Now that I am back from maternity leave one of the top items on my list is to tackle some Boardmaker issues. It's nice because it gave time for them to settle in and I feel what we are seeing will be static (hopefully for a bit).

2 Action items to begin:

• If you received the survey, please complete it by 12/5 (If not, the link is HERE)
• Make sure you can log in to myboardmaker.com and the Boardmaker 7 (Studio) Desktop app (If you have issues with the desktop app please submit a helpdesk ticket.)

There are currently 47 active accounts in the cooperative. If you have an account and don't want it or you don't have an account and you want one...let me know.

Everyone with a Boardmaker account will be receiving this newsletter while training is being provided. You are welcome to join in longer term if you would like.

This spring, if you are wanting to continue to increase your continuing education hours, or want to learn more about supporting AAC in Educational Settings - DHD 568 at UIC is a three hour online, asynchronous course which may be right for you! This course is being taught in the spring by Deb Malnar who has 38 years of experience in the educational setting with 31 of them specializing in AAC. If you have questions feel free to reach out to Deb (dmalna2@uic.edu).

Keep this on your radar if you work with AAC. There was a session at ASHA on certification for working with AAC. My understanding from a session at ATIA, communication with some who are on both sides of the issue, and collaboration over web groups is that it is meant to be similar to a Board Specialization like we see in Swallowing or Stuttering. A person can still practice and be reimbursed in both of these fields without the endorsement, it is meant to be a way to denote specialization and a high level of clinical skill/achievement in those two established certificates There are opposing viewpoints to this involving access to services and evaluation for devices/medical reimbursement for clients and physicians. If you are seeking more information at this time here are two websites, one providing information about this initiative, and one providing reasoning against it. I will work to provide information on both sides of the issue. If you have something you would like to contribute, please send it to sbass@swcccase.org.

AB-AAC Website

Stop AAC Certification

• Ashley Larisey - (Currently not accepting new clients, will update when this changes). Larisey Speech Services SLP specializing in AAC. In home therapy.
• Megan Brazas - SLPathways, SLP and OT treatment available for a variety of types of therapy, including AAC.

• Beth Christensen - AAC Helper SLP specializing in AAC, ATP - Assistive Technology Specialist, in home therapy.

• Heidi Rabe, - Authentic Expressions Located in Northern Cook County, though able to do remote sessions.

• Jill Senner - Technology & Language Center, Inc. Center based therapy in Oak Park, online currently.

• Mike Cole - Use Your Words In home therapy, further west, may not be accessible for some.

• Schotzi Halley - Halley Speech Therapy Located in Chicago, provide home visits as well as teletherapy.

• Saint Xavier University - Ludden Speech Clinic University graduate student speech Clinic at Saint Xavier University

• Midwestern University - Midwestern Institute University graduate student speech Clinic at Midwestern University

• Elmhurst College - Speech-Langauge Hearing Clinic University graduate student speech Clinic at Elmhurst College

• University of Illinois (Chicago) - UIC ATU UIC's Assistive Technology Unit has a mobile unit which can assist with home adaptations and more.
• Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Day Rehab Center - Homewood, 19260 S Halsted Street (708) 957-8326
  
• Marianjoy Rehab (I am seeking more information, though they were running a remote PODD group last fall which sounds VERY interesting! Anyone with current info, please pass along and I will share.

Company Reps - If a student owns/uses a dedicated device, part of the cost of that device is support from the area company representative. They can help with everything from troubleshooting, repairs, to learning/coaching.

PRC-Saltillo (Formally merged as one company)

• PRC - Jennifer Vallier - Jennifer.Vallier@prentrom.com
• Saltillo - Michelle Retzlaff - Michelle@saltillo.com

Tobii-Dynavox

• (temp) Rachel Tarbell - Rachel.Tarbell@tobiidynavox.com

Assistive Technology Coordinator

Just back from maternity leave and catching up! Please reach out

Email: sbass@swcccase.org
Website: http://www.swcccase.org/
Phone: 708.571.2127
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southwestcooperativespecialeducation
Twitter: @SW_Cooperative