Michigan AAC Meeting

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well. It has been a while since our last event, our MAAC Awareness Day on October 16, 2010. We had a very good turn out and met many new friends and families.

It is time to get things planned for MAAC for this year! We are going to have an informal meeting this Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 6:15 pm at Children's Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center. This will be a time to talk about plans for this year, ideas, and suggestions.

Since this is short notice, if you can't make it, but would like to add your input and suggestions, we will have SKYPE available and we can also do a conference call.

If you are able to attend or are interested in SKYPE or the conference call, please send me a quick e-mail, then we can send out the details.

As always, thank you for your interest,

Pat
Patricia Nizio, CCC-SLP
Speech/Language Pathologist
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Novi Rehab Center
42005 West 12 Mile Road
Novi, MI 48377
(ph) 248-305-7534
(fax) 248-305-7557

MAAC AAC Awareness Day

Help us Celebrate AAC Awareness Day!

Everyone is invited: those who use AAC, families, friends, caregivers, students, those who work with AAC, and anyone interested in learning more about AAC!

Saturday, October 16, 2010 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Children's Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center 42005 West 12 Mile Road Novi, MI 48377

Featured Speakers:

• 10:15 a.m. Chris Grubbs, CCC-SLP, from the Center for Autism and AAC, will present, "Promoting Communication Using AAC and Core Vocabulary"
• 1:00 p.m. Chris Klein, founder of www.clayvesselinc.org, lecturer, and AAC user, will present, "Words of Wisdom for Teen and Adult AAC USers and Their Caregivers"
• 2:00 p.m. Chris Klein will present, "Words of Wisdom for Parents of Young Teens and Children Who Need AAC"

Vendor Displays and information from DynaVox, Prentke-Romich, Saltillo and Tobii/ATI

Items designed and made by individuals who use AAC on display and available for sale

Art Show featuring work, in any medium, designed and made by those who use AAC; AAC users may still bring a work for display!

Socializing, networking and more!

Hope to see you there!

AAC Teen Chat Group

The first AAC teen chat group; this will be held on Wednesday, June 30 at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center at 1pm.

Latest MAAC Meeting Minutes

Michigan Augmentative and Alternative Communication (MAAC) Meeting

Saturday, May 15, 2010 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

A brief review of MAAC and its transition from MiSAAC was provided.

Goals of MAAC were reviewed as follows:
1. Develop and implement help and supports for those who use AAC, their families, caregivers, etc
2. Improve informational, community and social supports for all augmentative and alternative communication users, families and caregivers, across the lifespan.
3. Create and maintain social networks for augmentative and alternative communication users of all ages, as well as for family members and caregivers.
4. Develop resources and an information network for those who use AAC, families, caregivers, professionals across disciplines and service environments and for university students in training programs.
5. Strengthen an augmentative and alternative communication presence throughout all of Michigan.


Ideas were generated and recorded for the 3 areas felt to be important at this time:

1. Brainstorming Ideas for Social Events for AAC Users and Families

Bowling
Greenfield Village
Drive in movie night (summer time, early evening, outside lot area…Does anyone have experience with neighborhood events or parties where something similar was done? We need information related to equipment.
Zoo
Detroit Science Center
Sensory Friendly Movies
Drama Club (Chenille Sisters) Tina P to investigate this further
More Capoeira
Musical events with musicians representing different types of music/instruments
Invite Chris Klein, AAC user and lecturer to present to parents, teen and adult AAC users, possibly in October for AAC Awareness Month. Chris uses direct selection with a Pathfinder. Investigate the possibility of an additional speaker, possibly someone using a different access method such as Sara Pyszka (Website…www.sara-sings.com) who uses scanning with a DynaVox V. Investigate any possibilities for presenting as well.

2. Social Supports
Develop a Teen Talk or chat group for teens who use AAC. This would be a peer based group with one or two facilitators, to encourage any and all communication and interaction. Gina Cunnngham and Pat Nizio to coordinate. The first Teen Talk was set up for Wednesday, June 30 at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center, and exact time to be determined. Anyone who wants to assist with planning and executing this, contact Gina at ginainholland@aol.com or Pat at pnizio@dmc.org.


3. Information Supports
Many ideas were generated related to this topic.

Inclusion of AAC devices into the curriculum and making the curriculum accessible to AAC users

Supporting parents of AAC users with IEPs ….how to create an accurate, adequately detailed plan that can be implemented. Investigate whether people could present who have experience with developing and editing AAC goals/AT goals.

Everyone’s favorite resources, websites, apps, etc. whether they are free, involve a minimal fee or are subscription based. It was suggested that a variety or people could present their top 5-10 resources. These could be specifically related to AAC or to other pertinent areas, such as adapted learning, literacy, etc. Please contact Pat at pnizio@dmc.org if you would like to present the great resources you have. Date and location to be determined.

Understanding Bookshare, books on line, and how to access them.

Making the internet and e-mail accessible for scanners or non- readers.

Sibling support group, similar to Sib Shops, but with an emphasis on positive factors, or even just social events for the siblings, possibly during the time chat groups are scheduled, or when parent information events are held.

Organizing social events, for adults who use AAC, such as a book club, movie club, video game club, etc.

Extra Information to Explore:
Wild Swan Theater in Ann Arbor: always presents with a sign language interpreter

PEP Camp: Livonia….. Cindy Scaglione: Events Extraordinaire

Summary: What’s Next?
We selected the following activities to plan and implement

· Social Supports: Teen Chat Group

· Informational Support: for parents and those involved with AAC: What are your top 5-10 favorite AAC or related resources

· Informational Support: a panel presentation for parents to discuss ideas for successful ways to integrate the student who uses AAC into classroom activities and content information. “Providing Scaffolding Strategies for Parents for classroom Success for AAC Users”. Date and location to be determined. There will be a planning meeting for anyone interested in helping to present or prepare for this. It is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center 42005 W 12 Mile Road, Novi, 48377

Late morning, Saturday meeting times seemed to be popular date/time suggestion for future meetings.

Please RSVP to pnizio@dmc.org if interested in attending a planning meeting for the Scaffolding Strategies….. panel presentation. It is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center 42005 W 12 Mile Road, Novi, 48377

Please e-mail Gina Cunningham at or Pat Nizio at if interested in helping prepare or take part in our first AAC teen chat group; this will be held on Wednesday, June 30 at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center. Time to be determined.

Would you like to present your resources, websites, apps, software that you find valuable? Please contact Wendy Gach Owen (wowen@dmc.org)

Remember, you can also send e-mails to MAAC’s e-mail at michiganaac@gmail.com

Post or find information on http://www.michigan-aac.blogspot.com/ or on our FaceBook Group Page: MAAC- Michigan AAC

Four Interventions in Augmentative/ Alternative Communication

Four Interventions in Augmentative/
Alternative Communication
Michigan's Integrated Technology Supports (MITS) is offering a workshop in augmentative and alternative communication interventions on Wed., May 12, 2010 in Novi. The event is available to educators at no cost.

Event details and online registration is available by selecting the link below.

* Four Interventions in Augmentative/Alternative Communication
May 12, 2010 | 1-5 pm - Children's Hosptial of Michigan Specialty Center - Novi, MI
* Four Interventions in Augmentative/Alternative Communication
May 13, 2010 | Noon-4:00 pm - CMU - Mt. Pleasant, MI
* Four Interventions in Augmentative/Alternative Communication
May 14, 2010 | 9-3:00 pm - St. Clair County RESA - Port Huron, MI

These workshops details four AAC interventions using Minspeak and Semantic Compaction.

Please share this information with others who might have an interest in these events.

The Language Stealers

MITS Offers AAC Devices Training Opportunities

MITS Offers AAC Devices Training Opportunities
Michigan's Integrated Technology Supports (MITS) is teaming with the Prentke Romich Company to offer trainings on augmentative and alternative communication devices. The trainings are available to educators at no cost.

Event details and online registration is available by selecting the links below.

* Back to School with AAC
March 12, 2010 | 9:00 am-3:00 pm - Eagle Eye Banquet Facility - East Lansing, MI
This session will feature an overview of AAC products and how to pick the one that is best for your students. The afternoon will be filled with ideas and hands-on time related to implementing high-tech devices into the classroom.
* Vantage Lite with Unity
April 14, 2010 | 9:00 am-3:00 pm - Eagle Eye Banquet Facility - East Lansing, MI
This course will focus on the Unity software program available in the Vantage Lite. Participants will be given an overview of the vocabulary options available and will learn how to use those vocabulary programs to create spontaneous novel utterances. Participants will be given teaching strategies to support Unity.


Please share this information with others who might have an interest in these events.


Michigan Department of Education
Michigan's Integrated Technology Supports
6500 Centurion Drive, Suite 220 | Lansing, MI 48917 | (517) 908-3930 | mits.email@gmail.com | www.cenmi.org/mits

Free Educational Opportunity from Tobii ATI

Don't miss the chance to learn all about the New C-Series Speech Generating Devices from Tobii!

WHEN: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
TIME: 1-3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Children's Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center
42005 W 12 Mile Road
Novi, MI 48377
248-305-7534
PRESENTER: Dan Lipka, M.ED., OTL, ATP, and Regional Sales Consultant, Tobii

Dan will be discussing and demonstrating the Tobii C12, Tobii C8, Tobii CEye, and Tobii Communicator 4.3.

For more information, contact Pat Nizio 248-305-7534 or pnizio@dmc.org or
Dan Lipka 330-620-1040 or dan.lipka@tobii.com

MAAC and Capoeira

If you were not able to join us for our last social event on February 6, 2010, you can view the fun we all had. Local Capoeiristas performed and entertained us. AAC users, their families and friends also enjoyed the music, crafts, activities and the company of each other! I would like to thank everyone who helped out to make this event the success that is was!

Hello

Hello,
I'm new to blogging so please be patient with me. I am hoping this blog will be a helpful tool to allow AAC professionals, parents and users to connect and pass along information state-wide. Thanks Gabe for getting this blog started!

Marnie

Reminder

Just a reminder that the MiSAAC Capoeira Event is this Saturday from 1-3. Please email michiganaac@gmail.com with any questions. Looking forward to Saturday.

Capoeira Event Info Sheet

MiSAAC Social Event: Information Sheet
Capoeira

Come hear, see and feel Capoeira! This is a form of Brazilian martial arts (non-contact) which combines music, dance and acrobatic moves.

This event is open to all individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication and their families. It is a chance to meet new friends, share ideas and network. Those who use AAC will have a chance to interact with and direct the Capoeiristas! It promises to be a very exciting and entertaining afternoon.

We will have a room for snacks and a craft activity. Those interested will be able to make their own version of a Caxixi – a Brazilian type of maraca.

Several individuals who use assistive technology will have their crafts available for sale.

Location: Children Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center
42005 West 12 Mile Road
Novi, MI 48377

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.


Below are the words that will be highlighted during the afternoon activities. Make sure these are in the users’ devices or communication boards.

I a handstand
you a kick
to a cartwheel
play a dance
go
feel
excited
do
play
game
like
want
don’t
more
stop

Please call Pat Nizio at 248-305-7534 if you have any questions

December Meeting Minutes

MiSAAC MEETING MINUTES

December 18, 2009


PRESENT: Gabe Gibbons, Sandy McIntyre, Pat Nizio, Wendy Owen


ITEMS DISCUSSED:

REVIEW OF PAST EVENTS AND TOPICS

Reviewed the last social event : Bowling at Plaza Lanes
Nine families attended; 7/9 AAC users came with multiple members of their families!
Plaza Lanes was very accommodating and provided us with excellent services.
Comments from the individuals using AAC and family members:
They really enjoyed the socializing and networking.
The open time frame worked well for families.
The fact that entire families could participate was appreciated.
Others also appreciated that the event didn’t revolve around food.
Families wanted to do more bowling.
Families want more social and community events!

MiSAAC Name Change
This topic has been talked about for quite a while
Many people contributed ideas for a new name, and others felt the current name was adequate.
Families and others who are not familiar with ISAAC, and the fact that we can’t be an affiliated organization led to consensus that a name change would be favorable.
The proposed name is MAAC (pronounced Mack): Michigan AAC – simple and to the point!
Will post a note on Face Book for any objections, otherwise new name change will go into effect at the end of January.


Face Book Posting for Contact Information
Gabe Gibbons reported that he completed a posting on the MiSAAC Face Book Page for people to list their contact information.


Review of MiSAAC Goals
Following the MiSAAC survey (e-mailed and posted on the Face Book Page) and discussions, the following goals were adopted:

1. Develop and implement help and supports for those who use AAC and their families, parents and caregivers, etc.
2. Improve informational, community and social supports for all augmentative and alternative communication users across the lifespan.
3. Create and maintain social networks for augmentative and alternative communication users of all ages, as well as for family members and caregivers.
4. Develop resources and an information network for those who use AAC, families, caregivers, professionals across disciplines, and university students in training programs.
5. Strengthen an augmentative and alternative communication presence throughout all of Michigan.


NEW DISCUSSION TOPICS

Planning is underway for the next social event:
Save the Date: Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center, exact time to be determined.
Open to all AAC users, their families, friends, etc.
Celebrate Music of the World: Capoeira Demonstration
Capoeira is a Brazilian art form which combines music, dance and non-contact martial arts. This will give all who attend opportunities to hear the music, see demonstrations, and talk/interact with the performers, as well as to socialize and have an enjoyable time. More information to follow.
If you want to help with the specific planning of this event, please email Pat at pnizio@dmc.org
Look for an e-mail describing this event soon!

We also talked about combining this with an opportunity for older AAC users who are trying to develop their own businesses selling their own art, products or crafts. Discussed trying out a simple art show where they can display, advertise, sell products before, during or after the Feb 6 event.

Tentative format for meetings:
We talked about setting a format for each meeting:
Review past/recent items or events and previous meeting’s minutes
New business and topics to be discussed
Announcements from those in attendance, or announcements/information sharing sent in from those unable to attend
Room to discuss topics of interest related to AAC use; topics to be set at previous meetings
Tasks to be completed for next meeting

Meeting Schedule
To help people in planning for future meetings, we will set times/dates for three consecutive meetings. To try to accommodate schedules, we will alternate days, times and locations

Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Novi Center
(42005 W 12 Mile Road, Novi, 48377) 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Bring your lunch if you would like! Sorry this is short notice, but we will also use it as an opportunity to talk about plans for the Feb 6 Capoeira Event

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Oakland Schools 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Exact location to be determined

Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from 3:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. Location to be determined

Anyone who would like to host a meeting, please let us know (email me at pnizio@dmc.org). We already have had invitations from the Port Huron and Battle Creek area.



TOPICS FOR NEXT MEETING
Now that we have initial group goals, let’s talk about mission and vision statements

Planning for Feb 6 social event

Gabe to explore Gmail address for our group as one possibility for RSVPs, etc.





Pat Nizio
December 26, 2009

MiSAAC Social Event for February