Welcome back to TCNJ AT Talks for our Season 2 Finale! Hosts Brian Kenyon, Vanessa Lombardo, and Madison Bronstein look back at an incredible season, celebrating the golden threads of innovation, advocacy, and accessibility that connected all of our episodes.

In this complete recap, we discuss the powerful stories of self-advocacy and user-led innovation from guests like Jessica Smith and Carmelys Vincent, emphasizing that the best innovators are often the AT users themselves. We revisit our deep dives into systemic accessibility, reviewing Janet DeSenzo’s breakdown of Title II ADA updates and the importance of WCAG's POUR principles. We also highlight how tools like Jessica Lax’s ASPYIR bridge the transition from high school to adult life and share the inspiring home-front advocacy of families like the Ventarolas and the Stiers. Finally, we wrap up the season with the ultimate trivia game: the "Season 2 Super Showdown!".

Show Notes

Meet the Hosts:

• Brian Kenyon, Assistive Technology Specialist & Owner of Kenyon Learning and Consulting LLC

• Vanessa Lombardo, M.Ed., ATP, Project Director of the Assistive Technology Center at TCNJ

• Madison Bronstein, M.S. CCC-SLP, ATP, Speech-Language Pathologist, TCNJ AT Center

Season 2 Highlights & Guests Referenced:

• Self-Advocacy & Innovation: Featuring Jessica Smith (E1) on First Responder Communication Boards; Carmelys Vincent (E5) on professional self-advocacy; and Michael Fondacaro (E3) and the Camp Chatterbox team on the lifelong facilitation of AAC and the importance of "wait time".

• Systemic Accessibility & Compliance: Featuring Janet DeSenzo (E2) on demystifying Title II of the ADA and the POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust); and Jessica Lax (E7) on the free, customizable transition planning tool, ASPYIR.

• Family Journey: Featuring Kim and Dominick Ventarola (E4) on navigating Malan Syndrome and early AT integration; and Megan and Mila Stier (E6) on building a supportive "tribe" for early independence.

Resources & Links:

• None

Reach out to the Show:

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

• Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

• Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

Listen and Connect:

• Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

• Email: [email protected] 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj/ 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM 

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 

• YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2 

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

Welcome back to TCNJ AT Talks! In this episode, we are joined by Jessica Lax, Youth Practice Group Advocate at Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ).

We explore the powerful idea that successful transition is about building agency, confidence, and continuity for young people with disabilities as they move from K-12 education to adult life. Through a deep dive into DRNJ's free transition planning tool, ASPYIR, we highlight how assistive technology becomes a bridge between K–12 support and the real‑world demands of college, employment, and independent living.

Show Notes

Meet the Guest

• Jessica Lax is the Assistive Technology Advocate at the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center of Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ), the state's designated Protection and Advocacy system for people with disabilities. She is a passionate advocate focused on transition-age youth, ensuring students are equipped with essential tools for their shift to young adult life. She was instrumental in the rollout and support of ASPYIR, a transition planning tool that empowers students to take the lead in planning their futures.

Resources & Links:

• Access the ASPYIR Tool: https://disabilityrightsnj.org/aspyir/ 

• Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ): https://disabilityrightsnj.org/ 

• The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC): https://at4nj.org/ 

Reach out to the Show:

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

• Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

• Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

Listen and Connect:

• Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

• Email: [email protected] 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj/ 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM 

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 

• YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2 

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/ 

This episode, "Small Tools, Big Independence: Navigating the World with Mila & Megan Stier," features a powerful conversation with 2nd-grade student Mila Stier, a "Tech Pro," and her mom and advocate, Megan Stier. The discussion focuses on the evolution of assistive technology (AT) from early childhood through elementary school, emphasizing student autonomy and the crucial role of family advocacy. Megan shares advice for parents navigating the IEP process—stressing the need to "build your tribe" and partner with the school district—while Mila details her "tech toolbox," including her iPad, and how she uses accessibility tools for independence in the classroom. The episode concludes with the "Superpower Search" game, where Mila identifies AT features as her superheroes, and Megan shares inspirations for the future, including advocates Judie Human, Anthony Ferraro, and Molly Burke.

Show Notes

Meet the Guests

• Mila Stier: A 7-year-old 2nd-grade student with a visual impairment who uses technology to find creative ways to do things independently. Mila shares her perspective on using accessibility tools like her iPad every day for reading and writing.

• Megan Stier: Mila's mom, an advocate, and an everyday problem-solver. She shares her real-world insight into how assistive technology shapes a child’s independence, inclusion, and confidence at school, offering advice to parents who are navigating the IEP process.

Resources & Links

• Advocacy Inspirations & Community

• Judie Human - Crip Camp Documentary (Megan's biggest inspiration) - https://judithheumann.com/cripcamp/ 

• Anthony Ferraro - Blind Skateboarder, Paralympic Athlete, Musician - @asfvision on Socials

• Molly Burke - Blind Make-Up Influencer - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwf9TcLyS5KDoLRLjke41Hg 

• Facebook: Recommended for community networking and finding other people in that space.

Reach out to the Show

Have a question about the intersection of AT, mental health, or advocacy? We'd love to hear from you!

• Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi

• Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27

Listen and Connect

• Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ

• Email: [email protected]

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

This episode, "Advocacy to get the AT you need for work and life with Carmelys Vincent", features Carmelys Vincent, an advocate and mental health professional. The conversation explores the intersection of accessibility and mental health and the critical role of advocacy in transitioning from high school to college and the workforce. Carmelys shares how she advocates for her needs, detailing the assistive technology she uses daily for work, such as Otter AI (HIPAA Compliant) for generating client notes (therapy notes AI), and her use of speech-to-text in the Notes App. The episode concludes with a game called "Wait, Wait... Don't Help Me!" which tests knowledge on how everyday items originated as assistive technology.

Show Notes

Meet the Guest

• Carmelys Vincent: Advocate for people with disabilities and a mental health professional. Carmelys shares her expertise on self-advocacy for AT in work and life, emphasizing the principle "Closed mouths don’t get fed". She discusses her work with state agencies like New Jersey DVRS and her involvement with numerous community organizations, including the NJ Council for DDD, NJ APSE, Rutgers Boggs Center, and the Rutgers Community Education Living Project.

Resources & Links

• Carmelys Vincent Contact

• Email: [email protected]

• Google Voice: 973 440 5907

• Assistive Technology & Organizations Featured

• Otter AI (HIPPA Compliant): https://otter.ai/blog/otter-ai-achieves-hipaa-compliance

• The Youversion Bible App: https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

• NJ APSE: https://apse.org/chapter/new-jersey/

• Rutgers Community Education Living Project: https://clep.rutgers.edu/

• Other Organizations: NJ Council for DDD, Rutgers Boggs Center, Group Home Board

Reach out to the Show

Have a question about the intersection of AT, mental health, or advocacy? We'd love to hear from you!

• Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi

• Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27

Listen and Connect

• Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ

• Email: [email protected]

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

This episode, "Advocacy to get the AT you need for work and life with Carmelys Vincent", features Carmelys Vincent, an advocate and mental health professional. The conversation explores the intersection of accessibility and mental health and the critical role of advocacy in transitioning from high school to college and the workforce. Carmelys shares how she advocates for her needs, detailing the assistive technology she uses daily for work, such as Otter AI (HIPAA Compliant) for generating client notes (therapy notes AI), and her use of speech-to-text in the Notes App. The episode concludes with a game called "Wait, Wait... Don't Help Me!" which tests knowledge on how everyday items originated as assistive technology.

Show Notes

Meet the Guest

• Carmelys Vincent: Advocate for people with disabilities and a mental health professional. Carmelys shares her expertise on self-advocacy for AT in work and life, emphasizing the principle "Closed mouths don’t get fed". She discusses her work with state agencies like New Jersey DVRS and her involvement with numerous community organizations, including the NJ Council for DDD, NJ APSE, Rutgers Boggs Center, and the Rutgers Community Education Living Project.

Resources & Links

• Carmelys Vincent Contact

• Email: [email protected]

• Google Voice: 973 440 5907

• Assistive Technology & Organizations Featured

• Otter AI (HIPPA Compliant): https://otter.ai/blog/otter-ai-achieves-hipaa-compliance

• The Youversion Bible App: https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

• NJ APSE: https://apse.org/chapter/new-jersey/

• Rutgers Community Education Living Project: https://clep.rutgers.edu/

• Other Organizations: NJ Council for DDD, Rutgers Boggs Center, Group Home Board

Reach out to the Show

Have a question about the intersection of AT, mental health, or advocacy? We'd love to hear from you!

• Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi

• Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27

Listen and Connect

• Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ

• Email: [email protected]

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

Welcome to AT Talks for Part 2 of "Rare Diagnosis, Big Impact: Navigating Malan Syndrome."

Part 2 dives into Dominick’s world as an Assistive Technology User. He describes his 'Tech Toolbox,' detailing how he uses the Chameleon braille display and Siri. The conversation then shifts to Community & Inclusion, highlighting Dom's success as a gold-medal Special Olympics swimmer and Kim's local advocacy work as President of the Old Bridge Special Education PTA. Finally, the episode concludes with a fun game of 'AT Detective' where the guests put their knowledge of assistive tools to the test, and Kim shares essential advice for parents who are on their own diagnostic journey.

Show Notes

Meet the Guests

• Kim Ventarola: Special Education Teacher and Co-founder/President of the Malan Syndrome Foundation. With over 20 years of experience, Kim co-founded the international foundation after her son’s 2015 diagnosis to establish a global standard of care and serves as President of the Old Bridge Special Education PTA.

• Malan Syndrome Foundation

• Website: malansyndrome.org

• Email: [email protected]

• Assistive Technology Featured

• Chameleon 20 Braille Display: aph.org/product/chameleon-20/

Reach out to the Show

Have a question about AAC, recreational therapy, or a challenge you're facing? We'd love to hear from you!

• Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

• Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ 

• Email: [email protected] 

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

Welcome to AT Talks for Part 1 of "Rare Diagnosis, Big Impact: Navigating Malan Syndrome." Hosts Brian Kenyon and Madison Bronstein welcome Kim Ventarola, a special education teacher and President of the Malan Syndrome Foundation, and her son, Dominick "Dom" Ventarola, a determined 10-year-old student and gold-medal Special Olympics swimmer. The episode starts by introducing the guests through Rapid Fire Rounds. The conversation then moves into Kim's experience as both a teacher and a parent, detailing the two-year search that led to Dom's Malan Syndrome diagnosis at CHOP. She explains how the condition affects the body and discusses her motivation for co-founding the international Malan Syndrome Foundation to establish a global standard of care.

Show Notes

Meet the Guests

• Kim Ventarola: Special Education Teacher and Co-founder/President of the Malan Syndrome Foundation. With over 20 years of experience, Kim co-founded the international foundation after her son’s 2015 diagnosis to establish a global standard of care and serves as President of the Old Bridge Special Education PTA.

• • Dominick "Dom" Ventarola: 5th Grade Student, AT User, and Gold-Medal Special Olympics Swimmer. Dom is a determined 10-year-old with Malan syndrome, known for his big personality, humor, and independence. He has competed in three state championships in swimming.

  
  

  Resources & Links

• Malan Syndrome Foundation

• Website: malansyndrome.org

• Email: [email protected]

• Assistive Technology Featured

• Chameleon 20 Braille Display: aph.org/product/chameleon-20/

Reach out to the Show

Have a question about AAC, recreational therapy, or a challenge you're facing? We'd love to hear from you!

• Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

• • Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

  
  

  Listen & Connect

• Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ 

• Email: [email protected] 

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

Welcome back to AT Talks for Part 4, the final installment of our series featuring the team from Camp Chatterbox.

This segment kicks off with the game "Campfire Truths" (AAC Mythbusters), where the team separates True Tales from Ghost Stories about AAC use and the Camp Chatterbox experience. The episode concludes with with final thoughts from all guests and hosts, resources for learning more about Camp Chatterbox and Michael Fondacaro's organization, Beyond the Chair, and final reminders to subscribe and connect with the TCNJ AT Center.

Note to Listeners: Since Michael is an AAC user, some of his responses in this episode may take a moment to formulate. We invite you to embrace the "wait time"—a crucial part of authentic communication—as we listen to their powerful insights.

Show Notes

Meet the Guests

• Katherine Tappan-Verderosa, MS, CCC-SLP: Clinical Coordinator of Camp Chatterbox and owner of SLP Musically.

• Elizabeth Trembley: Certified Recreational Therapist and Community Programs Coordinator at Children's Specialized Hospital.

• • Michael Fondacaro: AAC User, Camp Chatterbox Graduate, and Founder of Beyond the Chair. Michael is a prominent advocate for the AAC community and co-founder of NJ's first power soccer team.

  Resources & Links

• Camp Chatterbox Information: https://csh.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=13678 (Applications open until April 1, 2026)

• Beyond the Chair: https://beyondthechair23.com

• RT Wise Owls (Temple University): https://sites.temple.edu/rtwiseowls/ 

Reach out to the Show

Have a question about AAC, recreational therapy, or a challenge you're facing? We'd love to hear from you!

• Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

• • Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

  Listen and Connect

• Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ 

• Email: [email protected] 

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/ 

Show Description

Welcome back to AT Talks for Part 3 of our multi-part series featuring the team from Camp Chatterbox. 

This segment delves into The Camper Experience and Socialization and Communication Mechanics and Advocacy. The team discusses the formation of lifelong friendships and high-value activities like nature exploration and the talent show. Michael shares how seeing peer modeling at camp transformed confidence and AAC use, leading to a transition from camper to mentor. Michael then explains their personal communication style, detailing the use of gestural cues alongside their device and why "wait time" is essential for authentic communication. We explore how technology supports the user's life outside of camp, including their role as the founder of Beyond the Chair and a power soccer athlete. The team closes the interview by sharing the biggest lesson they want families to take away: the importance of learning to communicate with their children, not just for them.

Note to Listeners: Since an AAC user is featured, some of their responses in this episode may take a moment to formulate. We invite you to embrace the "wait time"—a crucial part of authentic communication—as we listen to their powerful insights.

Show Notes

Meet the Guests

• Katherine Tappan-Verderosa, MS, CCC-SLP: Clinical Coordinator of Camp Chatterbox and owner of SLP Musically.

• • Elizabeth Trembley: Certified Recreational Therapist and Community Programs Coordinator at Children's Specialized Hospital.
  • Michael Fondacaro: AAC User, Camp Chatterbox Graduate, and Founder of Beyond the Chair. Michael is a prominent advocate for the AAC community and co-founder of NJ's first power soccer team.

• Resources and Links

• Camp Chatterbox Information: https://csh.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=13678 (Applications open until April 1, 2026)

• Beyond the Chair: https://beyondthechair23.com

• RT Wise Owls (Temple University): https://sites.temple.edu/rtwiseowls/ 

Reach out to the Show

Have a question about AAC, recreational therapy, or a challenge you're facing? We'd love to hear from you!

• Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

• • Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

  Listen and Connect

• Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ 

• Email: [email protected] 

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

Welcome back to AT Talks for Part 2 of our special multi-part series with the incredible team from Camp Chatterbox.

In this deep-dive segment, "History and Mission," we explore the 'why' behind this premier AAC camp. Clinical Coordinator Kat Tappan-Verderosa discusses the camp’s origins and the powerful legacy of its founder, Joan Bruno, and the core mission of promoting lifelong AAC use. Camp Coordinator Elizabeth Trembley outlines the structure of the overnight program in Oakhurst, NJ, explaining how it builds capacity by involving the whole family, with campers receiving therapy in the morning and recreation in the afternoon. Finally, Michael Fondacaro, an AAC user and Camp Chatterbox graduate, shares his unique, powerful perspective on growing up with a communication device and the life-changing experience of finding community at Chatterbox.

Note to Listeners: Since Michael is an AAC user, some of his responses in this episode may take a moment to formulate. We invite you to embrace the "wait time"—a crucial part of authentic communication—as we listen to his powerful insights.

• Katherine Tappan-Verderosa, MS, CCC-SLP: Clinical Coordinator of Camp Chatterbox and owner of SLP Musically.

• Elizabeth Trembley: Certified Recreational Therapist and Community Programs Coordinator at Children's Specialized Hospital.

• Michael Fondacaro: AAC User, Camp Chatterbox Graduate, and Founder of Beyond the Chair. Michael is a prominent advocate for the AAC community and co-founder of NJ's first power soccer team.

• Camp Chatterbox Information: https://csh.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=13678 (Applications open until April 1, 2026)

• Beyond the Chair: https://beyondthechair23.com

• RT Wise Owls (Temple University): https://sites.temple.edu/rtwiseowls/ 

Have a question about AAC, recreational therapy, or a challenge you're facing? We'd love to hear from you!

• Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

• Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

• Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ 

• Email: [email protected] 

Show NotesMeet the GuestsResources & LinksReach out to the ShowListen and ConnectThe Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/