This week, we have the privilege of presenting Rachel’s interview with Hannah Foley, a senior at University of Illinois who is pursuing a career in Assistive Technology & AAC. Hannah has cerebral palsy and is an incredible adult AAC user who works as an ambassador for Saltillo!
Before the interview, Rachel & Chris talk about Christine Derse’s article, A Call for Consistency in AAC Picture Systems. Rachel and Chris discuss their agreement that using different symbols sets can be confusing at times, but note it isn’t clear a universal symbol set would lead to better modeling. For example, adults often use labels, rather than pictures, when modeling, and once a motor plan is in place the pictures become less important.
Key ideas this week:
🔑 Initially, Hannah was against using AAC because she felt her dedicated device was unsightly and it made her feel even more different. Working with Matt Baud, she came to see the importance of communication for her independence and started using an iPad.
🔑 Response time is incredibly important when communicating with an AAC user - it is critical that we give enough time to respond and become comfortable with silence.
🔑 People often assume that Hannah is intellectually impaired, can’t go to college, or manage her care independently because she uses AAC. This is, of course, totally incorrect!
We need help from our listeners to keep Talking with Tech going - please support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech.
Visit bit.ly/twtpod for access to previous episodes, resources, and CEU credits that you can earn for listening to TWT episodes!
Resources
Small Talks with Erin Sheldon, Kelly Fonner, Lance McLemore, & Mo Buti
Brian Whitmer: Supporting Open & Free AAC Symbols, Communication Boards, & More
Alyssa Hillary Zisk: Adults With Autism Who Use AAC Part-Time
Carly Stoltenberg: An SLP’s Journey Recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (Part 2)
Carly Stoltenberg: An SLP's Journey Recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (Part 1)
Charlie Danger: Working with AAC Users From Different Cultures
Researching AAC Teaching Methods with Shannon Graham, Courtney Kaczmarek, Lizzie Llewellyn, and Payton Yates
Melanie Pensak: How Mindfulness Can Promote Joy, Prevent Burnout & Improve Therapy
Facebook Live with Matt Hott: ASHA's AAC Clinical Specialty Certification (Part 2)
Facebook Live with Matt Hott: ASHA's AAC Clinical Specialty Certification (Part 1)
Katya Hill: Developing an ASHA Specialty Certification for AAC
Lance McLemore: Learning to Become a Proficient AAC User
Mo Buti: Tips for Writing IEPs and Working With IEP Teams
Building a State-Level AAC Organization with Mike Hipple, Jennifer Schubring, Kelsey Osten, & Sharon Redmon
Sarah Whyte: AAC for Adults with Neurogenic Communication Disorders
How to Teach "More", Involve Siblings With AAC, and Other Listener Questions
Kelly Fonner: All About PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display)
Interviews from ATIA & FETC: Christine Baudin of "AAC for the SLP", Michael Dicpinigaitis & Mike Marotta
Carly Hynes: AAC Implementation Ideas for the Classroom
Jason Lehmbeck: Co-Founder of Special X & Parent of Child with CCN
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Teachers Talk Radio
LifeBlood
Navigating Life After 40
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast