Auditory Verbal Strategies to Build Listening and Spoken Language Skills

Sherri Smith Fickenscher‎ and Elizabeth Ruddy Gaffney

announce the release of this project. 

It can be downloaded for free on the website of the editor, Cheryl L. Dickson.

http://www.auditory-verbal-mentoring.com

Immensely enjoyed the conversation, memories and a delicious dinner at one of my Auditory Verbal family's home last night. He began AVT as an infant and today at 17 loves tennis, is planning for college and describes himself as an altruist who seeks to become an entrepreneur. 

"There is nothing impossible to him who will try." 

is one of his favorite quotes by Alexander the Great.‪

Share How You Live and Love Listening and Spoken Language This February

Dear AV Families,

During the month of February, I along with Hearing First have a campaign to extend awareness of Listening and Spoken Language (Auditory-Verbal therapy) to a broader audience. We’re currently gathering stories from families and professionals.

I invite you to share a personal story by writing a SHORT message and posting it on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtags-  #LiveLoveLSL #HearSayLW

By posting a quick message, you may impact those who have never even heard of LSL. Your story can power the potential of a family and their child who is deaf or hard of hearing. When presented with complete information about communication options more than 90% of parents choose a spoken language outcome for their child. Yet, LSL claims roughly 1% share of the voice online.

Together let’s redefine what’s possible in the lives of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Lynn 

SPOTLIGHT on Carolyn a 'Listener' at the Auditory Verbal Center of Wheaton

Carolyn Wagner led a flash mob song and dance at Hinsdale High School last weekend. Her listening and spoken language therapy is really paying off as you can see from her beaming face. Carolyn if full of school spirit! 

Way to go Carolyn!

HearSayLW Is Featured In A FREE ebook - Best of SLP Bloggers

My blog HearSayLW is featured in a FREE ebook that brings together sample posts from over 70 SLP bloggers and provides indexes to find specialized information from AAC, adult or EI resources, fluency, ESL to hearing impairment. Resources for pediatric language and speech sound disorders abound!

There's a wealth of information out there, but you need to know where to look. Each blog page provides a writing sample as well as clickable links so you can quickly access the blogs you like.

Click HERE to get your copy and enjoy the hunt!

The Power of Play - Children's Work

PlaygroundEquipment.org

When it comes to a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive and listening and spoken language growth, nothing is more enriching and empowering than playtime. The magic of play can unfold anywhere as long as children have the freedom to unleash their imaginations - on the playground, deep in the woods, nestled in the sandbox, or inside cardboard boxes! 

This infographic provides a fun and colorful assortment of reasons to believe in the power of play and to stand up for recess across the globe.

Natural Communication, Inc. Reunion Akron, Ohio

Natural Communication, Inc

      

Carrie Spangler, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA wrote on FB, "It is not often enough that we take the time to thank wonderful professionals who have helped out my family (and me!) with the hearing loss journey. You are truly amazing and have positively impacted me in so many ways! So blessed to have you in my life as a child and now as friends and mentors! Thanks to Stacey Lim and her parents for organizing the NCI reunion and video. Loved seeing you Lynn Wagner Wood on FaceTime! — with Donald M. Goldberg, Carol Flexer, Stacey Lim and Denise Wray.

The Natural Communication Inc., Reunion was a highlight of my life and heartwarming. I can't thank you enough for remotely connecting me last night  from Illinois to Ohio. I loved hearing all the stories and seeing may familiar faces.

I am thankful that my Auditory Verbal roots are in Ohio but blessed to have moved to Illinois in the late 1980's when professionals/parents did not know that children with hearing loss could learn to listen and talk. I faced many naysayers and battled those who said that I was doing a "disservice" to children with hearing loss by guiding families and providing Auditory Verbal Therapy.

In Ohio and at the University of Akron, I was impacted and touched by countless children, their families and professionals along this journey. I love that a future of listening and talking is possible today because of some of you AV pioneers. I am in awe that Charlie and Betty Lim trusted me with their young daughter Stacey and others such as Nick and Harriet Calcagno in the earliest days.

I don't believe in coincidences and am certain that Carol Flexer came to the University at "just the right time" and she took me under her wing, guided and taught me wisely as my professor and dear friend. I didn't know back in my Ohio days how learning from Carol Flexer, Denise Wray, Marian Ernst, Daniel Ling and so many others would impact my career and the passion that still burns within me today.

Lynn with Charlie, Betty and Stacey Lim 2014 AGBELL Convention, Orlando

Last night, I was overwhelmed listening to Jessica Hengeli, Carrie Spangler and Stacey Lim and others spoke of the time when I was their AVT but honestly, I was learning from each of you, your parents as we followed our belief that spoken language was worth the effort. I wish my Illinois AV families could know that you all were the wind beneath my wings and who to grateful to because they also have children who listen and speak.

Just for the memories, I will post a few pictures. Yes, the quality is poor but these are some of the most remarkable people I know!