Beyond the Device: Holistic Approaches to AAC Learning and Implementation This blog post explores the challenges faced by adults with acquired communication difficulties post life-altering events, and emphasizes the crucial role of enhanced communication methods. We delve into the significance of [...]
Do Kids with Autism Really Need a Routine? In today's understanding of neurodiversity, recognizing the unique needs and strengths of individuals with autism has never been more crucial. Central to this understanding is the profound role routines play in fostering a [...]
WIL AAC HINDER SPEECH? Separating Myths from Truths In the vast ocean of information surrounding communication methods, it's easy to get swept up in myths—especially when it comes to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Popular misconceptions might suggest that AAC hinders [...]
Finding Their Voice: The Role of AAC in Overcoming Communication Barriers Communication is often taken for granted, but for many, the gift of words isn't as accessible. Maya Angelou, who herself experienced a silent phase in her childhood, understood the power [...]
Free Weekly Parent-Teacher Communication System Sheet For Special Education In the dynamic world of special education, seamless communication between teachers and parents is foundational. With diverse learning needs, it's essential that educators have an efficient way to relay day-to-day student experiences, [...]
Autism and Natural Disaster Preparedness: A Comprehensive Guide In moments of adversity like natural disasters, the vulnerability of specific groups amplifies. Children and adults with autism often grapple with added challenges during these times. Their reliance on routines and the predictability [...]
The female representation in symbol support for Autism In the realm of special education, symbol support plays a crucial role in aiding students with special needs to learn, communicate, and navigate daily tasks. For years, these symbols have predominantly been represented [...]
AAC Color Conventions AAC Color Conventions Two primary color-coding conventions dominate the organization of words in alternative communication systems: The Modified Fitzgerald Key and the Goossens’, Crain, and Elder systems. By implementing color codes, we enhance user experience, making it [...]
Has it been a rough year? Did not everything go quite as planned? Not to worry because I’m sure you’ve hear the expression: “It’s not about how you start its how you finish.” Memory is a funny thing and sometimes we remember just how things ended so much more clearly than how they began. Now is a moment that you can connect on a deeper level for one last time with students, teachers, parents by recognizing the best in them . Symbolic Certificates of Positive Qualities— It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, we all like to know what people like about us. I’vs seen variations of this activity work well with elementary, middle school and High school students; I’ve even seen it work with college students (really they can eat it up just like they were 5 again)
Who hates hearing someone say, “I’m bored”? it’s even worse in a group setting like a classroom, because attitudes can be contagious. Whether it’s adults or kids if one person starts complaining, soon you won’t have enough cheese to go around for all that “whine”. But seriously, our board games are simply divine. Wait…I mean your board games, because really it’s you who needs to create them, but we’ve got the perfect template and enormous amount of great symbols to fill the content. If you haven’t used Smarty Symbols “board game” template then…. YOU’RE MISSING OUT! Just click on the “printing center” button on the top blue bar. It will bring you to a new menu where you will select “from template”; find the “board game” template and press “apply”. You’re all set to create a masterpiece. We’ve got some great ideas to get you started:
Happy Mother's day from Smarty Symbols - Free Mother's Day Card Template Mother's Day is not just about celebrating biological mothers. It's a time to recognize, remember, and cherish the memories, lessons, and qualities of motherly figures in our lives. Smarty [...]
I know how you’re feeling: The kids they need a day off (or is it you?), or they just need to have some fun with what they’re working on, but they still need to be learning something. We have just what you need: and Bingo is its Name-O Smarty Symbols has a built in Bingo Template in the “Printing Center” It’s really easy to use, and an awesome tool for any parent, teacher, SLP, or someone who just needs an activity for an event. Just click on the “printing center” button on the top blue bar. It will bring you to a new menu where you will select “from template”; find the “bingo” template and press “apply”. Now its just up to your imagination… but if your imagination is struggling we’ve decided to give you a few ideas:
We wouldn’t forget “Earth Day” in our vast category of “holidays”. April 22 is a special day for us to reassess what we can do to help our planet. Smarty Symbols is filled with excellent vocabulary whether you are wanting to discuss the life of our planet (using our “plants”, “animals”, “birds”, “mammals” and “marine life”) or discuss the more abstract elements (using our “science”, “weather”, and “nature” categories); Smarty Symbols has the symbols you need for the simplest to the most complex words.
We all love free classroom materials. That's why we took the time today to have some fun and spend some time on keynote creating some awesome classroom signs for you. You can download any or all of these signs in a variety of formats or even as images. If you are feeling inspired like we were today, you can even use some of the files we have provided as a basis in which you create modifications that would fit your needs better. For example, you can use the "computer lab" sign and replace it with " We are in recess" and replace the picture with our recess image.The power point or keynote file give you the freedom to modify and create a whole new sign.
Spotlight on Alyssa Zimini: The Passionate Mind Behind 'Simply Special Ed Navigating the world of special education can be challenging, but passionate educators like Alyssa Zimini make it look effortless. Hailing from Massachusetts, Alyssa's unwavering dedication to severe special education shines [...]
Optimizing Your Search: A Guide to Locating Images on Smarty Symbols Studio Navigating a vast library like Smarty Symbols Studio can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach, you can swiftly and accurately find the images you need. This [...]
Featured Smarty Symbols user: Mandi Schaumburg M.S. CCC-SLP Meet Mandi Schaumburg, a school based speech-language pathologist from Texas and a mother of a child on the Autism Spectrum. She also serves on the Autism Team for her school district. Mandi is [...]
Using Visual Support to help Autistic Individuals Visual supports have long been recognized as a powerful tool for assisting individuals with autism in better navigating and understanding their environment. Given that many on the autism spectrum are visual thinkers, employing pictorial [...]
Smarty Symbols brings multi-characters representation to visual supports and AAC In a world where representation and inclusivity are paramount, visual communication plays a critical role in bridging understanding. Since its inception, Smarty Symbols has been championing this cause, continually seeking ways [...]
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