Pathways for Core First vs BITS Lab

Pathways for Core First is a FREE, one-of-a-kind companion app for Core First that is packed with expert advice for how to meaningfully impact the user’s communication success. Based on best practices from experts in the field, Pathways for Core First provides lesson plans, top tips, and real-world videos to show parents, teachers, and therapists how to get the most out of Core First with confidence. Designed by experts in the field, Pathways for Core First is a clear, easy-to-follow blueprint for getting started and continuing to grow skills with Core First. It was developed to empower communication partners to apply best practices and proven techniques for the user in a simple, straight-forward way. Pathways for Core First is an essential resource to help you guide the user to communication success. What’s inside? Getting Started – Set up Core First and use it with an example. You’ll also find: • Helpful how-to videos. • Scripts based on the individual’s grid size. Goals Grid – Use this proven resource tool that is now interactive to: • Assess an individual’s current skills and identify goals. • Track progress in Pathways and email or print status to share with others. • Access at least one lesson plan per goal. Build Skills – Discover and share (email, print) how to build the user’s skills through lessons and resources. We’ll equip you to: • Teach core vocabulary through Core Word Lessons & Books. • Transitioning from PECS. • Select and implement positive behavior supports. Customize Core First – Print or email cheat sheets and view video instructions on how to easily customize components of Core First: • Add or rearrange vocabulary. • Grow core words systematically. • Simplify or grow language. Top Tips – Identify the most important things about using Core First with the user. Here you’ll learn about: • Modeling. • Providing a positive communication environment. • Looking for success. Why It Works – Review and share the research and myths about AAC, Core First, and Pathways.

Many children, adolescents, and adults struggle to eliminate speech errors affecting the American English 'r' sound. Research suggests that these errors can in some cases be eliminated through biofeedback, where learners view a dynamic visual image of their speech and attempt to match a target representing correct production. staRt ("Speech Therapist's App for /r/ Treatment") aims to make biofeedback treatment for /r/ widely accessible to practicing speech-language pathologists. Features: - Tutorial explaining how to interpret and use the biofeedback display - "Free play" mode where users match their real-time visual-acoustic display to a target representing correct production of ‘r’ - "Quest" mode presenting syllables/words for 'r' practice; complexity increases or decreases in an adaptive fashion based on recent performance - "Quiz" mode for use in measuring baseline performance and tracking progress - Visual rewards reinforcing improvements in performance - Clinician dashboard tracking progress over the course of treatment