To learn more about Nicole and download the freebies, visit www.childled.org     In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses her unpopular opinion regarding AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and emphasizes the importance of personalization, motor planning, and empowering teams to engage with AAC devices. She challenges the notion that AAC programming should be left solely to specialists and advocates for a more inclusive approach that encourages collaboration among all team members. Nicole shares her experiences with a new student and highlights the significance of having a well-programmed AAC device that reflects the child's interests. She concludes by offering insights into her programming approach, which focuses on minor tweaks rather than extensive programming. In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of personalizing AAC devices for children, emphasizing the need for individualized programming that reflects the child's preferences and relationships. She advocates for collaborative approaches to programming, utilizing technology for training and support, and establishing a point person for AAC programming within teams. Casey highlights the significance of empowering all team members to engage with AAC devices, ensuring that communication remains accessible and effective for children.   Takeaways:

• Nicole believes that AAC programming should not be intimidating or exclusive to specialists.
• Personalization in AAC devices is crucial for effective communication.
• Motor planning is essential for AAC users to communicate efficiently.
• Empowering all team members to engage with AAC devices enhances communication.
• Celebrating small efforts in AAC programming can lead to significant progress.
• The traditional specialist model can create barriers to AAC access.
• Understanding a child's interests can guide effective AAC programming
• We are not gatekeepers, we're guides.
• Programming doesn't need to be all by one person.

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