_ By Jackie Edwards, writer_ People with communication difficulties today are fortunate to live in a time when there are so many technological tools to help give them a voice. Yet no matter how good the technology, there are two sides to effective communication, and the benefits of these tools will be lost unless we are pr...

By Jennifer Vallier, MA, CCC-SLP I have 14 delightful nieces and nephews spread between 3 different states, none in Illinois where I live. Visits are extra special, but also pretty short. This makes one particular habit of my nieces especially endearing. The first time I noticed it was a few years back on a weekend visit a...

Jennifer Thomas, EdS, CCC-SLP In my job as a speech therapist and in my new job as a PRC consultant, I meet daily with parents who say, “I know that it will be good for him to be able to use his device to communicate, but I know what he wants when he points.” “I have four other kids and afternoons are cra...

By Angie Sheets Seventeen years ago I began teaching in a centralized, mostly self-contained elementary intense interventions classroom. I was the only teacher in two counties serving in this capacity. Students were bussed in from six different school districts to receive my services. The pressure was on! As a fresh ...

By Jason Smith, PRC Regional Consultant How do I get him to initiate communication with the device? This is a common refrain from parents and caregivers early on in the AAC process. For evaluating therapists and those who consult with them, it can be a rather high-pressure proposition, as you may only have one session in...

By Jordan Hanson, M.S., CCC-SLP from Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center From someone working on AAC with individuals with motor deficits, I find it so important that these individuals receive similar sensory experiences as their neurotypical peers ( hence, my co-workers will often see me running down the halls with my kiddos...