Shows
The Autism Little Learners Podcast#146 - AAC & Gestalt Language Processors with Laura Hayes (Encore)Today, we're revisiting one of your favorite episodes — my conversation with Laura Hayes, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in AAC and supports gestalt language processors. Laura brings so much insight, compassion, and practical wisdom to the topic of AAC — you are going to love everything she shares! If you missed this one the first time around (or even if you've heard it before), I encourage you to listen again — you'll walk away feeling inspired and equipped with new ideas you can use right away. Bio: Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of experi...
2025-10-2847 minThe Autism Little Learners Podcast#145: AAC Devices in the Classroom: 3 Ways to Use Them Every DayAAC devices give children access to communication all day long—not just during therapy or structured lessons. For many students in the special ed classroom, the key to success isn't just having an AAC communication device, but actually using it in meaningful, everyday contexts. This is especially true when we think about AAC device autism connections. Many autistic children benefit from consistent access to AAC, whether they are nonspeaking, minimally speaking, or have unreliable speech. Embedding AAC in daily routines ensures that communication is always possible. The good news? You don't need extra time or co...
2025-10-2113 min
Talking With Tech AAC PodcastQuinn Kelly: Connecting AAC and ASL to Support Deaf & Hard of Hearing CommunicatorsThis week, we share Rachel’s interview with Quinn Kelly! Quinn Kelly is a bilingual speech-language pathologist who specializes in working with children who use both AAC and American Sign Language (ASL). She serves on the AAC committee for the New Jersey Speech and Hearing Association and works with Language First, an organization supporting professionals serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students. In this episode, Quinn shares her expertise on the intersection of AAC and ASL, advocating for culturally sensitive, individualized, and collaborative approaches to communication support.
Key Ideas this Week:
The Intersection of A...
2025-10-161h 05Talking With Tech AAC PodcastBrian Whitmer: Measuring Progress and Purpose in the AAC CommunityThis week, we share Chris's interview with Brian Whitmer! Brian is the founder of the AAC app CoughDrop and Open AAC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the AAC field through collaboration, transparency, and open data initiatives. Whitmer discusses his goal of fostering innovation, sharing community insights, and helping the AAC industry move toward more equitable and effective practices.
Key ideas from This Episode:
Open AAC’s mission is to improve the AAC field through collaboration and transparency: Whitmer described how Open AAC takes a “bird’s-eye view” of the AAC industry, c...
2025-10-111h 14
AAC's 2 Hot Mics Podcast2 Hot Mics & 1 Guest: Ryan FitzsimmonsThe life of an estimator means your phone is never truly off, but you'll want to get rid of all distractions for the newest episode of AAC's 2 Hot Mics with our guest, Ryan Fitzsimmons, Senior Estimator at Pike Construction Services. Listen in!
2025-08-281h 05
AAC's 2 Hot Mics Podcast2 Hot Mics & 1 Guest: Frank SapienzaAs Frank Sapienza and his family always say, keep moving forward! And as you do so, the newest episode of AAC’s Two Hot Mics is the perfect podcast to listen to. Not only did Frank build Frontier Glass from the ground up, but he changed AAC's podcast game, and this episode has a new first- a second surprise guest!
2025-07-301h 04
AAC's 2 Hot Mics Podcast2 Hot Mics & 1 Guest: Courtney LaffertyIs it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Courtney Lafferty! A Project Manager at LeChase Construction, recipient of the Rising Star Award, and the first woman to become President of Junior Builder’s Exchange. Check out the latest episode of AAC’s 2 Hot Mics Podcast to learn more about the jam-packed life of Courtney.
2025-06-2555 min
AAC's 2 Hot Mics Podcast2 Hot Mics & 1 Guest: Michelle SchleherWorldwide traveler, leader of the world's most infamous not-quite-yet-famous musical duo, Red Lobster enthusiast- all of the various hats Michelle Schleher has worn and all the paths she has gone down on has led her to here: President & CEO of AAC Contracting, LLC. 2 Hot Mics is delighted to share this episode and give Michelle a stage to share her stories. Listen in!
2025-05-281h 05
Finding Your Identity in Your Autism JourneyEp. 9 Unlocking Communication: Lessons from Our AAC JourneySummaryIn this episode of 'Finding Your Identity in Your Autism Journey', Ruth Cassell shares her family's experience with Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of implementing AAC, the importance of communication in the autism journey, and the emotional growth that comes with it. Ruth provides practical insights, tools, and resources for families navigating similar paths, emphasizing the significance of patience and belief in a child's potential.TakeawaysYour story matters. Your voice matters.Unlocking communication is crucial in the autism journey.
2025-05-2238 min
the gestalt get-togetherself-advocacy and aac for gestalt processors with brianna guerreroEarn 0.15 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=SelfAdvocacy-and-AACJoin us in this captivating episode of the Gestalt Get Together, where Corinne Zmoos delves into the intersection of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with special guest and speech-language pathologist, Brianna Guerrero. From personal anecdotes of working with GLP clients to discussions of bodily autonomy, advocacy, and inclusivity, this conversation is brimming with valuable insights. Learn how creating tailored AAC strategies and collaborating with other professionals can enrich the lives of neurodivergent individuals, and discover...
2025-05-131h 34
Let Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism Podcast6. Gatekeeping AAC: Can Programming a Child's Device Be More Collaborative? To learn more about Nicole and download the freebies, visit www.childled.org In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses her unpopular opinion regarding AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and emphasizes the importance of personalization, motor planning, and empowering teams to engage with AAC devices. She challenges the notion that AAC programming should be left solely to specialists and advocates for a more inclusive approach that encourages collaboration among all team members. Nicole shares her experiences with a new student and highlights the significance of having a well-programmed AAC device that reflects the child's interests. She concludes by offering insights into her...
2025-04-2958 minLet Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism PodcastAll things AAC with Rachel Madel, SLPGRAB YOUR FREE TICKET TO THE PLAY CONFERENCE HERE: TODDLER PLAY CONFERENCE- FREE TICKET In this conversation, Rachel Madel discusses the evolution and current state of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She emphasizes the increased awareness and accessibility of AAC, the importance of starting AAC early, and the need for collaboration among clinicians and parents. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced in assessments and the advocacy required for children to access AAC devices. Rachel encourages clinicians to empower themselves and others in the field to utilize AAC effectively and to advocate for their students' c...
2025-03-1857 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastTWT Live: Vibes of AACThis week, we present our TWT Live episode, “Vibes of AAC”! TWT Live episodes include interactions with the audience, including feedback and questions. This week, Chris and Rachel discuss the critical role of modeling language for AAC users, emphasize the importance of coaching communication partners, and highlight the significance of fostering a mindset that supports literacy for all children!
Key Ideas this Week:
The Power of Inclusive AAC Events – The discussion about the open mic night at the Communication Matters conference highlighted the importance of creating inclusive, public spaces where AAC users ca...
2025-02-061h 00Talking With Tech AAC PodcastDr. May Aguis: Breaking Barriers to AAC in MaltaThis week, Chris interviews Dr. May Aguis! Dr. Aguis is a speech and language therapist with the National Assistive Technology Team in Malta!, She is also involved with the World Health Organization as a member of their Assistive Technology Advisory Group, and serves as a lecturer at the University of Malta. Dr. Aguis shares about her doctoral work with AAC and her efforts to train teachers and develop AAC resources across Malta!
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel discuss the concept of “best” practices and why, in their opinion, using that phrase in the context of th...
2025-01-301h 10Talking With Tech AAC PodcastCeanna MacGregor & Melanie Boyle: Building Connection through AAC Professional Learning NetworksThis week, we share Chris’s interview with Ceanna MacGregor and Melanie Boyd! Ceanna is an AAC specialist and teacher working with CALL Scotland, an organization that supports staff and pupils in overcoming barriers related to assistive and communication technologies. Melanie Boyd is an AAC consultant who runs her own consultancy called Communication Angel. Melanie's career shift into AAC was inspired by the communication needs of her daughter. Ceanna and Melanie share about their participation in the professional learning network, Scottish AAC Geeks, and some of the benefits they have both received participating in this group.
...
2025-01-161h 14
The Take AACtion PodcastReading Together: Effective Strategies for AAC Users This week we are joined by Megan, a speech/language pathologist with over 20 years of experience, most of which have been spent serving students with complex communication needs within various settings, including early intervention, home health, hippotherapy, and preschool and elementary school. With extensive knowledge regarding various forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) from lite to high tech, Megan’s passion is to help guide students, parents, and professionals alike in their journey to find the AAC system(s) that will help them become the most independent and autonomous communicators possible. Megan also owns and operates SENSEAble Literacy, em...
2024-12-0351 min
Be The Exception In Special Education236.Implementing AAC in the Classroom: Tips, Tricks, and TroubleshootingIn this final episode of our AAC Awareness Month series, we dive into the practical side of AAC implementation. Learn how to use AAC in everyday classroom routines, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your students engaged with their AAC tools. Discover easy-to-implement tips and tricks that will help you overcome challenges and empower your students to communicate effectively. In this episode you will learn: Quick wins for integrating AAC into daily classroom activities. The importance of modeling AAC use for students and peers. How to troubleshoot device ma...
2024-10-3121 minBe The Exception In Special Education236.Implementing AAC in the Classroom: Tips, Tricks, and TroubleshootingIn this final episode of our AAC Awareness Month series, we dive into the practical side of AAC implementation. Learn how to use AAC in everyday classroom routines, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your students engaged with their AAC tools. Discover easy-to-implement tips and tricks that will help you overcome challenges and empower your students to communicate effectively. In this episode you will learn: Quick wins for integrating AAC into daily classroom activities. The importance of modeling AAC use for students and peers. How to troubleshoot device ma...
2024-10-3121 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastKristen Hughes & Amy Kennedy: Building a Collaborative AAC Framework in Schools to Streamline Selection, Support, and SuccessThis week, we share Chris’s interview with Kristen Hughes and Amy Kennedy! Kristen and Amy both work for Baldwin County Public Schools; Kristen as a speech-language pathologist and Amy as a special education resource consultant. Kristen is also a parent of a six-year-old son who uses AAC. Kristen is transitioning into a new role as an AAC specialist within her school district, and she wanted to ask Chris more about the Specific Language System First approach, leveraging collaboration, refining selection processes, and supporting educators with resources and training.
Before the interview, Chris shares experiences fro...
2024-10-311h 25
SLP Full DisclosureNavigating the World of AAC with Lynn RoebuckTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to AAC and Its Importance03:07 Lynn's Journey into AAC06:01 The Evolution of AAC Training08:57 Building Authentic Connections with Clients11:53 Accessing Communication: Tools and Techniques15:13 Choosing the Right AAC Device18:05 Dedicated vs. Non-Dedicated Devices20:57 Collaboration with Schools and Families23:48 Advice for New SLPs27:03 Navigating Communication Across Settings29:55 The Role of AI in AAC33:12 Honoring Family Perspectives35:59 Understanding AT Act Programs38:55 Conclusion and Resources Keyguard AT makes c...
2024-10-2944 minThe Autism Little Learners Podcast#94 - AAC & Gestalt Language Processors with Laura HayesToday I'm talking to Laura Hayes. Laura is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in AAC and does a lot of work surrounding AAC for gestalt language processors. You are going to LOVE Laura and everything she shares when it comes to AAC. Be sure to head over and list now! Bio: Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) experience in both school and medical settings. Laura has presented across state, national, and international conferences. She has been published and supported both inpatient pediatric and educational augmentative and alternative...
2024-10-2947 min
SLP Coffee TalkAAC & Working With High SchoolersHallie and her guest Alexia Bassin discuss AAC and high school studentsIn this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Alexia Bassin, a seasoned speech-language pathologist with 15 years of experience in the NYC Public Schools! With a passion for empowering fellow SLPs, Alexia shares her journey working in special education and her expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). From her role as an assistive technology evaluator to creating 'AAC Corner,' a series of bite-sized videos to help SLPs master AAC, Alexia’s dedication shines through. Tune in for practical tips, collaboration advice, and real-world strategies that...
2024-10-2818 minLet Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism PodcastAAC Considerations for Gestalt Language Processors with Emily Diaz, SLP! In this conversation, Nicole Casey and Emily Diaz (@emilydiazslp) discuss the evolution of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and its intersection with Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). They explore the importance of core vocabulary, the myths surrounding AAC, and practical strategies for programming AAC systems for children, particularly those who are GLPs. The discussion emphasizes the need for personalized approaches, the role of modeling language, and the significance of AAC as a supportive tool for communication development. Takeaways: AAC is crucial for children who are Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs). Core vocabulary is essential for flexible communication. The shift towards understanding GLP r...
2024-10-2248 minBe The Exception In Special Education234.What is AAC and Why Does It Matter in Special Education?In this episode, we kick off AAC Awareness Month by exploring the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Learn what AAC is, the types of AAC systems, and why it's so crucial for non-verbal and minimally verbal students in special education. We'll also discuss real-life examples of how AAC has transformed the classroom and fostered student independence. Don't miss this foundational episode, and get ready for the next one, where we'll dive deeper into choosing the right AAC tools. In this episode you will learn: Definition of AAC and...
2024-10-1712 minBe The Exception In Special Education234.What is AAC and Why Does It Matter in Special Education?In this episode, we kick off AAC Awareness Month by exploring the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Learn what AAC is, the types of AAC systems, and why it's so crucial for non-verbal and minimally verbal students in special education. We'll also discuss real-life examples of how AAC has transformed the classroom and fostered student independence. Don't miss this foundational episode, and get ready for the next one, where we'll dive deeper into choosing the right AAC tools. In this episode you will learn: Definition of AAC and...
2024-10-1712 minThe Autism Little Learners Podcast#92 - Using A Split View With An AAC App & YouTube With Angela Moorad, SLPOctober is AAC Awareness Month and I am thrilled to have Angela Moorad, SLP, on the show today. We are going to be talking really specifically about how to use a split screen or a split view with AAC and another app or program, like YouTube or a book. Angela is going to show you step by step and what to do and how you can use these to enhance the communication of your child or students! Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP has 35 years of experience in AAC across the lifespan with a primary focus on ages birth...
2024-10-1558 min
The Take AACtion PodcastAAC Parent Perspective: A Life Changing and Saving SupportThis week we are joined by Laura, who shares her first-hand experience of how AAC can improve quality of life for users and their families. Laura is the parent of Ethan, a non-speaking, Autistic little boy who has been using AAC for about 6 months now. Ethan is the happiest little boy & a whizz with technology - at times it can feel like communicating via an AAC device was made for him.
*Episode reposted for quality purposes
By tuning in you will hear (1:35) Laura introduce herself and her son, (3:27) describe Ethan’s various methods of communication, and (6:09) their family’s journey thro...
2024-10-0946 min
The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs#197: AAC- Factors To Guide Decision Making with Jean JarrettApproximately 25–30% of autistic children are minimally verbal, often requiring alternative communication methods like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Jean Jarrett, SLP-BCBA, joins us to continue highlighting AAC during the month of October. Selecting the right AAC system can be overwhelming due to the many factors involved: communication partners, environments, and caregiver involvement. The process requires input from various disciplines, careful planning, and individualized support.A common misconception is that children need to reach certain milestones before starting AAC, but there are no prerequisites. There is no need to wait or delay getting started with AAC to meet ce...
2024-10-0826 min
The Take AACtion PodcastAAC Parent Perspective: A Life Changing and Saving SupportThis week we are joined by Laura, who shares her first-hand experience of how AAC can improve quality of life for users and their families. Laura is the parent of Ethan, a non-speaking, Autistic little boy who has been using AAC for about 6 months now. Ethan is the happiest little boy & a whizz with technology - at times it can feel like communicating via an AAC device was made for him.
By tuning in you will hear (1:35) Laura introduce herself and her son, (3:27) describe Ethan’s various methods of communication, and (6:09) their family’s journey through trialing comm...
2024-10-0846 minThe ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs#196: Using AAC To Support Autistic Learners with Chris BugajOctober is AAC Awareness Month! Today’s guest, Chris Bugaj, is the co-host of the *Talking with Tech* podcast, which explores the world of AAC, inclusive design, and the creators, providers, and users behind these systems. As an SLP, Chris realized early in his career that he had a knack for technology, which led to his role on his district's Assistive Technology Team for Inclusive Learning.During our chat, we discussed the history of early AAC devices, their flaws, and how these limitations impacted our ability to set effective goals. We’re so fortunate that technology and acce...
2024-10-0146 min
AAC's 2 Hot Mics Podcast2 Hot Mics & 1 Guest: Whit YoungstromWhit Youngstrom, COO of DGA, has an incredible number of tricks up his sleeve, an industry famous mustache, and his signature sunglasses on top of his head. Listen in to the newest episode of Two Hot Mics to learn more about Whit, his questionably legal DIY truck, as well as the age old, unspoken, AAC by-law of settling disputes via ping pong matches.
2024-09-2549 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastBrianna Hughes & Tiffany Rezvani: Creating a Free AAC Screening ToolThis week, we interview Brianna Hughes and Tiffany Rezvani! Brianna and Tiffany are Speech-Language Pathologists and AAC Specialists based in Northern California. They share all about the free AAC screening tool they created, called AAC Screening, that helps educators and clinicians efficiently identify students who may benefit from AAC devices!
Before the interview, Chris shares some exciting news about going to Communication Matters in the UK this year! Chris will try and gather recordings while he is at the conference to share on a future podcast!
Key Ideas this Week:
2024-09-1236 min
Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left BehindPart 2; AAC with Lauren Enders GonzalesThis episode is part 2 of my two part interview with Lauren Enders Gonzales, MA, CCC-SLP. This time we will be diving deeper into AAC; how to use it, what options are available, apps and more. keywordsAAC, augmentative communication, technology, misconceptions, assessments, innovations, AI, speech therapy, communication devices, educationsummaryIn this engaging conversation, Mark and Lauren delve into the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), exploring its definition, importance, and the common misconceptions surrounding it. They discuss the role of technology in AAC, the challenges of assessments, and the l...
2024-09-0356 min
AAC's 2 Hot Mics Podcast2 Hot Mics & 1 Guest: Tom RenautoGrab your granola bars and pour yourself a glass of high-end bourbon (preferably George T. Stagg) before settling down to listen to this new episode of 2 Hot Mics with AAC, with Senior Vice President of Home Leasing Tom Renauto!
2024-08-2151 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastCarole Zangari, Tabi Jones-Wohleber, Rachel Langley, & Michaela Ball: The "Stepping Into AAC" ProjectThis week, Rachel and Chris interview the superstar members of the “Stepping Into AAC” project - Carole Zangari, Tabi Jones-Wohleber, Rachel Langley, and Michaela Ball! The “Stepping Into AAC” team shares about the core mission of the project: to introduce people to AAC, to guide them through the early months of using these new communication tools and strategies, and to offer resources to engage school teams and other caregivers. The program is divided into 20 parts with the intention to complete one part a week, making it more manageable!
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel share about the...
2024-08-161h 03
EVOLVE with Dr. Tay: the podcast for parents of autistic kids126 | AAC part 2 with speech therapist Rachel MadelABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay and Rachel Madel, a speech language pathologist specializing in AAC, dive into the benefits of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for autistic children, both non-speaking and verbally fluent children. They dispel common misconceptions about AAC, discuss various high-tech and low-tech AAC tools, and emphasize the importance of modeling and integrating AAC into daily routines. They also explore the impact of AAC on motor planning, literacy, and overall communication skills. Rachel shares practical tips for parents starting the AAC journey, highlights the significance of robust systems, and challenges the use of...
2024-08-0749 minEVOLVE with Dr. Tay: the podcast for parents of autistic kids125 | AAC part 1 with Lilly's VoiceABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Stefanie, the president and co-founder of the nonprofit Lilly's Voice. Stefanie shares the inspiring story of her non-speaking autistic daughter, Lilly, whose journey with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices led to the creation of the nonprofit. Lilly’s Voice provides AAC devices to children who have communication differences for families who cannot access these tools through conventional means, such as through school funding, insurance, or other grant mechanisms. Lilly’s Voice also provides education on AAC. The episode covers the importance of AAC, debunks common...
2024-07-3147 min
AAC's 2 Hot Mics Podcast2 Hot Mics & 1 Guest: Tony DiTucciHe irons, he sometimes mows the lawn, and he's also the Rochester 2023 Businessperson of the Year! President & COO of Livingston Associates, Tony DiTucci, was gracious enough to spend some time on 2 Hot Mics with AAC- listen in!
2024-07-2455 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastRecast: Talking with Tech Roundtable: Early Intervention & AACThis week, we present a Recast of a previous “roundtable discussion” between Rachel, Chris, and previous host Lucas Stuber on early intervention and AAC! (Note: Recast episodes are episodes from the early days of TWT that Chris and Rachel want to highlight again). In this episode, Rachel shares her experiences with using AAC with very young children and discusses the benefits and challenges with early AAC implementation. They explore the misconception that AAC might hinder verbal development, as well as parental concerns regarding AAC as “screen time”, the importance of multimodal communication options, and more!
Before th...
2024-07-1934 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastRecast: Kathy Howery: Understanding the Lived Experiences of AAC UsersThis week, we share a “Recast” of Chris’s interview with Kathy Howery! “Recast” episodes are episodes from the early days of Talking with Tech (with improved audio) that share important ideas Chris and Rachel want to highlight! Kathy is an AAC specialist, researcher, and educational consultant from Alberta, Canada who emphasizes the importance of understanding the lived experiences of AAC users from their perspective. She also shares about how therapy practices can improve by focusing on the personal, emotional, and social aspects of AAC use, and why AAC users should be provided with multiple communication modalities to better demonstrat...
2024-07-1147 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastElisa Wern - The Importance of Including OTs During AAC Consideration & ImplementationThis week, we share Rachel’s interview with the amazing Occupational Therapist (OT) Elisa Wern! Along with being a school-based OT, Elisa speaks and writes about issues related to AAC and OT, including that OTs can have a critical role in the AAC consideration and implementation process! Elisa shares ideas for supporting students with sensory processing issues, the need for OTs to get involved earlier to support writing at an early age, the importance of teaching AAC Users how to type, and more!
Key ideas this week:
🔑 OTs are skilled with body an...
2024-05-311h 01
AAC's 2 Hot Mics Podcast2 Hot Mics & 1 Guest: Will MackCohosts Joe and Ana welcome you to Episode #3 of 2 Hot Mics with AAC! No stone goes unturned in this conversation as our guest, President of LeChase Construction Will Mack, gives thoughtful and entertaining insight on the company he leads, his journey to where he is today, and a very persuasive argument as to why he loves the artist Shaggy and KFC.
2024-05-2257 minThe ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs#177: Going Beyond The Basics of AAC with LingLy Tan and Jane ButtonThere is always so much people want to know about AAC. Today I talked with BCBAs, LingLy Tan and Jane Button. LingLy is the CEO of AAC software company Linggo, created to build and encourage language beyond simple requests.As I’ve mentioned many times, keeping up with the current research is one of the largest barriers for providers in the field. AAC is one element that is always changing, and it is so necessary to be aware of the latest information. During our conversation, LingLy and Jane shared some of their favorite research, including from some au...
2024-05-2126 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastYoosun Chung: Honoring an AAC User's Chosen Form of CommunicationThis week, we share Chris’s interview with Dr. Yoosun Chung, former president of USSAAC, activist, professor at George Mason University, and AAC user! Dr. Chung shares about her journey from South Korea to the United States to learn English and pursue higher learning, her first introduction to high-tech AAC as a doctoral student in assistive technology, her work as co-chair of the 2023 ISSAAC conference in Cancun, and more!
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel have a fun discussion about suno.com, an AI song generator that creates some incredible songs about AAC - right on...
2024-05-1742 min
Awe and Wonder Podcast: AAC & ATAwe and Wonder Podcast AAC & AT S5 E5 Vision: Marci RevelliMarci Revelli is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) who has completed numerous AAC evaluations for kids with complex needs including vision. In this episode she talks about questions SLPs can ask families that give clues about the student's vision and shares stories of AAC evaluations with students who have low vision or CVI. Marci shares that pulling in all team members (especially family), taking AAC evaluations/trials slow, and trialing AAC systems in different settings with different people are key to finding the right AAC system for a child with low vision/CVI.
Resources mentioned in t...
2024-05-1547 min
Awe and Wonder Podcast: AAC & ATAwe and Wonder Podcast AAC & AT S5 E5 Vision: Marci RevelliMarci Revelli is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) who has completed numerous AAC evaluations for kids with complex needs including vision. In this episode she talks about questions SLPs can ask families that give clues about the student's vision and shares stories of AAC evaluations with students who have low vision or CVI. Marci shares that pulling in all team members (especially family), taking AAC evaluations/trials slow, and trialing AAC systems in different settings with different people are key to finding the right AAC system for a child with low vision/CVI.
Resources mentioned in t...
2024-05-1547 min
SLP Coffee TalkAAC as a Busy School SLP with Cici Fritts and Candace HaydenDo you find AAC overwhelming? You aren’t alone! No need to worry though, because in this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Cici Fritts and Candace Hayden. They are experts in all things technology and AAC for our speech students and they are here to help you understand how to best help your students with their communication through AAC. Topics covered in this episode include:How Cici and Candace help educate others on AAC use in speechHow to embrace AAC if there are no AAC...
2024-04-0833 minThe ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs#147: An Introduction To AACEnjoy this free training from my new series, Communication Without Limits. In this presentation, I am providing an introduction to AAC. AAC is a powerful tool that can help learners communicate and find their voice for the very first time. I share a personal story from my career where AAC did just that. What an amazing feeling!I cover important information to support SLPs-BCBAs such as the Communication Bill of Rights, as well as who to turn to for support when it comes to finding devices, programs, and collaborating in your district or center. Utilizing...
2023-10-2431 min
語言摯聊室EP02 ※ 什麼是AAC溝通輔具 (feat. AAC今天就開始 筱庭)歡迎回到語言摯聊室！今天這集很開心邀請到AAC今天就開始的創辦人、語言治療師筱庭，為我們簡單介紹什麼是AAC溝通輔具，說明AAC的重要性，並且透過一些臨床上的小故事，和聽眾朋友們分享AAC溝通輔具為無口語、低口語孩子們帶來的改變和幫助，以及幫助聽眾朋友破除一些關於AAC的常見迷思。節目的下半段，筱庭將會和聽眾朋友們分享，家長和治療師能夠怎麼開始幫助目前口語能力不穩定的孩子學習使用、嘗試使用AAC，回答關於AAC申請過程的幾個常見問題，最後也會和聽眾朋友們分享她對語言治療、AAC的更多看法和心得。 這集節目中提到的，中文AAC臉書社團：https://www.facebook.com/groups/291665680045560 AAC今天就開始的臉書專頁：https://www.facebook.com/aacaactionnow 如果對這集內容有任何問題、想法、或是未來有任何想聽的相關主題，歡迎在您使用的收聽平台留下評論、或是到IG留言、私訊告訴文馨！ – Instagram ▶ @CarnationSpeech 小額贊助支持語言摯聊室：https://buymeacoffee.com/carnationspeech Powered by Firstory Hosting
2023-10-1853 min
Coffee and TheraTEAAll About AACThis week the gals are joined by a special guest for AAC awareness month, Shelley Anderson! Shelley is a board-certified music therapist and assistive technology specialist. She joins the Coffee and TheraTEA stage to talk ALL things AAC!
What is AAC? AAC is Alternative and Augmentative Communication and Shelley is going to tell you a ton about it.
In this episode we will highlight:
What AAC is
The difference between PECS and AAC
How to gain more access to AAC
What to use to expand communication if someone does not have...
2023-10-131h 00
Dr Roto Media Network2023 AAC Preview | College Basketball Conference Preview | AAC PredictionsWon & Done is back and continuing our 2023 college basketball conference preview series is our AAC Preview!! We'll cover all 14 teams in the conference, the impact of new coaches, teams leaving through conference realignment, and how the transfer portal will impact each team. We close by ranking each team and filling our AAC tiers before making our predictions for the 2023-24 season.00:30 - 2023 College Basketball Preview01:00 - 2023 AAC Preview01:30 - NCAA Basketball04:28 - Conference Realignment 04:52 - AAC Conference Tournament05:11 - KenPom Metrics05:27 - AAC Headlines06:40 - AAC Impact Players07:29...
2023-09-2849 min
Autism Family Resource30: Communication Devices Part 3: AAC Device Best PracticesCommunication Devises Part 3: AAC Device Best Practices Synopsis: On today's episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene continues his discussion with Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover, Phenix area speech-language pathologists. Lydia and Stacey delve into the significance of communication, the joy of language development, and the transformative power of AAC in the lives of individuals with communication difficulties. This episode, part three of the three-part series, focuses on AAC devices. Guests: Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover are speech-language pathologists based in the Phenix area. They specialize in working...
2023-08-1642 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastRecast: AAC Modeling RoundtableIn this “Recast” episode of Talking with Tech, we share a remastered episode that was previously aired on the podcast. This episode, Chris Bugaj, Rachel Madel, and Lucas Stuber have a roundtable discussion about the key components of aided language stimulation, i.e. modeling. This means that the the communication partner uses the same communication system as the AAC user to model communication exchanges.
Key ideas this week:
🔑 AAC is a visual language, and we can’t expect an AAC user to understand when and how to use AAC if they can’t watch...
2023-08-0938 minAutism Family Resource29: Communication Devices Part 2: Obtaining an AAC DeviceCommunication Devises Part 2: Obtaining an AAC Device Synopsis: On today's episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene continues his discussion with Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover, Phenix area speech-language pathologists, about the process of obtaining Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices in Arizona. This episode, part two of the three-part series, focuses on AAC devices. Guests: Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover are speech-language pathologists based in the Phenix area. They specialize in working with individuals who use AAC in various settings, such as schools and homes. They have experience providing evaluations and...
2023-08-0226 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastRecast: Shaun Pearson & Chris Chicoskikelly: The AAC AgreementsIn this “Recast” episode of Talking with Tech, we share a remastered episode that was previously aired on the podcast. This episode includes Chris Bugaj’s interview with Shaun Pearson and Chris Chichoskikelly about the AAC Agreements, a set of “better” practices around AAC that were crowd sourced from stakeholders in the area of AAC at the ATIA conference in 2016 and 2018. You can learn more about the AAC Agreements here!
Before the interview, Chris Bugaj, Rachel Madel, and Lucas Steuber discuss some of the key beliefs that they have around AAC and how they try and follow t...
2023-07-2758 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastCoaching Call with Sarah Seiger: AAC at a Nonpublic/Nonprofit SchoolThis week, we share Chris’s coaching call with Sarah Seiger! Sarah is an SLP at a nonpublic/nonprofit school in Cleveland, OH that supports students with complex needs from multiple local school districts. Sarah is trying to develop more processes for her school’s efforts to get more students AAC, including questions about trialing, collaboration with teachers, modeling, and more!
Before the interview, Rachel and Chris have a lively chat about Rachel’s social media following, and why Rachel’s analytics indicate that posts supporting literacy for AAC users often do not get as much engag...
2023-06-071h 17Talking With Tech AAC PodcastAlyssa Hillary Zisk and Lily Konyn: Gestalt Language Processing and AACThis week, we present Rachel’s interview with Alyssa Hillary Zisk and Lily Konyn, two autistic part-time AAC users who are members of the AAC Research Team at AssistiveWare. Alyssa and Lily discuss Gestalt Language Processing, including research into using immediate and delayed echolalia for communicative purposes and why research suggests someone being a “gestalt language processor” may be more of a spectrum and less binary. They also share about things that make modeling less effective, including talking while modeling, doing “+1 modeling”, and doing “key word” modeling.
Before the interview, Chris does a banter with Rachel - in a ca...
2023-05-1155 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastDarla Ashton: What Have We Learned About AAC in the Last 10 Years?This week, we share Chris’s interview with Darla Ashton, an Assistive technology Coordinator, Instructional Specialist, and BCBA with Carmel Clay Schools in Indiana! Darla and Chris discuss topics in AAC related to the question, “What do you know now that you didn’t know 10 years ago?” Darla discusses her district’s journey to determine what AAC program to use, Darla’s move away from the “expert model” of AAC assessment, creating an AAC professional learning group in her district, how more BCBAs should collaborate with the team to support AAC, and more!
Before the interview, Chris...
2023-05-051h 07SLP Coffee TalkAAC Everything With A Side of Coffee with Laura HayesReady to learn more about AAC? People can be very intimidated by AAC and this is something I get a lot of questions about from other SLPs. I decided to bring an expert on the topic onto the show to talk about all things AAC so that you can become the best SLP you can be. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Laura Hayes to dive into this topic so we can learn more about AAC, who needs it, teaching students advocacy, and so mu...
2023-02-2031 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastJennifer Hyles: Creating Materials That Better Reflect AAC UsersThis week, Rachel interviews the artist behind the Instagram account @drawntoaac, Jennifer Hyles! Along with being an amazing artist, Jennifer is also an SLP who specializes in supporting AAC users! Jennifer and Rachel talk all about Jennifer’s journey getting started creating Drawn to AAC, why Jennifer was motivated to create clip art that depicts diverse AAC users in a variety of settings, and more!
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel discuss using our client/student’s highly specific interests to create more motivating activities and materials. Rachel shares about one of her clients who is ve...
2023-02-0337 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastChris Klein and Lance McLemore: Creating an AAC-User-Led Conference & NonprofitThis week, Chris and Rachel have asked the amazing Chris Klein and Lance McLemore to “take over” the Talking with Tech podcast! Chris and Lance are experienced AAC users and board members of the nonprofit, ImpAACt Voices (https://www.impaactvoices.org/). Lance and Chris share some of the goals and objectives for ImpAACt Voices, and also relate some of their takeaways from the recent First Annual ImpAACt Voices conference, which focused on helping adult AAC users finding employment and educating the business world at large about AAC!
Key ideas this week:
🔑 ImpAACt V...
2022-12-1421 minThe ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs#102: Strategies for SLP and BCBA Collaboration with AAC (Janna Bedoyan & Morgan van Diepen)Any chance to talk about collaboration, I am all about it! Janna Bedoyan and Morgan van Diepen are experienced members of the autism field. Janna is an NBCT teacher who specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Morgan is a BCBA and autism specialist. As I talk to these two today, their passion is just incredible.Together, Janna and Morgan have just published a new book, AAC Visualized - a visual guide for AAC full of detailed pictures, examples, ideas, and strategies. The mission behind AAC Visualized is to normalize the use of AAC, advocate for acceptance...
2022-12-1333 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastBecca Eisenberg: Using Video Modeling to Teach AAC Communication SkillsThis week on TWT, Rachel interviews SLP and AAC Specialist Becca Eisenberg about her work with older AAC users, including why she created her own YouTube Channel for video modeling called Life Skills to Learn! Becca shares ideas for motivating AAC users, including giving AAC users the freedom to direct therapy in new, more directions that are more interesting to the AAC user.
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel talk about one of Rachel’s older students who is still frequently using the word “potty” to ask to use the bathroom. The AAC user’s therapist...
2022-11-2754 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastJoanna Holmes (Part 2): The Benefits of Open AACThis week, we present Part 2 of Chris and Rachels’ discussion with Joanna Holmes (@mummyvsaac), the mother of Lucy, an AAC user with Emanuel Syndrome. Emanuel Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that disrupts normal development and affects many parts of the body, including the speech mechanism. In Part 2, Chris, Rachel, and Joanna share ideas surrounding the Open AAC movement (openaac.org), including making symbols that are free for everyone to use and allowing “open exports” of vocabulary sets between different AAC software applications.
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel discuss Chris’s frustration with some presenters doing thi...
2022-11-1044 min
Pep Talk Podcast for SLPsHow to Support AAC with a Team Approach (Shannon Archer M.S. CCC-SLP)Earn CE credit here. This program has been approved for 1 clock hours of continuing education credit by the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA). TSHA approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures. TSHA CEU hours can be used as professional development hours for the maintenance of your ASHA certificate of clinical competence (CCC).
Listen, buy quiz (just $8)
A transcript is available for this podcast course. Click here to read the transcript. If you need any additional accommodations please email info@peptalkpodcastforslps.com
Description: This course explains the importance of a...
2022-10-191h 00Talking With Tech AAC PodcastGemma White: Teaching Personal Safety Awareness to AAC UsersThis week, Rachel invites Gemma White back to TWT to talk about personal safety awareness and self advocacy for AAC users. Gemma recently gave a presentation at AAC in the Cloud, “Where is the Penis?: Equipping AAC Users to Discuss Personal Safety Awareness with Personal Safety Curriculum”. Gemma talks about this presentation, why words like “penis” and “vagina” should be in AAC users devices, ways that we can collaborate to support personal safety awareness, and other ways that we can empower AAC users to protect themselves from neglect and abuse.
Before the interview, Rachel and Chris discuss...
2022-09-2959 min
Chào mừng các bạn đến Podcast của GachBeTongNhe! Chuyên gia bê tông siêu nhẹ - bê tông khí chưng áp!Báo giá gạch AAC Viglacera bê tông khí chưng áp chính hãngGạch bê tông khí chưng áp Viglacera hay còn gọi là gạch AAC Viglacera. Đây là sản phẩm gạch xây có trọng lượng siêu nhẹ bằng công nghệ bê tông khí chưng áp. Sản phẩm được sản xuất theo tiêu chuẩn phân khúc cao cấp nhất trong dòng gạch siêu nhẹ bởi thương hiệu quốc gia Viglacera.
Tự hào là thương hiệu quốc gia về vật liệu xây dựng xanh, thân thiện môi trường. Viglacera luôn khôn...
2022-09-2205 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastKim Hurley & Jessica Conrad (Part 2): Involving Stakeholders in the Selection of a Tier 1 AAC SystemThis week, we present Part 2 of Chris’s conversation with Kim Hurley and Jessica Conrad about the Specific Language System First Approach! Kim Hurley is an SLP and AAC Specialist who is considering moving her district to the Specific Language System First Approach. Jessica Conrad is an SLP and AAC Specialist who works for the Indiana PATINS project supporting AAC users and their circle of support. In Part 2, Chris, Kim, and Jessica continue to breakdown some of Kim and Jessica’s concerns with implementing the Specific Language System Approach, including failing to notice when a student needs a more indi...
2022-08-1753 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastBilingüe AAC (Part 2): Taking a Bilingual Approach to AAC ImplementationThis week, we present Part 2 of Rachel’s interview with Alma Partida (@aacforyouandme on Insta), Sarah Lee (@aac_together), Melissa Tapia (@hablame_de_language), and Maria De Leon (@code.switch.slp) about Bilingüe AAC, a platform that supports evidence-based, culturally affirming Spanish AAC. In this segment of the interview, the Bilingüe AAC team provides lots of useful information, including research that supporst bilingualism for AAC users, some of the myths of bilingual AAC, and information you can share with families who are hesitant to teach an AAC user two languages. To listen to Part 1 of this interview, clic...
2022-06-3047 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastBilingüe AAC (Part 1): Conducting Bilingual Family-Based AAC AssessmentsThis week, Rachel interviews Alma Partida (@aacforyouandme on Insta), Sarah Lee (@aac_together), Melissa Tapia (@hablame_de_language), and Maria De Leon (@code.switch.slp) about Bilingüe AAC (www.bilingueaac.com), a platform that supports evidence-based, culturally affirming Spanish AAC. They discuss many aspects of bilingualism and AAC, including core word considerations and strategies for family-based AAC assessment.
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel talk about the difference between “progress” and “success” when we are talking about an AAC user’s communication journey. For some, making progress with using AAC demonstrates success. However, if we are not m...
2022-06-2343 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastMeredith Gohsman (Part 2): Possible Negative Impacts of ASHA AAC CertificationThis week, we hear Part 2 of Dr. Meredith Gohsman's interview with Chris and Rachel! Meredith, Chris, and Rachel reflect on the meeting they attended at the last ASHA convention about ASHA AAC Certification. While previous meetings they attended were more concerned regarding ASHA AAC certification, at ASHA the crowd was more in favor of the certification. Meredith, Chris, and Rachel remain concerned about ASHA AAC certification and discuss some possible negative consequences, including possible impacts on device funding and reducing personal ownership of AAC for some communication partners.
Key ideas this week:
2022-05-2654 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastTracy Kovach: Re-Defining the Role of AAC Specialist (Part 2)This week, we share Part 2 of Chris’s interview with Tracy Kovach! Tracy is an SLP and AAC specialist who has over 30 years of experience with AAC. She shares about helping Bruce Baker organize the Pittsburgh Augmentative and Alternative Language Seminar Series (PALSS), changes we should make to pre-service education (e.g. university classes), how implementation might change with brain-interface systems, and more!
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel answer a Patreon member’s questions about working with students who use AAC in a rural district. This listener had questions about creating a tool to help hi...
2022-03-1658 minSLP Full DisclosureAAC: Incorporating Literacy - Megan Stewart MS, CCC-SLPIn part two of our Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) series, we continue our discussion with special guest Megan Stewart MS, CCC-SLP, shifting focus to incorporating literacy with AAC. On this episode, Megan shares how she began incorporating literacy with AAC, how speech pathologists teach literacy, the differences between emergent and conventional literacy, and more. We Discuss(0:00) Introduction Shenanigans (1:32) How Did Megan Begin Incorporating Literacy With AAC(4:08) How Do Speech Pathologists Teach Literacy (5:56) Shift in Incorporating Literacy With AAC(8:30) How to Start Incorporating Literacy with AAC (20:43) Activities to Incorporate Literacy With AAC(22:45) Differences Between Emergent & Conventional Literacy(27:58) Spec...
2022-01-3138 minSLP Full DisclosureAAC: Evaluations, Rapport Building, Treatment - Megan Stewart MS, CCC-SLPOn our first episode of 2022, we sat down to talk about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Special guest, Megan Stewart MS, CCC-SLP, joined us to share her knowledge about AAC—discussing which individuals benefit most from AAC, rapport building for AAC evaluations, how to plan treatment with an AAC device, and more. This show is made possible by Med Travelers. If you’re interested in exploring a career in allied travel, visit: https://www.medtravelers.com/getting-started/become-an-allied-traveler/to learn more about the nationwide opportunities they have to offer!We Discuss(0:00) Introduction Shenanigans(4:11) Megan's Profes...
2022-01-1755 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingAAC Fall 2021 Environmental & Regulatory ReportAAC’s legal counsel Charlie Simmons discusses his most recent semi-annual Regulatory Report with podcast hosts Mark Spencer, Tej Patel and George Oh. Charlie covers what is in the infrastructure bill making its way through Congress, new trends in PFAS litigation, California’s plans to phase out hex-chrome in metal finishing, intellectual property news, and more in this informative episode.
2021-11-1221 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastLory Chrane: Sowing the Seeds of AAC in UgandaThis week, Chris interviews Lory Chrane, an AAC Specialist and Professor at Abelene Christian University. Chris and Lory talk about how Lory has tried to improve pre-service teaching by involving as much experiential learning as possible, especially in the area of AAC instruction. Lory also describes a mission trip to Uganda to work with Hope Speaks, a nonprofit that supports people who have communication challenges and SLPs in Uganda.
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel connect to talk about slang and AAC, including the slang word “poggers" that Chris learned from his kids. Chris notes how...
2021-10-2845 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastIndia Ochs: Lawyer, Social Justice Advocate, Mother, and AAC UserThis week, Chris interviews the incredible India Ochs! India is a brilliant social justice advocate, lawyer, educator, and board member for USSAAC and ISSAC who is also a lifelong AAC user. India describes her incredible journey with AAC, how she has used her many skills to advocate for social justice, why she volunteers so much of her time to the disabled community, and what she sees are the impacts of systemic racism on the field AAC (e.g. lack of vocabulary words to talk about racism).
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel respond to several c...
2021-09-291h 12The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs#033: AAC and Autism with Anne PageWe should inspire and not require students when on our journey to beginning communication. Anne Page emphasizes this as she joins me today to discuss her role as an Assistive Technology Lead and the importance of how we use AAC with our students. Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) is a tool that can be used for students with varying needs and accesses. We discuss the wide variety of applications on the market for use as AAC. Anne gives us some points of thought for parents and professionals as they are choosing AAC for their students. What are the...
2021-08-1038 minThe ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs#032: AAC and Evidenced Based Practice with Kate GrandboisAAC is a special space that crosses over through many shared professional settings. Kate Granbois joins us on the episode today to talk about her job as an AAC specialist, the ins and outs of Augmentative Alternative Communication, and getting comfortable with the process. Kate warns about her title of “AAC Specialist”, while it's a real job and title, and she holds a lot of knowledge on this topic, it's important for many other professionals in the AAC user’s life to be empowered in this skill set as well.The most important part of AAC is the use...
2021-08-0340 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastJayme Grant: Effective AAC Assessment, Treatment, and Progress Monitoring - Part 2This week, we share Part 2 of Chris’s interview with Jayme Grant. Jayme is an Educational Technology and Assistive Technology Specialist in Beaufort, South Carolina who wanted to interview Chris about AAC and Assistive Technology. In Part 2, Chris and Jayme discuss obtaining funding for AAC and AT, shifting away from a direct therapy model for AAC users, monitoring progress, and more!
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel finish up answering some questions from one of our Patreon users about changing the mindset of AAC communication partners. In this listener’s school district, classroom staff appear more...
2021-07-2251 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastMeryl Schnapp & Mark N. Brown: Becoming a District-Wide AAC Implementation CoachThis week, Chris interviews Meryl Schnapp & Mark N. Brown, AAC Implementation Coaches with Chicago Public Schools. They discuss how the position of AAC Coach was created in their district, why it is so helpful having coaching as a separate position in a school district, what they have learned from instructional coaching research, and more!
Before the interview, Chris talks with Rachel about participating in the recent Greatest International Scavenger Hunt (GISH) mini-hunt. Chris shares some of the unique activities Chris and his family did on their GISH hunt. Chris and Rachel discuss ways that these types o...
2021-06-2359 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastBeth Poss & Tonya Williams-Walker: Improving Equity for AAC UsersThis week, Chris interviews Tonya Williams-Walker and Beth Poss about improving equity for AAC users. Tonya is an Instructional Specialist, AAC Specialist, AAC professor, and SLP. Beth is an author, SLP, AAC Specialist, and Director of Educational Programs for LessonPix. Beth, Toyna, and Chris discuss the meaning of equity, how equity is different from equality, ways that we can improve equity for AAC users, and how they have adjusted their own practices to confront biases surrounding people with complex communication needs.
Before the interview, Rachel and Chris discuss some of Rachel's concerns with the amount of time t...
2021-06-091h 04Talking With Tech AAC PodcastBrittany Dube: Author, YouTuber, and Part-time AAC UserThis week, Rachel has an informative and engaging interview with author, YouTuber, dog trainer, and part time AAC user Brittany Dube! Brittany shares about why she is a part-time AAC user, how parents and others can better support part-time AAC users, and how we can show AAC users the respect they deserve in conversation.
Before the interview, Rachel shares a fascinating story about one of her clients who has improved his verbal speech by watching others model AAC, even when the client doesn’t use AAC himself. Its a great reminder that AAC is an exc...
2021-05-2052 min
SLP NerdcastAAC Evaluation Basics Part 2: The Feature Matching ProcessGet .1 ASHA CEU hereEpisode SummaryAAC evaluations got you reaching for the Advil? Breathe, there’s a framework for that! In this week’s episode, learn how to eliminate the guesswork in AAC system decision-making as Kate and Amy tag-team Part 2 of the AAC Evaluation Basics Series. If you are new to AAC evaluations and haven’t listened to Part 1 in this series, you might want to take a quick detour to set your foundation. If your mindset is in the AAC-foundational principles zone already, jump right in to this week’s meaty dis...
2021-05-091h 30
Another Arbitrary Conversation[16] RTX 3080, Dogecoin & LG GramJust Another Arbitrary Conversation about the silicon chips shortage, laptops, Dogecoin & financial responsibility. Wanna follow AAC on Twitter? Checkout the link! Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaconversation
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2021-05-0228 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastKim Albrecht: Learning to Model AAC as a FamilyThis week, Chris interviews Kim Albrecht, host of the LOMAH podcast and mother of two teenage daughters, one of whom is a minimally-verbal AAC user with autism. Kim shares about how her family came to embrace AAC for her daughter, the importance of siblings and peers modeling AAC, the idea behind the LOMAH podcast, her upcoming podcast series on literacy instruction for people with disabilities, and more!
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel share an excellent idea from TWT listener and Patreon member, Bill Wallace. He suggested using a “sabotage series” -putting desirable items and undes...
2021-04-211h 04
SLP NerdcastAAC Eval Basics Part 1: Foundational KnowledgeGet .1 ASHA CEU hereWhile we both conduct AAC assessments as a core function of our jobs, we found this episode a little challenging to write. Why, you might ask? It was hard to know where to start. There are SO many skills that are encompassed in an effective AAC evaluator. How on earth would we distill all of that information into an hour? Turns out, we couldn’t. After lots of research and discussion we dedicated it was best to explore the vast landscape of AAC evaluations through a series. In this episode, the first in o...
2021-01-031h 10Talking With Tech AAC PodcastCuyahoga AAC Podcast Social Group: Benefits of a District-Wide AAC/AT Social GroupThis week, TWT presents Rachel and Chris’s meet-up with an AAC social group of SLPs and AT specialists in Cuyahoga county in Ohio! Their AAC podcast & research group sets aside time every month to listen and discuss a TWT podcast episode or journal article via Zoom. Rachel and Chris dropped by to connect with them and learn about how they have used the podcast to further AAC in their district. The social group talks about how they formed their group, how Zoom has helped make getting together easier, how helpful learning about AT can be for SLPs, and cre...
2020-11-041h 27
SLP NerdcastAAC Camp: Communication Partners, Language Immersion, and FunGet .1 ASHA CEU hereAs we reviewed in a previous episode, 2020 has thrown us some serious curveballs and forced many of us to quickly learn the ropes of telepractice. For this episode we had the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Nerissa Hall PhD. CCC-SLP, ATP, and Hillary Jellison MS, CCC-SLP, ATP of Commūnicāre, LLC, two incredible and inspiring clinicians who are well seasoned in the telepractice game. Not only are Nerissa and Hillary well versed in tele-AAC, but they created an AAC Camp that also transitioned to a virtual experience in the summer of 2020. We ca...
2020-10-261h 04Talking With Tech AAC PodcastAlexis Martinez & Natalie Fry: Increasing Access to AAC for Grad StudentsThis week, Chris interviews recent SLP graduates Alexis Martinez and Natalie Fry about their experience focusing on AAC in grad school and their thoughts on how AAC instruction and mentorship can be more effective for graduate students in the future.
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel answer a listener question from a parent who has multiple children who use AAC. This parent has one 3-year-old child who uses LAMP Words for Life (WFL), and another child who uses LAMP WFL - Visual Impairment. Chris and Rachel discuss integrating low tech supports into daily routines, placing th...
2020-09-0258 min
SLP NerdcastAAC Basics Part 2: Barriers to and Strategies for Effective ImplementationGet .1 ASHA CEU hereAs promised, here is our second episode on AAC Basics. If you have listened to any of our other episodes you already know that we are passionate about AAC Implementation. As we covered in our Implementation Plans episode, you could have the most appropriate set of AAC tools in the universe, but if they aren’t implemented in a way that supports the needs of the client / student then they are at risk for being abandoned. Our goal for this episode was to try and unpack some realistic barriers to effective implementation.
2020-07-201h 08
SLP NerdcastAAC Basics Part 1: Terminology, Roles, & ResponsibilitiesGet .1 ASHA CEU hereYou just found out you have an AAC user on your caseload - congratulations, get ready to have some fun! If it has been a while since you’ve worked with somebody with complex communication needs (CCN), if you’ve never worked with somebody with CCN, or if you just want a review of the basics - this episode is for you! In this episode we will provide a quick overview of some key terminology and intervention strategies - as well as load you up with resources where you can learn more. This epis...
2020-07-131h 07Talking With Tech AAC PodcastCarson Covey: AAC User and Future SLPThis week, the TWT team presents Chris’s interview with Carson Covey, social media manager & AAC mentor at Jill Tullman & Associates, ambassador with PRC, and AAC user! Carson shares about changing his AAC system to TouchChat; the importance of having his circle of support use his device; updating AAC devices when sheltering at home; and going to school to become an SLP!
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel play AAC Bingo & score themselves on AAC in their lives, including advocating modeling, using low tech AAC, valuing motor planning, and using AAC memes.
Ke...
2020-05-1351 min
SLP NerdcastAAC Implementation PlansGet .1 ASHA CEU hereDISCLAIMER: We got a little sassy in this episode. Contains explicit content.Anyone who works in AAC knows that matching an individual with the right tool is a crucial step to AAC success - but more often than not the success is NOT about having the right tool. Success happens when the tool is implemented in conjunction with a successful teaching procedure consistently across communication partners. There is no better way to make this happen than writing and distributing an implementation plan.Implementation plans come to us from the...
2020-04-271h 03Talking With Tech AAC PodcastATIA 2020 - Part 2: Building AAC Capacity, Dynamic AAC Assessment, Breaking Through Implementation Barriers, and MoreThis week on TWT, we present part 2 of Chris’s interviews from ATIA! Before the interviews, Chris shares even more stories from ATIA. There were two “smackdown” sessions which focus on sharing strategies. biy.ly/appsmack20 gives you links to all of the apps at the App Smackdown, and bit.ly/pdsmackdown20 links to all the strategies discussed at the Professional Development Smackdown. Chris also shares about the AAC Certification town hall, poster sessions on AAC camps, using robots to teach language, updates to the AAC Agreements ranking the evidence behind them, and more!
Interviews this wee...
2020-02-191h 15Talking With Tech AAC PodcastAlyssa Hillary Zisk - Experiences of a Part-Time AAC User Researching and Writing About AACWe need your help to keep Talking with Tech going strong! If you are a loyal listener, please support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech.
This week, the TWT team is excited to share Rachel’s interview with Alyssa Hillary Zisk, an Autistic adult who is a “part-time AAC user” and a previous guest of the pod! Part-time AAC users have the ability to communicate verbally, but there are times when verbal speech is difficult and non-verbal communication is preferred.
Before the interview, Rachel shares about all of her new technology she purchased recently, and shares...
2020-01-1548 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastBrandi Lee Wentland: Strategies for AAC Collaboration with Behavior Analysts, SLPs, & MoreWe need your help to keep Talking with Tech going strong! If you are a loyal listener, please support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech.
This week, Chris interviews SLP & AAC Specialist Brandi Lee Wentland, owner of We Speak AAC! Brandi shares lots of helpful strategies for working with AAC users, including collaborating with other professionals, using a reinforcement matrix, helping others to get started on their AAC journey, and more!
Key ideas this week include:
🔑The cost of agreeing to increase speech therapy minutes can be much greater for a...
2019-10-0851 minTalking With Tech AAC PodcastDana Nieder: Presuming Potential for High-Tech AACThis week, TWT interviews Dana Nieder about her journey as an advocate, writer, AAC specialist, speech-language pathologist, and AAC mom! Dana shares about how she always presumed her daughter’s potential, why she shared about her experiences on blogs and social media, and what her many experiences have taught her about AAC! Dana shares many helpful insights, including:
How to deal with members of the circle of support who believe that an AAC user must “prove” they can use a high-tech device before one is provided to them;
Why parents can be such valuable resources and why they are suc...
2018-11-071h 12Talking With Tech AAC PodcastCarole Zangari: AAC Educator and Co-Founder of Praactical AACRachel, Lucas, and Chris are joined this week by the amazing Carole Zangari! Dr. Zangari, co-founder of the Praactical AAC website and professor of speech-language pathology at Nova Southeastern University, shares some of her ideas about improving the experience for pre-service (i.e., unpaid and new to the field) teachers and SLPs who work with AAC users. The team also discusses the need for greater funding for AAC research, ways that people can get involved in AAC education, and the importance of implementation science. Carole then shares about her journey building Praactical AAC (praacticalaac.com) into one of the most well-known...
2018-07-0352 min
Speech and Language Kids PodcastWhy Use AAC for Toddlers or Children?Why Use AAC for Toddlers or Children?AAC devices are augmentative/alternative communication systems that allow a person to communicate with those around them without speaking. There are many different types of AAC but the most common are high-tech AAC Devices that allow a person to push a button to speak a message. These are helpful for children or adults who have either lost the ability to speak or who are not able to speak well enough to clearly communicate everything that they want to say.
So why would you need to use AAC wi...
2016-10-1025 min