RandiS's Discussions

Keeping in Touch with Teachers & Therapists
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Susan S. Sep 29.

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RandiS's Page

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Parent

About Me:

I am a parent of two beautiful children. My son (now 12!) has cerebral palsy (for lack of a more specific diagnosis), low muscle tone and cognitive impairment. He uses assistive technology for walking and communicating. He likes to look at books and movies and we are convinced he was a pirate in a previous life! We live outside of Boston and have access to many therapeutic and educational resources. That said, we still struggle with finding uses and strategies to get him to communicate using augmentative communication tools throughout his day.

I started making cards and gifts featuring Mayer-Johnson's picture communication symbols in 2002 as a way to promote acceptance for kids without speech who use picture symbols. My cards and gifts have been shared by families and teachers across the US. I donate a percentage my card sales to the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Boston. My card catalog is online at Giving Greetings .

My new website, Say it with Symbols, was launched in 2008 and offers an expanded selection of family-friendly visual supports, books, cards, gifts and more for families and professionals who help children communicate using visuals and symbols. We feature many parent-designed and tested products.

Website:

http://www.GivingGreetings.com

RandiS's Blog

Back to School Communication Supports

It’s back to school for most of our kids and with it comes the uneasiness of not knowing what our special child did or accomplished during the day. Using some low tech visual aids, even our children with limited verbal abilities can now answer the proverbial question, “what did you do at school today honey?” Here’s how:

Low Tech Home/School Communication Aids

Devices such as a Step-by Step are great for sharing news between school and home, and helping your child initiate the conversation. The… Continue

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 5:26pm —

Happy Mother's Day - Love in sign

Although my son is completely non-verbal - says not a word - he's found ways to communicate that work for him. He has a consistent yes-no response, makes choices from communication boards and uses some sign language.

As a mom, I wait hopefully for the day when I might hear his sweet voice say "I love you Mom" but I know this is not a reality. But about six months ago, he surprised me. I signed I love you to him and he responded. He signed "I love you" back to me! OK, it was more like a sign app… Continue

Posted on May 11, 2008 at 11:30am —

Welcome and join our new social network dedicated to helping children communicate!

Welcome to Giving Greetings' new social network for families and professionals who help children with speech disorders communicate with picture symbols, pecs, visual schedules and other forms of augmentative communication/AAC.

I have learned SO much from the pros and families who gractiously contribute their time and ideas to online message groups. This new social network offers a more personal way for us to connect and share our stories and successes. Let's introduce each other and our familie… Continue

Posted on April 30, 2008 at 10:30am —