation FORM​
  • Team & Family Involvement

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DTA Schools Evaluation and Funding

  • DTA Schools Process Introduction​
  • DTA Schools Referral & Records Review​
  • DTA Schools Dynamic AAC Assessment & Trials Process​
  • AAC Funding Sources​
  • SGD Evaluation Report Writing​
  • Working with SGD Manufacturers
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Empowering Families: AAC At Home

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High Frequency Core Words & Messages

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AAC 101

5 steps to move from training to talking, give you a clear path for you and your student learner. Learning to communicate is a shared journey between the learner and their partners, and that makes sense! Communication is a shared activity between two people. It is the means for us to make connections, meet our needs, engage socially, participate in shared experiences, and bridge the gap between our experiences and sharing these their partners.

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Getting Started TouchChat HD with Word Power

WordPower is a powerful AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) vocabulary system designed by Nancy Inman, available on both the TouchChat app for iOS devices and dedicated PRC-Saltillo devices like NovaChat and ChatFusion. It integrates high-frequency core vocabulary with word prediction and symbol-based communication, helping users form grammatically correct sentences quickly and efficiently.

Whether on a mobile device or a dedicated speech-generating device, WordPower offers flexible layouts and grid sizes that cater to a wide range of communication needs and skill levels, from beginners to advanced users. It includes both core vocabulary for frequent use across various contexts and fringe vocabulary tailored to specific needs, allowing for robust and dynamic communication. The system supports both symbol-based communication (e.g., PCS, SymbolStix) and text-based communication, offering customizable options to grow with the user.

Additionally, Chat Editor is a companion tool available for users of WordPower on Saltillo devices, offering a convenient way to modify, customize, and manage the device’s vocabulary and layouts on a Windows computer. This tool allows caregivers, therapists, and users to easily add personalized content, create new pages, and adjust settings, making the customization process more user-friendly. Once changes are made in Chat Editor, they can be synced back to the user’s device, ensuring the communication system remains tailored to individual needs.

WordPower, combined with Chat Editor, provides a highly adaptable and scalable solution for communication, allowing for clear, natural speech output and accessibility through a range of input methods, including touch, switch scanning, and head tracking. This comprehensive system empowers users to communicate effectively in any environment, with the flexibility to grow and evolve as their skills develop.

Here are some key features of TouchChat with WordPower:

  1. Word-Based Vocabulary: WordPower focuses on core words that are commonly used across different contexts, supporting quick access to functional language and flexible sentence building. This system is useful for individuals who are developing literacy skills and can benefit from a word-prediction model.
  2. Customizable Layouts: TouchChat provides a variety of page sets, allowing users and their caregivers or therapists to customize the interface to meet individual needs. Pages can be created, modified, or organized for specific communication goals, whether it's for simple needs or more complex interactions.
  3. Symbol and Text-Based Communication: The app includes options for symbol-based communication, typically through images and icons (e.g., Picture Communication Symbols), and text-based communication for individuals who can read or type out messages.
  4. Word Prediction: WordPower features robust word-prediction capabilities that help users quickly complete words or sentences by predicting what they might say next, speeding up communication for those who may struggle with typing or selecting individual words.
  5. Access Methods: The app supports various access methods, including direct touch, switch scanning, and head tracking, allowing for diverse physical abilities and preferences.
  6. Speech Output: It includes high-quality, natural-sounding voices that provide auditory feedback, allowing users to "speak" through their devices with clear and natural speech.
  7. Portability and Flexibility: As it runs on an iPad or iPhone, TouchChat with WordPower offers portability, making it possible for users to communicate in different settings like school, home, or the community.

Our team has created some simple videos to get you started on Word Power on TouchChat iOS application (ipad)

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