In episode 24, I have the pleasure of interviewing Rachel Madel M.A.,CCC-SLP. Rachel is an LA-based speech-language pathologist dedicated to coaching parents and professionals on incorporating technology to best support speech and language development. Rachel presents both nationally and abroad on the use of augmentative alternative communication (AAC) for children with complex communication needs and coaches clinicians, teachers, and parents on integrating technology in classrooms and at home to support

communication. She co-hosts a weekly podcast called "Talking With Tech" and creates educational resources, therapy materials, and training videos to help support parents and professionals.

In this episode, Rachel Madel and I talk about:

• The definition of AAC

• Modeling without expectation

• Presuming competence

• Why kids don't have to "prove they are ready" for AAC

• Different types of AAC

• How to get "buy-in" with AAC

Links Related To This Week's Episode:

• Rachel's Free Resource Library

• AAC Ally Course

• Talking With Tech Podcast

• Rachel's Instagram

• Rachel's Website

• Rachel's TikTok

You may also be interested in these supports:

• Visual Support Starter Set

• Visual Supports Facebook Group

• Autism Little Learners on Instagram

• Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Submit a question for the Q&A episodes. Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!