therapists, educators and families to tailor these games to meet a specific goal or to engage a player with highly motivating themes. Creating custom game boards allows a therapist, edu- cator or family member to simplify the game as needed, make it relevant to the individual needs of a student, or zone in on target vocabulary or curricular concepts. By adjusting the num- ber of squares needed for a BINGO style game, students with a shorter attention span, low tolerance for frustration or who are just learning the rules of the game can have quick success, ulti- mately building up to the traditional 5x5 game board. Custom game boards can be used in school or therapy and provided to families for follow up without additional expense. When cus- tom game boards are created in or downloaded as PowerPoint or Google Slides, they can easily be adapted for use during tele- therapy over a web conferencing platform that allows shared cursor/mouse control.
the language targets for individuals learning how to use an AAC system. The language used in games is consistent and can be used across many contexts, and as a result can lead to language competency for individuals who are motivated to be successful communicators during play. Games played in person or virtual- ly decrease barriers for individuals with disabilities and provide needed opportunities for social interactions, competition and collaboration. With a large variety of game options, from table- top to video and off the shelf to adapted there is the perfect game out there for everyone! REFERENCES: Bugaj, Christopher R., and Rachel Madel. “Small Talks III: Brian Whitmer, Brandi Lee Wentland, Kathy Howery, Shaun Pearson, & Kelly Key.” Talking with Tech , 19 Nov. 2019, talkingwithtech.pod- bean.com/e/small-talks-iii-brian-whitmer-brandi-lee-wentland- kathy-howery-sean-pearson-kelly-key/ Bugaj, Christopher R., and Rachel Madel. “Bill Binko: DIY As- sistive Technology, “Makers,” & the Convergence of Assistive Technology and Universal Design” Talking with Tech , 2 Nov. 2017 https://talkingwithtech.podbean.com/e/bill-binko-diy-assis- tive-technology-makers-the-convergence-of-assistive-technol- ogy-and-universal-design/ Bugaj, Christopher R., and Rachel Madel. “Mark Barlet: Mak- ing Video Games Accessible to All “Makers,”Talking with Tech, 21 March. 2018 https://talkingwithtech.podbean.com/e/mark-bar- let-making-video-games-accessible-to-all/ Chess, by Enricco Strocchi, licensed under CC-BY-ND, Septem- ber 8, 2007 Prentke Romich Corporation, LAMP Words for Life LessonPix We're BAAACK! More w/ Tara Roehl on Using Lesson- Pix for SLP Telepractice 3/24/303 Retrieved from https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=dy-HehjWO3Y “LessonPix Custom Materials.” LessonPix , lessonpix.com/ Parkin, Simon. “Finding Connection During Quarantine with Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” The New Yorker , 21 Mar. 2020. URL https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/ finding-connection-during-quarantine-with-animal-cross- ing-new-horizons Pearson, Shaun, and Michelle Compton. “All the Bits.” All the Bits, https://allthebits.podiant.co/. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill “ TarHeel Gameplay .” TarHeel Gameplay, https://tarheelgameplay.org//
Customized Treasure Map gameboard used with permission from LessonPix.com.
CONCLUSION Games have been around for centuries and are a part of ev- ery culture in the world. Game play brings families and friends together, especially in challenging times. Games provide a dis- traction or a means to bond with others. Games by their nature are typically interactive and provide opportunities for choice and autonomy. Game play is a fun and engaging way to address
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