Join us as we speak with Dr. Samuel Sennott, professor of special education at Portland State University and co-creator of the original Proloquo2Go AAC app. Dr. Sennott shares the inspiring story behind creating one of the most widely used Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools. He also dives into the future, discussing how AI could shift deeply ingrained attitude barriers toward AAC users, how it can support literacy and talks about specific apps and how they harness AI to support communication. Most profoundly, Dr. Sennott opens up about his personal journey with cancer and how becoming a patient dramatically reshaped his views on life, healthcare, and the participatory model of AAC.

Episode Resources:

AAC Peer Support Project Final Report https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2025-05/AAC%20Peer%20Support%20Project%20Final%20Report%20and%20Appendices_revised%20compressed.pdf 

AAC and Artificial Intelligence. Sennott SC, Akagi L, Lee M, Rhodes A.

AAC and Artificial Intelligence (AI) - PMC

Supporting Individuals Who Use AAC: Breaking Down Opportunity Barriers: https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publications/supporting-individuals-who-use-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-breaking-down-opportunity-barriers?srsltid=AfmBOoorIDEMePZTn0WaASTh-om79hpLtxhArgmfM90aHBIe1wybUrBk 

Lateef McLoud: https://speaker.ussaac.org/speaker/lateef-mcleod-oakland-ca/ 

OKR TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/john_doerr_why_the_secret_to_success_is_setting_the_right

Ready to integrate AI into your classroom but don't know where to start? Join us as educator Sharon Redmon offers a practical guide to using artificial intelligence. She shares how she uses ChatGPT to break down a research article and introduces a "4 C's" system for prompt creation. Sharon also discusses how AI can streamline the process of creating educational materials and highlights key guiding principles for its use, including putting the human first and prioritizing accessibility, especially for AAC users.

Episode Resources:

Beyond Text Leveling with AI (1 min video): https://youtu.be/d1VC-rjEoOs

Strategic AI Prompting to Modify and Customize Curriculum (13 min video): https://youtu.be/gThAp8GvEko

AI & AAC Article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07434618.2025.2495905 

Tune into our latest episode as we sit down with Chris Gibbons, Senior Vice President of Clinical Education at Smartbox, for a fascinating discussion on the future of assistive technology and AI as an accelerant for learning. We dive into the transformative potential of AI applications in education and for individuals with disabilities, specifically focusing on how AI can enhance communication through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. This conversation explores the incredible opportunities AI presents while also highlighting the critical importance of user control, privacy, and ethical considerations in the development and implementation of these powerful new tools.

Episode Resources:

Brave New Words (book): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/740806/brave-new-words-by-salman-khan/

Smartbox: https://thinksmartbox.com/

AI + Learning Differences: Designing a Future with No Boundaries: https://acceleratelearning.stanford.edu/app/uploads/2025/07/AI-Learning-Differences-Designing-a-Future-with-No-Boundaries_Final.pdf

Tune in for a fascinating discussion with Dr. Tracy Rackensperger, a public service faculty member at the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) User. Dr. Rackensperger is an expert in AAC, and in this episode, she discusses how AI is creating new opportunities for meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities. Learn about the importance of using critical thinking and editing skills when leveraging AI, and how these new technologies are opening the door to quicker communication for AAC users. You won't want to miss this insightful conversation on the intersection of AI, technology, and inclusion.

Awe and Wonder AAC & AT Podcast https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-podcast/

Episode Resources:

RERC on AAC Webcasts & Instructional Modules: https://rerc-aac.psu.edu/

McNaughton, D., Rackensperger, T., & McLemore, L. (2025). Supporting meaningful participation in society by adults with developmental disabilities who need and use AAC: lived experiences, key research findings, and future directions. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 41(3), 250–263. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2025.2504497

October is National Disability Employment and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness month! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXMhswc69Ng 

Tune in to a conversation with Erin, an expert in literacy and language development and a strong advocate for inclusive schools and communities. As a mother of a now teenager with autism and Angelman syndrome, Erin brings firsthand experience to her work at AssistiveWare. We discuss her journey through early intervention and the special education system, and the AT supports that proved essential for her daughter.

Resources:

Proloquo Thinking Space: https://www.assistiveware.com/support/proloquo/basics/proloquo-thinking-space 

Angelman Syndrome: https://angelman.org/about-angelman-syndrome/ 

CVI: https://www.perkins.org/what-is-cvi/

Explore the impactful work of Bridget, an SLP at the University of Washington's Experimental Education Unit (EEU), an inclusive early childhood center. Learn how their transdisciplinary approach supports children (birth-kindergarten) with diverse communication needs through collaborative assessment, therapy, and teacher consultation. Bridget shares insights into fostering communication development and the power of teamwork in helping young learners thrive.

Resources:

UW Experimental Education Unit: https://haringcenter.org/eeu/ 

Haring Center for Inclusive Education: https://haringcenter.org/ 

Will AAC stop a person from learning to speak? https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/roadblock-aac-will-stop-a-person-from-learning-to-speak 

Printable AAC Core Boards: https://saltillo.com/chatcorner/content/29 

Carrie Ebert, SLP https://www.instagram.com/cari.ebert.seminars/?hl=en 

Playspark https://www.instagram.com/play_spark/

From stay-at-home mom to special education expert, hear how one mother's journey with her daughter, who has CHARGE syndrome, sparked a 21-year career. We delve into her experience as a Speech Therapy Assistant, her Masters in Special Education (Visually Impaired), and her work with children 0-3 and preschool at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind.

Resources:

CHARGE Syndrome: https://www.chargesyndrome.org/overview/

State Deafblind Projects: https://www.nationaldb.org/state-deaf-blind-projects/

Remove.bg image background removal: https://www.remove.bg/

Oregon Project for Preschool Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/the-oregon-project-for-preschool-children-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired/

Tune in for a conversation with Cass, a passionate advocate for equity and early access to robust high-tech AAC. As an autistic and ADHD mom of autistic children, she champions neuroaffirming approaches. We explore her personal experiences with AT in early intervention and her dedication to empowering families with the tools they need to thrive.

Ryan joins us to share her journey in early intervention and inclusive education. With a wealth of experience from preschool classrooms to Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), she's dedicated to ensuring all children thrive. Learn about her impactful work with the Preschool Inclusion Champions Network and her insights on the power of collaboration and assistive technology.

As a speech-language pathologist with 20 years of experience, specializing in early intervention, and a device representative for PRC-Saltillo, Shari brings a unique perspective. Hear her personal story of navigating her own children's communication journeys – the struggle of getting a device for her 8-year-old, and her youngest daughter who began using AAC at just 13 months. Discover how her professional expertise and lived experience intersect, offering invaluable insights for parents and professionals alike.