This 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 the spot! Chris and Rachel talk about how fun the tool is, and Rachel reflects on some of the motivating therapy lessons that she can create with this tool!
Key Ideas this Week:
🔑 To AAC users, Dr. Chung says: don’t shy away from becoming activists. It is more than about speaking up, it’s about sharing your lived experiences and pushing towards a world that is inclusive for all. Each story we share, every obstacle we tackle, it expands the realm of understanding and acceptance.
🔑 To family members of AAC Users, Dr. Chung says: be a voice for your loved ones, ensuring they are heard in every space. It’s about empowering AAC users and their right to communicate themselves and making their own decisions. It’s crucial to respect and support their preferred method of communicating - this is a deep form of respect that lets them know you see and support them.
🔑 To service providers, Dr. Chung says: please listen to AAC users. Implementing AAC for someone needs to be a collaborative journey you embark on together. Involving AAC users in every step of the process is essential. This partnership ensures that AAC solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each user, fostering a more effective and empowering communication experience.
Links from This Week’s Episode:
NAACA Communication Access Video
Suno.com: Online AI Song Generator
Karina Carter & Nicole Young: Teaching Language to AAC Users with Horses
Elisa Wern - The Importance of Including OTs During AAC Consideration & Implementation
Fairfax County Public Schools AT Team: Celebrating the Life of AAC Specialist Jeff Powers
Chantelle Hutchinson: Supporting Adult AAC Users with Acquired Brain Injuries
Tiffany Joseph (Part 2): The Use of Gestalts in Acquiring Language as a Part-Time AAC User
Tiffany Joseph (Part 1): Educating and Supporting AAC Users as a Part-Time AAC User
Bob Sagoo: Empowering an AAC User as a Parent
Beth Moulam & Joanna Holmes: Recognizing AAC Users as Multimodal Communicators
Daniel O'Connor & Bradley Heaven: Creators of All Access Life, an Adaptive Product Nonprofit
Breea Rosas: Neurodivergent Affirming Practices for School-Based Practitioners
Kelley Coleman - Pushing Back Against an Incorrect AAC Evaluation
Heidi Rabe - Supporting Switch Use for Clients with Complex Physical Needs
Caitlin Armstrong: Writing a Persuasive AAC Initiative Proposal for School District Admins
Rachel Madel & Chris Bugaj: ATIA Recap 2024 (Part 2)
Rachel Madel & Chris Bugaj: ATIA 2024 Recap (Part 1)
Mercy Wolverton: Solving Real-World Problems with 3D Printers
Aaron Marsters: Supporting Assistive Technology for Students on US Military Bases Across Europe
Talking With Tech's 300th Episode/1 Million Downloads Celebration
Meredith Hankins, Morgan Payne, & Susan Lee - Creating a ”Girl Talk” AAC Social Group
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