Using the Dynavox for total communication!

I am lucky enough to work with a client who has a Dynavox communication system. If you've never seen one, here is the company's website as well as a video success story of someone who uses the device. Thanks to our outstanding Dynavox Sales rep and some well educated staff, we were able to figure out how to set up the controls in the system so that he could turn on his TV and locate his favorite channels. It was surprisingly easy to do. The difficult part is making sure it is functionally positioned correctly and making sure that it is something that is accessible. Now, my client just needs time to practice but we are excited at this new adventure! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

How do you find the time to do it all?

As I'm starting the blog, I ask my fellow bloggers. How do you find the time? I'm getting a collection of blog favorites, that I can just read and read... I'm trying to start my own, but I really wonder if I'll be able to keep up. As I am finding it difficult to carve out the time. Personally, being a later learner for technology, I am occasionally stumped by the technical part. For example, I'm trying to include a calendar on this blog... but now one turns up in every post! Not sure how I did that. (Yes, I needed to delete one before I could post this.) I need to go back and read the directions again.

I tried to include a few of my favorite blogs that I've been following over the last few months. I listed 5 on the right. They are skilled professionals who have taken the time to share their expertise and knowledge. Thank you! I've already learned a lot from them. I'm sure I will be adding more as I continue to learn more about web 2.0 tools and visit more great blogs. Any advice from experienced bloggers on how to find the time?

Next post, I hope to include some of my favorite OT student blogs. Those have been really fun to read.

Does the Tooth Fairy Have a Website?

This was a question my son proposed to me after loosing his first tooth. After I chuckled, it suddenly became apparent to me at how different his life will be at accessing information. To think that a 5 year old (and this was 3 years ago) was already looking to independently find information on the web made me stop and think at how his access to information will be significantly different than mine when I grew up. Now, at 8 he when he wants a new game or toy, he searches for it online cuts and pastes the picture so that we know exactly what he is talking about when he makes his "pitch" to us as to why he needs it. The other day we were lost and he just kept saying.... open your laptop and do Map Quest. Not fully realizing that I still am in the dark ages in some ways as I don't have mobile access to the internet. So we scanned for a library or coffee shop that offered free Wireless. Gone are the days of stopping at a Gas Station. Note: (We did buy a Garmin after that day and I love it!)

As an OT who is interested in daily living skills, it has become apparent to me that access to the internet can now be considered an ADL activity for many people. What happens when people have challenges developing skills needed to participate in this activity? It just fuels my desire and interest to continue to keep as up to date with all kinds of technology available..... One of the big reasons as to why I am starting my own blog! I find that I can't close my eyes for a minute as new technology is always evolving!

Just for fun. Here are some links for the Toothfairy.
http://www.toothfairy.org/origin/fairypollen.html
http://www.toothfairyland.com/
http://www.toothfairycity.com/city/

Welcome to the OT Corner

Hello,

As a school occupational therapist, I spend much of my time traveling from building to building. In most places, space is a premium. Sometimes administrators or teachers will take pity on me as a traveler and assign me my own space. In my opinion, the very best places are "corners" in welcoming classrooms. It is in this little corner where I will organize myself- store my supplies,manage my materials, keep my logs/files, and display student work samples. As I begin to learn more about digital tools and try to manage all of the new resources available, it seemed only fitting to carve out my own little OT Corner that I can access from any spot in any building.

Thanks for visiting.