So the world of TV is slowly catching up with the world we all live in and we are beginning to see more and more individuals with disabilities represented for our popular digestion.
Typically we have seen many wheelchair users depicted either people born with a disability (Billy Nugent, Legit) or more often using a wheelchair after sustaining some kind of injury (Logan, Dark Angel; Hodgins, Bones).
As reflected in today's society many shows are adding characters who are on the Autism Spectrum (Gary Bell, Alphas; Sonya Cross, The Bridge; Dr. Virginia Dixon, Grey's Anatomy, Max Braverman, Parenthood). And there are many more characters that while not officially diagnosed have fans speculating on whether they are on the spectrum (Dr. Temperance Brennan, Bones; Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory, Dr. Jeremiah Sacani, Royal Pains, Dr. Spencer Reid, Criminal Minds).
Other disabilities have popped up from time to time as well including
Down's Syndrome (Becky Jackson, Glee; Corky Thatcher, Life Goes On; Tom Bowman, The Secret Life of an American Teenager)
Visual Impairment (Auggie Anderson, Covert Affairs)
Hearing Impairment (Joey Lucas, West Wing; Daphne Vasquez, Switched at Birth).
What is interesting is that we are now seeing more actors with disabilities playing characters with disabilities. More importantly more often the disabilities is not the main focus of the show, these are real people living real lives (Christopher Reeves, Smallville; Katie Leclerc, Switched at Birth; Marlee Matlin, Children of a Lesser God, West Wing, Lauren Potter, Glee; Kerry MacGregor; The Book Group; RJ Mitte, Breaking Bad). These characters are rarely the star of these shows though and are often guest stars or background characters.
Now however ABC are promoting a new show for the Fall which will feature a disabled individual, played by a disabled actor, as a main character in a show.
'Speechless', is a comedy based around parents raising three children one of whom has cerebral palsy is non verbal and using a wheelchair.
The trailers look great and Micah Fowler who plays JJ states, "I am honored to have the opportunity to play the role
of a down-to-earth normal teen living with the challenges of cerebral
palsy, and I am thrilled to represent the millions of people living with
special needs."*
Look out for this show which promises to address the day to day issues associated with living with disability from both the individuals and families perspective.
Check out the clip below:
http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/speechless-minnie-driver-stars-new-abc-comedy/
*https://themighty.com/2016/04/micah-fowler-actor-with-cerebral-palsy-stars-in-abc-pilot-speechless/
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Monday, June 20, 2016
Back from the dead (so to speak)
This population is so very different from what I have experienced before and the behaviors I have witnessed over the past 2 years have been extreme and sometimes heartbreaking. I am working along side families and special needs organizations and the lack of resources and the challenges families are facing can seem insurmountable.
I was recently part of a grant funded program that was aimed at students with autism spectrum disorder who were in crisis. We worked with the students in the home with their caregivers and family and also in the school environment. We bridged the home/school gap and helped parents and teaching staff to provide supports and interventions to the students. I was devastated when the grant ran out and we were unable to fund the program any longer. There is no feeling worse than having to turn parents and families in need, away.
Right now I am promoting my current program and also collecting information about resources and supports in the five boroughs that will provide services to a whole range of special needs. My aim is to be able to direct families to at least one organization that can help them if I am unable to.
No parent/caregiver should have to hunt high and low for services, they should have easy access to information and support. My goal is to provide as much of that as possible.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Fall semester
The students are back in fine form.
This is a welcome surprise as typically after a 2-3 week break bodies are tighter and brains are out of shape!
I'd like to think that the Communican program is so successful that the students are maintaining their communication skills throughout their breaks from school. I'd also like to think that parents and families are using the system at home in whatever form works for them and so this maintains the students skill levels.
Our team of therapists, conductors and teachers came back somewhat refreshed and are excited to be back in the classroom. Our practice at integrating the therapists over the summer would appear to have been successful.
We are doing less pull out sessions for speech and OT and while PT still does require a significant amount of pull out they are working to find ways to assist within the classroom environment whenever possible.
The summer was interesting! Scheduling mandated therapy times was as tricky as it has always been, which somewhat surprised me. It was also challenging to try to explain to the therapists what we wanted them doing within the classroom as it required some 'out of the box' thinking and creativity. That combined with fast track learning for me about the necessary paperwork therapists are required by State and City, meant there was a little confusion. I knew what I wanted to see in the classroom environment, the whole team working together, PT, OT, SLT, teacher and para all focused on the students needs.
The need to fulfill mandates put the first spanner in the works, the need for paperwork was the second and the third was trying to explain this vision to the team!
I'm hoping the program continues to develop in this direction. I still feel that integrating the staff is the best way to provide a complete educational, communicative, therapeutic day for our students. I feel all the team members can learn much from each other and that the students complex needs can be met better by a whole team approach. But it is definitely a work in progress right now.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
This is a welcome surprise as typically after a 2-3 week break bodies are tighter and brains are out of shape!
I'd like to think that the Communican program is so successful that the students are maintaining their communication skills throughout their breaks from school. I'd also like to think that parents and families are using the system at home in whatever form works for them and so this maintains the students skill levels.
Our team of therapists, conductors and teachers came back somewhat refreshed and are excited to be back in the classroom. Our practice at integrating the therapists over the summer would appear to have been successful.
We are doing less pull out sessions for speech and OT and while PT still does require a significant amount of pull out they are working to find ways to assist within the classroom environment whenever possible.
The summer was interesting! Scheduling mandated therapy times was as tricky as it has always been, which somewhat surprised me. It was also challenging to try to explain to the therapists what we wanted them doing within the classroom as it required some 'out of the box' thinking and creativity. That combined with fast track learning for me about the necessary paperwork therapists are required by State and City, meant there was a little confusion. I knew what I wanted to see in the classroom environment, the whole team working together, PT, OT, SLT, teacher and para all focused on the students needs.
The need to fulfill mandates put the first spanner in the works, the need for paperwork was the second and the third was trying to explain this vision to the team!
I'm hoping the program continues to develop in this direction. I still feel that integrating the staff is the best way to provide a complete educational, communicative, therapeutic day for our students. I feel all the team members can learn much from each other and that the students complex needs can be met better by a whole team approach. But it is definitely a work in progress right now.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Creative Apps
Our iPads are being integrated more and more into our daily program!
Students with limited access and challenging motor issues are being given more and more apps that they can access independently, and we are taking full advantage!
One of our new favorites is a finger painting app by helpkidzlearn
It allows them with a very light touch to create art. It also creates sound as they draw which is a great way to keep their attention.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Students with limited access and challenging motor issues are being given more and more apps that they can access independently, and we are taking full advantage!
One of our new favorites is a finger painting app by helpkidzlearn
It allows them with a very light touch to create art. It also creates sound as they draw which is a great way to keep their attention.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:W 116th St,New York,United States
Friday, April 5, 2013
A new home!
Standing Tall has made a huge change, we have moved from our main site at West 69th Street where we have been happily providing services for over 12 years now, to a new 10,000 square feet space in West Harlem.
We have been able to move our annex class back in with us and we now have access to 6 large classrooms, 4 offices, 2 therapy rooms, a huge industrial kitchen, and a multi-purpose room.
The move has not been without its stresses but after our first three days in the new space we are already beginning to settle in. The students seem content, the staff seem calmer, the therapists are on cloud 9 and me? Well it's been a couple of busy of months I'm physically and emotionally exhausted and I'm also incredibly excited as we move the school into its new phase.
We had some very happy times at 69th Street and while I'm still a little sad to be saying goodbye, I'm also looking forward to new adventures and creating new memories at 116th Street!
Packing up 69th Street!
Some of the 6 classrooms in the new space!
Celebrating together on the first day at 116th Street!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We have been able to move our annex class back in with us and we now have access to 6 large classrooms, 4 offices, 2 therapy rooms, a huge industrial kitchen, and a multi-purpose room.
The move has not been without its stresses but after our first three days in the new space we are already beginning to settle in. The students seem content, the staff seem calmer, the therapists are on cloud 9 and me? Well it's been a couple of busy of months I'm physically and emotionally exhausted and I'm also incredibly excited as we move the school into its new phase.
We had some very happy times at 69th Street and while I'm still a little sad to be saying goodbye, I'm also looking forward to new adventures and creating new memories at 116th Street!
Packing up 69th Street!
Some of the 6 classrooms in the new space!
Celebrating together on the first day at 116th Street!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:101 West 116th Street, NY, NY, 10026
Monday, October 15, 2012
Closing the Gap 2012
So here we are at CTG presenting 'Jumpstarting AAC: From light tech to iPad to devices'.
I've never been behind the scenes, so to speak, at a conference before! It's definitely a learning experience!
Long, long, long hours of preparation!
Technical issues!
Then a long day of standing and talking!
And you know what? I am loving every single second of it.
We talked about our program and the amazing progress our students have made.
We discussed the integration of communication and best seating within the confines of a Conductive Education program.
And all the while I was conscious that it all sounded too good to be true! And let's face it if I hadn't actually been the one teaching the program I may have found it hard to believe too!
Hopefully I managed to convince the people who came that this is not fiction, this is real and it works!
Tomorrow I'm helping set up the booth and at an iPad workshop.
Wednesday Pati and I are presenting an hour on scripting before I have to fly back to NYC!
It's all to and I don't want it to end! LOL
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I've never been behind the scenes, so to speak, at a conference before! It's definitely a learning experience!
Long, long, long hours of preparation!
Technical issues!
Then a long day of standing and talking!
And you know what? I am loving every single second of it.
We talked about our program and the amazing progress our students have made.
We discussed the integration of communication and best seating within the confines of a Conductive Education program.
And all the while I was conscious that it all sounded too good to be true! And let's face it if I hadn't actually been the one teaching the program I may have found it hard to believe too!
Hopefully I managed to convince the people who came that this is not fiction, this is real and it works!
Tomorrow I'm helping set up the booth and at an iPad workshop.
Wednesday Pati and I are presenting an hour on scripting before I have to fly back to NYC!
It's all to and I don't want it to end! LOL
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, September 10, 2012
New semester, new students
With a group of new students entering the school we have begun using a newly developed communication book. As these students are all 5 years old we are using 6 symbols on the page rather than 12.
We are introducing sequencing in stories and our social scripts and the students are responding very well so far.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We are introducing sequencing in stories and our social scripts and the students are responding very well so far.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:NYC
Friday, June 29, 2012
AVA Camp Day 4 Continued...The Dance
Wow! Anyone who knows me knows I do not dance...however how could I possibly refuse multiple invitations from the adorable Cory? Before I knew it I was whirling around the dance floor and I'm sure, making a complete fool of myself lol!
Two of the highlights for me were watching the Dance-Off! A circle on the dance floor which allowed each of the campers to showcase their dance moves. Once again I was blown away by the talent of these campers. There were some really great dancers!
The second highlight was an imitation of John Travolta and Olivia Newton Johns song Summer Nights, performed by myself and Daron! We even brought a tear to J-Macs eye it was so moving, LOL!
I can't wait to see what our last day will bring!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Two of the highlights for me were watching the Dance-Off! A circle on the dance floor which allowed each of the campers to showcase their dance moves. Once again I was blown away by the talent of these campers. There were some really great dancers!
The second highlight was an imitation of John Travolta and Olivia Newton Johns song Summer Nights, performed by myself and Daron! We even brought a tear to J-Macs eye it was so moving, LOL!
I can't wait to see what our last day will bring!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, June 28, 2012
AVA Camp Day 4
It's warming up here in Wisconsin and camp is progressing and becoming more crazy by the second!
This mornings language class included choosing awards for our fellow campers and games!
Our group were guessing what sports personalities they had written on paper that they couldn't see! Each team member answered questions to ascertain who their sportsperson was!
After lunch we talked about goals for the coming year and I was impressed and astounded by the mature goals set by each of the campers. Goals such as finding a job, applying to college, being a better boyfriend, improving communication skills and power chair driving skills.
This group of campers have high expectations for themselves and this gives me great hope. I love that they are able to believe in themselves and I look forward to seeing how each of them develops in the coming year.
We watch a movie this afternoon, "Only God Could Hear Me", check it our here on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=2r9pvtNTx4k&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Tonight is the dance.....looking forward to more fun, communication and of course a good dose of craziness!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
This mornings language class included choosing awards for our fellow campers and games!
Our group were guessing what sports personalities they had written on paper that they couldn't see! Each team member answered questions to ascertain who their sportsperson was!
After lunch we talked about goals for the coming year and I was impressed and astounded by the mature goals set by each of the campers. Goals such as finding a job, applying to college, being a better boyfriend, improving communication skills and power chair driving skills.
This group of campers have high expectations for themselves and this gives me great hope. I love that they are able to believe in themselves and I look forward to seeing how each of them develops in the coming year.
We watch a movie this afternoon, "Only God Could Hear Me", check it our here on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=2r9pvtNTx4k&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Tonight is the dance.....looking forward to more fun, communication and of course a good dose of craziness!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
AVA Camp Day 3
Language class this morning was working on Hollywood movie skits!
Our group had Twilight and each camper was given a character and lines in the script. The campers had to create props and then act the scene out in front of the other campers!
It was great watching everyone create their lines then practice acting out the script. We saw scenes from Harry Potter, Twilight, Finding Nemo and Toy Story. All the scenes went really well and got laughs, the campers all added their own unique personalities to the performances. It made the idea of a performance using our communication systems at Standing Tall seen totally achievable!!!
The afternoon was a talent show and was an absolute hoot. The campers did everything from a top ten list of reasons to return to camp, a dance, stand up comedy and a fantastic rendition of YMCA by some of the camp councilors!
The evening was The Amazing Show! Magic and comedy that was funny and the campers had a blast!
Night time brought on more games and a mammoth round of UNO ensued! Again each of the campers was responsible for their own moves, communicating using devices and vocalizations to indicate their choices. Once again I got more ideas about how to allow my students to have more control over their activities and integrate their devices and communication systems. So many possibilities, so many opportunities, so much potential!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Our group had Twilight and each camper was given a character and lines in the script. The campers had to create props and then act the scene out in front of the other campers!
It was great watching everyone create their lines then practice acting out the script. We saw scenes from Harry Potter, Twilight, Finding Nemo and Toy Story. All the scenes went really well and got laughs, the campers all added their own unique personalities to the performances. It made the idea of a performance using our communication systems at Standing Tall seen totally achievable!!!
The afternoon was a talent show and was an absolute hoot. The campers did everything from a top ten list of reasons to return to camp, a dance, stand up comedy and a fantastic rendition of YMCA by some of the camp councilors!
The evening was The Amazing Show! Magic and comedy that was funny and the campers had a blast!
Night time brought on more games and a mammoth round of UNO ensued! Again each of the campers was responsible for their own moves, communicating using devices and vocalizations to indicate their choices. Once again I got more ideas about how to allow my students to have more control over their activities and integrate their devices and communication systems. So many possibilities, so many opportunities, so much potential!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
AVA Camp Day 2
Today the campers get a personal interview with Jon Feucht the camp Director. He lectures at UW Whitewater and can give them advice about college life for individuals with disabilities; the pitfalls, the services, accommodations, organizing staffing etc.
His personal experiences are invaluable to the campers and offers them support and advice.
Our morning activities today focus on accessing the Internet. E-mails, Twitter, FB and texting.
The campers are introduced to abbreviations and emoticons and taken through the do's and don'ts of texting, emailing, using FB and Twitter.
This transitioned into a Hollywood quiz (that's our camp theme) and creating our own Hollywood handprints!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
His personal experiences are invaluable to the campers and offers them support and advice.
Our morning activities today focus on accessing the Internet. E-mails, Twitter, FB and texting.
The campers are introduced to abbreviations and emoticons and taken through the do's and don'ts of texting, emailing, using FB and Twitter.
This transitioned into a Hollywood quiz (that's our camp theme) and creating our own Hollywood handprints!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, June 25, 2012
Authentic Voices of America End of Day 1
We're exhausted, but in a good way!
The rest of the day at camp was filled with activities and more importantly opportunities for communication.
Lunch time everyone orders lunch in their own way! Then they sit together at tables and have conversations with each other and with the staff and helpers there. The tables are loud and lively and there is a lot of laughter!
This afternoon was swimming! An activity less about devices (for obvious reasons :0)) and more about fun! But there was no letting up in the laughter!
Dinner followed a similar pattern to lunch, more talk, more laughter, more noise and lots of food!
The evening activity was bowling and I don't think I have ever been in a more competitive environment LOL! On the whole there was sportsmanlike conduct but I'm sure I heard a few colorful phrases being thrown around the bowling alley!!!
I can hardly believe we have only been here one day!! The campers here are inspirational, the staff are some of the most motivating and dedicated I have ever had the pleasure of working with!
I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The rest of the day at camp was filled with activities and more importantly opportunities for communication.
Lunch time everyone orders lunch in their own way! Then they sit together at tables and have conversations with each other and with the staff and helpers there. The tables are loud and lively and there is a lot of laughter!
This afternoon was swimming! An activity less about devices (for obvious reasons :0)) and more about fun! But there was no letting up in the laughter!
Dinner followed a similar pattern to lunch, more talk, more laughter, more noise and lots of food!
The evening activity was bowling and I don't think I have ever been in a more competitive environment LOL! On the whole there was sportsmanlike conduct but I'm sure I heard a few colorful phrases being thrown around the bowling alley!!!
I can hardly believe we have only been here one day!! The campers here are inspirational, the staff are some of the most motivating and dedicated I have ever had the pleasure of working with!
I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Authentic Voice of America
It's camp week and Gregory, Daron and I are all up in Wisconsin at Whitewater for the Authentic Voices of America Camp.
The Camp Director is Jon Feucht. Jon is assisted by a talented and unique staff of professionals, some of whom are AAC users. Campers are counseled and mentored by persons with disabilities who are living active, productive lives.
Here's our week!
Day 1:
After some excitement with an unexpected fire drill we are in our language class!
We've created shirts for the end of camp and now we are playing Catchphrase. Each camper has a movie to describe using their device and their teammates have to guess it.
Greg's is trying out his eye gaze as well as his scanning this morning and is doing great!
There are some amazing campers here, they are driving their chairs independently with head arrays and accessing a range of devices with direct select, eye gaze and scanning!
I am blown away by the skills I am seeing here already and it's only the first morning!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The Camp Director is Jon Feucht. Jon is assisted by a talented and unique staff of professionals, some of whom are AAC users. Campers are counseled and mentored by persons with disabilities who are living active, productive lives.
Here's our week!
Day 1:
After some excitement with an unexpected fire drill we are in our language class!
We've created shirts for the end of camp and now we are playing Catchphrase. Each camper has a movie to describe using their device and their teammates have to guess it.
Greg's is trying out his eye gaze as well as his scanning this morning and is doing great!
There are some amazing campers here, they are driving their chairs independently with head arrays and accessing a range of devices with direct select, eye gaze and scanning!
I am blown away by the skills I am seeing here already and it's only the first morning!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, June 11, 2012
Digital books
One of the most challenging things for our students has been independently exploring books! Even if they managed to get their hands on a book physically, their impaired motor skills mean that they are not able to turn pages!
The next challenge they face is the reading itself! Many of our students are still reading at a preK or Kindergarten level even though chronologically they are at a much higher grade level. While it is still important for them to work on their actual reading level there is also a need for them to be able to access age appropriate materials.
There are more and more digital books available on line now and many free sites, just check out the books on these sites before you give your students access.
One of the things I most love about giving the students access to the books is the fact at they can explore at their own pace. They can look at a picture or page for as long as they want to.
Also having speech with the books means the students do not have to rely on anyone to read to them the book to them. More independent seems to mean more desire to interact with the books and this is definitely something we want to encourage!
Here are some examples of the sites we are currently using:
Free sites
Tarheelreader.org
Scribble press app
Paid sites
Onemorestory.com
Googling accessible books will provide you with many more sites.
Then with a switch box and jelly bean switch the students can have access to many books.
The Scribble Press App has also allowed us to create and publish our own books and this has led to an increasing library of books that the students connect to on a very personal level!
Below is a video of one of our students accessing a book via her laptop computer.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The next challenge they face is the reading itself! Many of our students are still reading at a preK or Kindergarten level even though chronologically they are at a much higher grade level. While it is still important for them to work on their actual reading level there is also a need for them to be able to access age appropriate materials.
There are more and more digital books available on line now and many free sites, just check out the books on these sites before you give your students access.
One of the things I most love about giving the students access to the books is the fact at they can explore at their own pace. They can look at a picture or page for as long as they want to.
Also having speech with the books means the students do not have to rely on anyone to read to them the book to them. More independent seems to mean more desire to interact with the books and this is definitely something we want to encourage!
Here are some examples of the sites we are currently using:
Free sites
Tarheelreader.org
Scribble press app
Paid sites
Onemorestory.com
Googling accessible books will provide you with many more sites.
Then with a switch box and jelly bean switch the students can have access to many books.
The Scribble Press App has also allowed us to create and publish our own books and this has led to an increasing library of books that the students connect to on a very personal level!
Below is a video of one of our students accessing a book via her laptop computer.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Celebrating the Jubilee
With three British conductors at school we decided to extend the patriotism and celebrate the Diamond Jubilee!
We organized our own indoor 'street party', complete with trifle,Skips,Quavers and Hula Hoops, and British bunting. We learned about the Queen, and some of the things she has accomplished in the past 60 years. And we did British arts and crafts projects!
We also created a time capsule. Our school is entering a new era as we expand with we classes, teachers and conductors.
Each of the students were asked to write a letter to their future selves. Using their communication systems and books they wrote their likes and dislikes, and their thoughts and feelings about themselves and their school.
Statements included:
I like playing with children.
Sometimes we do weird things in school but it's lots of fun!
I like having my passé mur so I can talk!
School is fun but at times I don't like this school.
I like to eat with my friends at school.
We organized our own indoor 'street party', complete with trifle,Skips,Quavers and Hula Hoops, and British bunting. We learned about the Queen, and some of the things she has accomplished in the past 60 years. And we did British arts and crafts projects!
We also created a time capsule. Our school is entering a new era as we expand with we classes, teachers and conductors.
Each of the students were asked to write a letter to their future selves. Using their communication systems and books they wrote their likes and dislikes, and their thoughts and feelings about themselves and their school.
Statements included:
I like playing with children.
Sometimes we do weird things in school but it's lots of fun!
I like having my passé mur so I can talk!
School is fun but at times I don't like this school.
I like to eat with my friends at school.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Communication Game
As a way to encourage accuracy of communication and increased knowledge of the communication system in an atmosphere of fun without the fear of making errors we created a simple communication game.
Using a home made games board the students are given scenarios that they are required to formulate answers to.
Examples of these scenarios include:
"if someone greets you in the morning how do you respond?"
"your head hurts, how do you tell someone?"
"you want to make a phone call, how do you ask to do this?"
The students then navigate independently through their communication book or use their electronic device to respond to the scenario. If they are able to correctly communicate what is asked of them they get to move their game piece along 2 spaces, if they require verbal direction or guidance they move 1 space.
After the round is over the teacher models a way of communicating an answer that the students may not have thought of. This means that they get to see many different ways of communicating similar information.
The students enjoy this game and already they are demonstrating an increased awareness of what is expected of them.
Our goal is to give them practice at communicating common wants, needs and phrases effectively so that they can communicate these to anyone, including people who may not know them well.
The video below shows today's game where the students were asked to state what they would say if a conversation they were having was winding down!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Using a home made games board the students are given scenarios that they are required to formulate answers to.
Examples of these scenarios include:
"if someone greets you in the morning how do you respond?"
"your head hurts, how do you tell someone?"
"you want to make a phone call, how do you ask to do this?"
The students then navigate independently through their communication book or use their electronic device to respond to the scenario. If they are able to correctly communicate what is asked of them they get to move their game piece along 2 spaces, if they require verbal direction or guidance they move 1 space.
After the round is over the teacher models a way of communicating an answer that the students may not have thought of. This means that they get to see many different ways of communicating similar information.
The students enjoy this game and already they are demonstrating an increased awareness of what is expected of them.
Our goal is to give them practice at communicating common wants, needs and phrases effectively so that they can communicate these to anyone, including people who may not know them well.
The video below shows today's game where the students were asked to state what they would say if a conversation they were having was winding down!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:NYC
Monday, May 21, 2012
Weekend News
Monday mornings are a great time to report back on the weekend. For the most part the students are using pre-set phrases from their conversation pages. These include 'I think' statements, 'feelings' and activity pages created from parents lists of activities the students like to do outside of school.
The challenge now is to make this an interactive/reciprocal conversation.
While creating statements of three or more sentences is now becoming natural for the students; responding to their peers, asking questions or making comments is still heavily modeled.
The class teacher will respond using phrases from the students books. This models how the students can answer appropriately. We are working on this first comment stage before encouraging further responses.
Even this first stage of commenting on a phrase from another student is a challenge. This is understandable as in the past most communication with our students has been questions directed at them, requiring the simplest of yes/no comments or choice making. With such a limited expressive vocabulary they have been unable to continue a conversation beyond that initial response.
The increase in vocabulary and interactions they are now provided with via their communication book and/or device is opening up their choices and developing their expressive vocab. I am interested to see how they begin to respond to interactions over the coming months as we decrease the modeling and increase the number of interactions within the conversation!
Using the communication book to interact.
Using electronic devices to communicate.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The challenge now is to make this an interactive/reciprocal conversation.
While creating statements of three or more sentences is now becoming natural for the students; responding to their peers, asking questions or making comments is still heavily modeled.
The class teacher will respond using phrases from the students books. This models how the students can answer appropriately. We are working on this first comment stage before encouraging further responses.
Even this first stage of commenting on a phrase from another student is a challenge. This is understandable as in the past most communication with our students has been questions directed at them, requiring the simplest of yes/no comments or choice making. With such a limited expressive vocabulary they have been unable to continue a conversation beyond that initial response.
The increase in vocabulary and interactions they are now provided with via their communication book and/or device is opening up their choices and developing their expressive vocab. I am interested to see how they begin to respond to interactions over the coming months as we decrease the modeling and increase the number of interactions within the conversation!
Using the communication book to interact.
Using electronic devices to communicate.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:NYC
Friday, May 11, 2012
Music lesson with an adapted instrument
Today is 'Fun Friday'! And today we were having a music lesson. We now have an adapted musical instrument in school called Beamz.
Check out their web site http://thebeamz.com/
This instruments allows my students to add musical instruments and vocals to background beats just by moving their arms, hands, head, legs etc through light beams in the bars on the side of the instrument.
My students here struggle to grasp instruments and then manipulate them successfully. This amazing instrument allows them to create music, record their own compositions and interact independently. And as you can see from the picture below, have tons of fun!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Check out their web site http://thebeamz.com/
This instruments allows my students to add musical instruments and vocals to background beats just by moving their arms, hands, head, legs etc through light beams in the bars on the side of the instrument.
My students here struggle to grasp instruments and then manipulate them successfully. This amazing instrument allows them to create music, record their own compositions and interact independently. And as you can see from the picture below, have tons of fun!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:W 69th St,New York,United States
Friday, May 4, 2012
Journal Writing
Journal writing has developed over the past year.
Using a PowerPoint photo album which we update regularly. The students choose a picture they would like to write about.
When we initially started this activity they were free to navigate anywhere within their communication book to create their journal entry. As they have become more proficient they are being encouraged to use their sentence starters more often.
Sentence starters are short common phrases that begin sentences. They increase the speed with which sentences can be generated and decrease the number of navigations required to produce a sentence. They also introduce different tenses so the students can talk about past, present or future events
Examples of sentence starters include:
I like, I am, I want, I am going, I went.
The video below shows a student writing about a photo of herself in fancy dress!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Using a PowerPoint photo album which we update regularly. The students choose a picture they would like to write about.
When we initially started this activity they were free to navigate anywhere within their communication book to create their journal entry. As they have become more proficient they are being encouraged to use their sentence starters more often.
Sentence starters are short common phrases that begin sentences. They increase the speed with which sentences can be generated and decrease the number of navigations required to produce a sentence. They also introduce different tenses so the students can talk about past, present or future events
Examples of sentence starters include:
I like, I am, I want, I am going, I went.
The video below shows a student writing about a photo of herself in fancy dress!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:NYC
Monday, April 30, 2012
Differentiation, it's all the same
As I watched a preparation for standing program today which included students from two classes I realized two things.
1. It's remarkable how such a diverse group of students can all work successfully within the same CE environment
2. Our Communican program has truly employed the same differentiation processes as our CE program
Now this shouldn't really come as a shock to me! After all as director of the program my primary goal, when integrating Communican into our environment, was to ensure we continued to employ the CE philosophies.
But it was just so nice to see the conductors creating a space where the students individual needs were met within the group; and to know that this was continued on into the Communcian program was inspiring.
There are many aspects to the Communcian program that may not follow a more 'traditional' view of CE. However I am more and more confident with each passing day, each success and each development that we have managed to maintain enough of the CE principles and philosophies to have begun to develop an incredibly successful and productive program.
One I hope all involved will agree they can be truly proud of!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
1. It's remarkable how such a diverse group of students can all work successfully within the same CE environment
2. Our Communican program has truly employed the same differentiation processes as our CE program
Now this shouldn't really come as a shock to me! After all as director of the program my primary goal, when integrating Communican into our environment, was to ensure we continued to employ the CE philosophies.
But it was just so nice to see the conductors creating a space where the students individual needs were met within the group; and to know that this was continued on into the Communcian program was inspiring.
There are many aspects to the Communcian program that may not follow a more 'traditional' view of CE. However I am more and more confident with each passing day, each success and each development that we have managed to maintain enough of the CE principles and philosophies to have begun to develop an incredibly successful and productive program.
One I hope all involved will agree they can be truly proud of!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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