A couple of weeks ago, we attended the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) Conference in Orlando, Florida. We always enjoy the conversations we have at this conference both in the exhibit hall and socially when the exhibit hall closes. This is also the easiest conference for us to actually see some sessions and set up meetings.
One of the meetings we attended was organized by the Project Core team. It’s no secret that we love the easy clinical applications of the Project Core Resources. After seeing their presentation at ATIA 2017, I went home and implemented their strategies. The series of blog posts describing the implementation of Project Core strategies starts here.
This year, the Project Core team was looking for ways to disseminate and transition the work of Project Core beyond printed boards and into more robust AAC systems. The Speak for Yourself app easily lends itself to a robust transition from a core vocabulary approach. We decided in the meeting that we can easily support the Project Core work within Speak for Yourself.
So last week, we took a first step.
On Friday, we released an update that includes the option of choosing the Project Core vocabulary file within the settings of Speak for Yourself.
A word of caution…this vocabulary file is NOT for those of you who have been using Speak for Yourself and have customized your vocabulary file. It replaces the current vocabulary file so customizations (family member names, cartoon characters) won’t be saved.
What does the Project Core vocabulary file do?
The Project Core vocabulary file takes the nearly 5000 words in Speak for Yourself and hides everything EXCEPT for the 36 Project Core words.
It keeps the main screen words linked to the secondary screen. This allows the student to explore the vocabulary on the secondary screens when they turn on “Babble.” Every word in Speak for Yourself can be accessed with no more than TWO touches.
If your student/child has been using the Project Core board, it gives them familiar vocabulary and a manageable starting point…with the opportunity to grow, at their pace, into a 14,000 word system.
Speak for Yourself also provides additional core vocabulary, keeps motor planning consistent, has an unparalleled search feature, and several unique features. You can get more information about the Speak for Yourself app here.
We’re excited to support the work and resources of the Project Core team. To be clear, we have no financial or professional agreements with Project Core or any of the team members. We just have a lot of respect for the work they’ve done.
If you transition from Project Core boards to Speak for Yourself, we’d love to hear how it goes! If you have additional ideas that would be beneficial, we listen!
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