Talking With Tech AAC Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Mo Buti: Tips for Writing IEPs and Working With IEP Teams Mar 20, 2019

Show notes

This week, Rachel and Chris connect with Chris’ wife, Melissa Bugaj to talk about what makes a successful IEP meeting! Melissa is Dean of Special Education at Loudoun Valley High School and has lots to share about effective meetings, including the need for open and transparent communication, the importance of agendas, and why involving parents before the IEP meeting is so important! Rachel also shares about her experiences with IEP meetings, and why, whenever possible, Rachel tries to talk with a student during an IEP meeting rather than about him or her.

Following this discussion, Chris interviews Mo Buti! Mo is an advocate and instructional advocate who works with school districts and families to ensure free and appropriate public education for students with a variety of disabilities and special needs. Mo is an expert in the IEP process, and provides amazing advice about a wealth of subjects related to IEPs, including writing measurable goals, using the word “benefit” vs “require”, and the power of active listening!

Links:

Find out more about Mo Buti at her website: https://www.aiepautism.com

Rachel’s recommended video messaging app: Marco Polo

Melissa’s book recommendation: Guide to Collaboration for IEP Teams by Nicholas R.M. Martin

Building a State-Level AAC Organization with Mike Hipple, Jennifer Schubring, Kelsey Osten, & Sharon Redmon Mar 12, 2019

Show notes

On this week’s episode Rachel talks about her impromptu solo trip to Hawaii and how she balanced both disconnecting with technology and using technology to keep her connected to friends and family. Chris opens up a broader discussion about productivity hacks and minimalism with therapy materials.

In this week’s interview, Chris talks with four members of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Regional Network (WATRN) about creating a grassroots community to support AT & AAC. The four guests this week are WATRN Founder Mike Hipple and SLP/AT Specialists Jennifer Schubring, Kelsey Osten, and Sharon Redmon. They talk about how the defunding of Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) inspired them to start a grassroots organization, WATRN, to meet the need for AT & AAC education and support in Wisconsin. Along with sharing information across the state, WATRN brings regional groups together to meet, share knowledge, and raise awareness about issues related to AAC!

Don’t forget to join the TWT FB Group where we will reveal the topic of the Live Event on March 31st 8:00 EST/ 5:00 PST!

Also, be sure not to miss Rachel’s course in the free Special Apps Update Conference taking place on March 27th at 8:00 EST/5:00 PST. You can sign up for free at www.specialappsupdate.com with the code: XEDSAU19.

We want to know what you think! You can connect with us on Twitter and Instagram (@talkingwithtech)! Also, please subscribe and post a review for us on iTunes - it helps others to find us!

Links:

Wisconsin AAC Network: www.wisconsinaacnetwork.org

Sarah Whyte: AAC for Adults with Neurogenic Communication Disorders Mar 05, 2019

Show notes

On this week’s episode of Talking with Tech, Rachel interviews Sarah Whyte, a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) specializing in AAC & AT for the adult neurogenic population. Sarah has instructed the AAC course at Vanderbilt University and led the AAC program for outpatient neurogenic rehabilitation at Vanderbilt Medical Center. She has presented on numerous occasions about AAC for the adult neurogenic population, including acute-care patients, ALS patients, and aphasia patients.

Before the interview, Chris shares an experience from work with a colleague about an eye tracking system. Rachel and Chris then briefly discuss end of life care and AAC for populations with regressing communication and motor skills. They also touch on grief and the counseling component involved in both children and adults with complex communication needs.

Links:

For Sarah's webinar on managing communication deficits with ALS patients, go to speechpath.com.

Interested in earning CEU’s by listening to “Talking With Tech”? Check out our course at bit.ly/twtcorepd.

How to Teach "More", Involve Siblings With AAC, and Other Listener Questions Feb 26, 2019

Show notes

On this week’s episode, Rachel, Chris and Lucas answer listener questions for a second time! Topics include ideas for teaching the word “more," how to get siblings/peers involved in therapy, and how we can support AAC curriculum for home-schooled students!

Interested in earning CEU’s by listening to “Talking With Tech”? Check out our course at bit.ly/twtcorepd.

Kelly Fonner: All About PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display) Feb 19, 2019

Show notes

On this week’s episode Rachel and Chris discuss all things related to access with their special guest, Kelly Fonner. Chris talks about his book heading up the charts and Rachel and Chris discuss their most recent webinar, “ABC’s of AAC”.

During Chris’ interview with Kelly, they talk about PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display). PODD is a unique type of AAC system where the vocabulary is organized according to pragmatic functions. This type of system is particularly useful for children with limited access or those who might benefit from partner-assisted communication.

Links:

Rachel & Chris’s Course “ABCs of AAC”: https://xceptionaled.com/course/abcs-of-aac/

We Speak PODD YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfvD20l2wn-fS2Ar4bdTXZg

Kelly Fonner: www.kellyfonner.com

Interviews from ATIA & FETC: Christine Baudin of "AAC for the SLP", Michael Dicpinigaitis & Mike Marotta Feb 12, 2019

Show notes

On this week’s episode, Chris talks about his recent tour of the FETC and ATIA conference circuit. Rachel and Chris discuss what it’s like preparing for a big presentation and how to get participants engaged in the material.

In this week’s interviews, Chris has the pleasure of speaking with Christine Baudin (creator of the Facebook Group: “AAC for the SLP”). Chris also talks with amazing high schooler Michael Dicpinigaitis of Jericho Adapts Toys. Finally, Chris speaks with inclusive technology specialist Mike Marotta. Mike shares about his podcast, Inclusive Technology for All, his favorite Chrome extensions, and why Google Keep may be his favorite part of the "G Suite".

Links:

AAC for the SLP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1539830846285663/

Jericho Adapts Toys: www.jerichoadaptstoys.org

Mike Marotta, ATP: www.MMATP.com and @MMATP on Twitter

Carly Hynes: AAC Implementation Ideas for the Classroom Feb 05, 2019

Show notes

This week on Talking with Tech, Chris and Rachel talk about data management tools and technology that allows open lines of communication between caregivers, therapists, and parents. The TWT team also discusses the power of video clips for data collection, evidence of progress and team communication. Rachel mentions her latest obssession with the website “Loom” for video hosting and sharing. Chris and Rachel also mention a future “Listener Questions Answered” episode and ask listeners to send in their questions and comments and how to start earning CEU’s for listening to “Talking with Tech” podcast at bit.ly/twtcorepd.

On this week’s interview, Rachel speaks with Carly Hynes, a teacher from Liverpool who discusses AAC implementation in the classroom. Carly discusses her journey from one student with complex communication needs to now having over seventeen students currently at her school. She talks about managing multiple devices and team communication for each of her students. Carly describes her modified core word classroom approach and advocates for communication throughout all activities during the day. Rachel and Carly also discuss student motivation, following their line of interest, and why lesson plans need to stay flexible.

For more about Carly Hynes, check out her instagram at: www.instagram.com/sandfieldparkschool/

We want to know what you think! You can connect with us at our Facebook group Talking with Tech, on Twitter, and Instagram (@talkingwithtech)! Also, please subscribe and post a review for us on iTunes- it helps others to find us!

Jason Lehmbeck: Co-Founder of Special X & Parent of Child with CCN Jan 29, 2019

Show notes

Interested in earning CEU’s for this podcast? Check out the course at bit.ly/twtcorepd.

In this week’s episode, Chris and Rachel talk about balancing administrative tasks, service delivery and direct communication with parents and caregivers. Chris discusses ATIA and a session called “AAC Spotlight” where clinicians get a chance to present a problem with AAC implementation and then discuss different possible solutions. The TWT team discusses therapist and educator transitions that happen when a student progresses through their education, and how parents can help maintain effective services during and after these changes. Chris mentions several easy online tools (piktochart.com and easel.ly) for making infographics as well. To conclude, Chris and Rachel describe how future SLPs can participate in the SLP2B conference presented by XceptionalED (xceptionaled.com/slp2b), and how to earn CEU’s for the “Talking with Tech” podcast at bit.ly/twtcorepd.

Next, Rachel interviews Jason Lehmbeck, an app developer and parent of a child with complex communication needs! Rachel and Jason discuss Special X, his new online pilot platform that acts as a child’s digital binder for parents to keep all important documents together. Jason has also created a team to interact with parents in order to help them navigate and better collaborate with educators, therapists, and government agencies. Jason hosts a podcast, “Who Lives Like This” with Elizabeth Aquino, that focuses on issues relevant to caregivers, advocates, and furthering disability rights (wholiveslikethispodcast.com). During the interview, Jason discusses a therapist that took extra time to discover his son’s motivations and preferences, and how that positively impacted speech therapy for their son. Rachel and Jason also talk about how SLPs can help parents “see the future” in their children’s communication.

Bonus - For a free AAC Transitions worksheet by TWT's Michaela Ball, visit https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/AAC-Transition-Sheet-4342513

Michael Biel: Motivation and How It Can Influence AAC User Engagement Jan 22, 2019

Show notes

Interested in earning CEU’s for this podcast? Check out the course at bit.ly/twtcorepd!

This week, Chris and Rachel talk about how to engage AAC users, improve their motivation, and why clinicians, not users, should be responsible for creating highly motivating activities. Rachel discusses how to utilize the iPad and augmented reality during therapy to create communication opportunities. The team also describes how to earn CEU’s for the “Talking with Tech” podcast (learn more at bit.ly/twtcorepd)!

In this week’s interview, the TWT team talks with Dr. Michael Biel, Speech-Language Pathologist and professor at California State University, Northridge. Dr. Biel describes how he became interested in motivation for rehabilitation and how he can create treatment opportunities that engage clients and motivate them to persist in their efforts over time.

Next, Dr. Biel discusses Self-Determination Theory and how it applies to therapy. He also discusses how therapists can help motivate a client to make lasting changes to their behavior (e.g., changing how we ask a client what they want to accomplish in therapy). Dr. Biel discusses how to create an environment with clients where they feel they can be honest and genuine without repercussions or judgment. Dr. Biel then addresses the question of “How do I motivate my student when my student doesn’t seem to be motivated by anything?” The terms intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are defined and discussed, as well as the difference between engagement and empowerment. Respecting the autonomy of others is mentioned as a culminating point.

Russell Cross of PRC: How Combining Core Words Into "Phrasal Verbs" Can Boost Your Client's Vocabulary Jan 15, 2019

Show notes

This week, the TWT team interviews Russell Cross of the Prentke Romich Company! Russell is one of the authors of the Unity language system that’s been embedded in all PRC devices since 1996 and has spent over 30 years working in the field of AAC!

Before the interview, Rachel and Chris discuss two of the important ideas covered in the interview: "phrasal verbs" and "key words". Phrasal verbs are essentially combinations of verbs with small words that, in combination, mean something new (e.g., "get up," means something very different than "get"). Chris and Rachel discuss how a "core word of the week" approach doesn't usually emphasize combined words, and how explicit instruction on combining core words AAC users already know can be a great way to build more vocabulary.

Rachel and Chris also talk about "key words", another idea discussed by Russell in the interview. "Key words" are the core and fringe words that are important to a particular person at a particular time. For example, "Santa" is a word that may only be important for a particular time of year, and the name of a person's dog is usually more important to the owner. Teaching key words may help build functional vocabulary in a more personalized and motivating way.

Rachel shares her experiences in the schools recently, including her efforts to find time to teach core words, her challenges with "pushing in" to classrooms for therapy, and the impact of teacher and aide turnover in the classroom. Chris and Rachel discuss the importance of finding small opportunities in the school day to teach core words, and how "finding time in between the lesson" can provide for more language learning opportunities without removing any other instruction.
Next, Chris talks with Russell Cross about phrasal verbs, key words, and his experiences at PRC, including helping to develop the Unity language system. First, Russell shares about why the biggest cost of an AAC solution is almost always going to be the costs related to learning the device and help with implementation, not the cost of the device itself. Even if you provide a device to a student, they will not usually learn it without help and instruction. Second, Russell and Chris talk more in-depth about phrasal verbs and how they can be used to boost vocabulary. Finally, Russell discusses the concept of “key words” and why they can be so useful and motivating in vocabulary development!

Links:

Phrasal Verbs: Usage and Acquisition By Emilie Riguel: http://bit.ly/phrasalverbsacquisitionresearch

28 ways to Boost your Client’s Vocabulary by Speech Dudes: https://speechdudes.wordpress.com/tag/phrasal-verb/

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Talking With Tech AAC Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected