How To’s, Why’s, and What to Do’s

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How To’s, Why's and What To Do’s

Our Facebook User’s Group is an open forum. Please use this space to discuss, ask questions, comment, or ask for support or clarification anytime you want! We will use this space on our FaceBook User’s Group to provide discussions of How To’s and Why or What To Do’s: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2091643344396290
 
Our blog is updated regularly on our website. It describes the inner workings of what we do and why/how we do it: https://gobridgeapp.com/blog/
 
Our What’s New? letters get sent out regularly to people who join our mailing list via our website, and they are also posted on our website. They show current changes, new features and detailed regular tips: https://gobridgeapp.com/newsletter/
 
We don’t post much on social media on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter, but will try to do this more to raise awareness.
 
If you like what we do and why and how we do it, please spread the word! We are trying to support needs for healthcare equity. We want AAC supports and communication/learning supports to be as common on your device as your calculator. AND as easy to use. We keep the cost insanely low so supports can spread to where they are needed most. In all of our everyday worlds 🌎🌍🌏
 
Email us for technical assistance: support@gobridgeapp.com
 
Thanks for joining us here! Happy growing and flowing 🌿🤗
 
~Danielle

New Audio Feature

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New Audio Feature

We created this app, for the front line. By the front line. After 20 years of failed trials with complicated and expensive apps and devices, we created apps that help people in our neighborhoods connect.

The new audio feature on our apps is the best we have seen on the market! Makes communicating, learning, and setting reminders that much more enjoyable. And enhances memory, building from the ground up.

Audio feature is now live on BRIDGE Communication Builder app. Coming soon to BRIDGE Communication app.

Video Modeling

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Video Modeling

Have you ever watched a child, eye to eye (teletherapy is helpful for this), watch a video of themselves as a younger child and literally tears swell up in their eyes and they do all they can to hold back the tears from falling?
 
I have.
 
Today.
 
Best. Day. Ever!
 
I have been working with a student who has Down syndrome for quite some time now. His name is Sammy. Sammy has had several other therapists throughout my private speech clinic, but he’s back on my caseload now and I couldn’t be happier.
 
Sammy and I connect each session. He adds information to the conversation. He is able to clarify using our app. He is able to expand his language and our joint experiences using our app. He is so happy and attentive, and each session is full of smiles. And, as of today, happy tears.
 
I will blog about his journey in an upcoming blog as his transition has been remarkable, and effective, but today, I want to zero in on the importance of video modeling.
 
Our app is novel in its ability to take and upload videos and once that has been done, and the video item has been selected, the app plays on the entire screen. We put this technology in place probably about 5 years ago but it never gets old. Our clients thrive and excel from seeing themselves, and others, in videos. We use video modeling for articulation practice (like how to say “blue” correctly), help with chores and tasks (like how to load the washing machine or how to cross the street), and also to connect with those they love. Or to watch videos of themselves and then use that shared experience to build language, together.
 
We also use videos for stimulation – ways to compile favorite songs or favorite clips from YouTube or other media sources. This gives the individual a means of accessing music and stimulation when they don’t have access to cell service, which comes in handy in doctor’s offices and cars. It’s also an easy way for them to organize their interests as it’s sometimes difficult for them to tap around on YouTube to find what it is they are looking for.
 
Here’s what I am finding.
 
Their interests never remain static. Each session is new, each request is as exciting as the day before. The twinkles in their eyes and sparks in their spirit never dull. Dynamic interaction, including that through video, fosters deep molecular, if you will, connection that springboards communication in ways that never get old.
 
Sammy is 19 now.
 
Sammy was ELATED today and so very touched to see a very old video I had of him as a “baby” as he called it. He commented on his big eyebrows and his cute little face. And his sweet words he said. He cherished every second of it, and within seconds, I was able to upload this to his device, in a town 2 hours away from where I was.
 
Our technology is top notch. Our outreach is vast. Our connection with the people we support is intentional and effective.
 
Give it a try – video model and them video model some more.
 
And enjoy smiles, and tears, that reach deep ✨
 
~Danielle
 
*video length per button has been extended from 1 minute to 4 minutes in our latest uodate to release early next week