Awe and Wonder Podcast: AAC & AT

In this episode, Staci Neustadt introduces the Neuro Strengths-Based Support for Autism (NSBSA) framework—a revolutionary approach that bridges the communication and perception gap between autistic and non-autistic minds. Staci shares practical strategies for moving away from "fixing" students' problems and toward empowering their independence. Tune in as Staci shares practical tools for fostering...

In this episode we are joined by two incredible guests who bring unique, lived experiences to the conversation: Lexi Ayars and Timothy. 12 year old Lexi, a thoughtful leader and passionate advocate, opens up about her own journey navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual. She shares invaluable advice on how to effectively advocate for others and breaks down the specific qualities that ma...

In this episode, we sit down with Ivanova Smith, a fierce leader in the self-advocacy movement for over a decade and founder of the Nothing About Us Without Us Act. Ivanova opens up about her early years spending five years in a Latvian institution, her adopted family's tireless fight for her to receive a full education, and the isolating experience of being what she calls the "hot potato sped kid...

In this episode, Elizabeth Freund joins us to explore the profound impact of neurodiversity-affirming processes in education and therapy. We dive into the beauty of child-led, exploratory therapy and practical approaches like "strewing," which leverages a student’s natural pattern-seeking strengths to gently introduce new toys and activities. The conversation also highlights how to best support Ge...

Sarah and Brenda are thrilled to be joined by Emily Kircher-Morris, a clinical mental health professional, host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, and co-author of Neurodiversity Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported. Drawing on her unique background as a neurodivergent parent, educator, and counselor, Emily explores how to build truly neurodiversity-aff...

In this episode of the Awe and Wonder Podcast's "Stories of Neurodiversity" series, Brenda and Sarah are thrilled to welcome Mateo Moreno, a passionate advocate who has used AAC since the age of four. Mateo shares his powerful journey navigating the world with his Saltillo NovaChat 8, offering unique insights into disability, inclusion, and the realities of being the only AAC user in the room. Fro...

What does the future of neurodiversity look like? In this episode, Brenda and Sarah sit down with Lauren Enders Gonzales to explore this idea and tackle the hard questions about how we support neurodivergent AAC users. Lauren unpacks how educators and therapists often project their own agendas onto device customization and implementation and shares how we can reintroduce authentic curiosity into o...

In episode S9E1 of the Awe and Wonder Podcast, we sit down with fellow Speech-Language Pathologist Sara Ayars. Sara brings a beautifully unique perspective to the conversation, blending her professional clinical expertise with her personal journey as a parent to a neurodiverse child. She shares actionable, neurodiversity-affirming strategies—like the power of co-regulation and the shift toward dec...

Brad is not just a Neuralink participant; he is currently the only nonverbal communicator among the eleven individuals implanted with this revolutionary brain-computer interface. Living with ALS, Brad has navigated life for years relying on various Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. Join us as Brad shares his extraordinary journey, which is a powerful testament to resilience...

In this episode of the podcast, we bring together parents, an SLP, and incredible teenage AAC users to share how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing their world. We hear from three fantastic guests: Alyssa Reed (teenage AAC user) and her mother, Elizabeth Reed; Trinity Rogers (teenage AAC user) and her SLP, Katelyn Oeser; Josh Pedro, a dad whose daughter, Gena, also uses AAC. Tune in t...

In this episode we sit down with the incredible Mai Ling Chan, CCC-SLP, PMP, co-creator of AI for SLP Facebook group and a person dedicated to connecting and bridging relationships across the industry. We dive into critical updates on how to prompt AI effectively and safely as well as exploring the need to consider how people with disabilities want or don't want to use AI themselves. Tune in to he...

Join us as we talk with Tracy Dabbs, Coordinator of Technology and Innovation for the Burlington-Edison School District in Washington State! If you're a teacher, SLP, or AT specialist, you'll want to grab your notebook. Tracy shares actionable advice and resources on how to effectively support students using AI. She even provides a direct link to her resource website filled with AI tools for educa...

Join us as we speak with Dr. Samuel Sennott, professor of special education at Portland State University and co-creator of the original Proloquo2Go AAC app. Dr. Sennott shares the inspiring story behind creating one of the most widely used Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools. He also dives into the future, discussing how AI could shift deeply ingrained attitude barriers toward A...

Ready to integrate AI into your classroom but don't know where to start? Join us as educator Sharon Redmon offers a practical guide to using artificial intelligence. She shares how she uses ChatGPT to break down a research article and introduces a "4 C's" system for prompt creation. Sharon also discusses how AI can streamline the process of creating educational materials and highlights key guiding...

Tune into our latest episode as we sit down with Chris Gibbons, Senior Vice President of Clinical Education at Smartbox, for a fascinating discussion on the future of assistive technology and AI as an accelerant for learning. We dive into the transformative potential of AI applications in education and for individuals with disabilities, specifically focusing on how AI can enhance communication thr...

Tune in for a fascinating discussion with Dr. Tracy Rackensperger, a public service faculty member at the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) User. Dr. Rackensperger is an expert in AAC, and in this episode, she discusses how AI is creating new opportunities for meaningful inclusion for students with disabi...

Tune in to a conversation with Erin, an expert in literacy and language development and a strong advocate for inclusive schools and communities. As a mother of a now teenager with autism and Angelman syndrome, Erin brings firsthand experience to her work at AssistiveWare. We discuss her journey through early intervention and the special education system, and the AT supports that proved essential f...

Explore the impactful work of Bridget, an SLP at the University of Washington's Experimental Education Unit (EEU), an inclusive early childhood center. Learn how their transdisciplinary approach supports children (birth-kindergarten) with diverse communication needs through collaborative assessment, therapy, and teacher consultation. Bridget shares insights into fostering communication development...

From stay-at-home mom to special education expert, hear how one mother's journey with her daughter, who has CHARGE syndrome, sparked a 21-year career. We delve into her experience as a Speech Therapy Assistant, her Masters in Special Education (Visually Impaired), and her work with children 0-3 and preschool at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind.   Resources: CHARGE Syndrome: https://...

Tune in for a conversation with Cass, a passionate advocate for equity and early access to robust high-tech AAC. As an autistic and ADHD mom of autistic children, she champions neuroaffirming approaches. We explore her personal experiences with AT in early intervention and her dedication to empowering families with the tools they need to thrive.

Ryan joins us to share her journey in early intervention and inclusive education. With a wealth of experience from preschool classrooms to Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), she's dedicated to ensuring all children thrive. Learn about her impactful work with the Preschool Inclusion Champions Network and her insights on the power of collaboration and assistive techn...

As a speech-language pathologist with 20 years of experience, specializing in early intervention, and a device representative for PRC-Saltillo, Shari brings a unique perspective. Hear her personal story of navigating her own children's communication journeys – the struggle of getting a device for her 8-year-old, and her youngest daughter who began using AAC at just 13 months. Discover how her prof...

Join us as Rebecca shares her journey after her daughter Maeve's diagnosis of Joubert syndrome at just four months old. Discover how occupational therapist Mimi and cTVI Jillian stepped in, working alongside Rebecca to find and implement crucial assistive technology, opening up a world of communication and access for Maeve.

Tara and Shelly, a parent and educator team, founded Roots2Wings Family Group to support families of children with disabilities across Washington state. Their organization bridges a crucial gap by offering online training sessions and coordinating in-person events where parents can connect with multiple agencies under one roof to access essential resources and information. Acronyms used: ABA: Appl...

Fran McCarthy has dedicated her career to championing students' needs in education. Her recent role as Executive Director of Student Support Services at Northwest Washington Educational Service District reflects her commitment to student advocacy. She is particularly passionate about fostering inclusive educational environments, implementing Universal Design for Learning principles, and developing...