In this episode, we are joined by Shay Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Verbali and father to a non-verbal son. In an attempt to find the most optimal AAC system for his son, Shay developed MaTalk AI, an innovative new app that combines traditional communication supports with an AI component. In this interview he discusses the current features of his app and what he hopes for the future of AI and AAC. Check out the following resources for more information...

Verbali - links
Website

Ma-Talk on the App Store

Ma-Talk on Google Play

Verbali on the social networks:

Youtube

X

Linkedin

Facebook

Instagram

In this episode we chat with Matt Newton, an instructional and assistive technology coordinator with the T/TAC at Virginia Tech, about Artificial Intelligence or AI. He share some of his favorite AI tools and how they can support access and participation in instruction for our students with disabilities and also enhance teaching and increase time management for our educators. Check out the following resources mentioned in this episode...

In this episode we have a discussion with two teachers who are implementing core vocabulary in their classrooms and discuss how this has enhanced the language of their students and improved their overall instruction. Please check out these links to come of the reources mentioned in today's episode...

Project Core

Word of the Week

Using Core in the Classroom

This episode takes a deeper look into core vocabulary and discusses the importance of focusing on core words when you are teaching students to use AAC and some great resources to get teachers and teams started!

The following resources are discussed in today's episode...

Article: A Few Good Words

Stepping Into AAC

Escondido Union School District Email Blast

Assistiveware's Core Word Classroom

Lessonpix

In this episode we take a deeper look into the importance of print knowledge, phonological awareness and oral language skills as it relates to emergent literacy. Each of us share about our experiences teaching these skills to young learners and we also describe some of our favorite activities and materials for targeted these skills in therapy sessions! Check out the following links for more information on some of those suggested items...

Story Champs

Using Green Screen

In this episode we dive into the three foundational areas to support literacy development for young learners. Oral language, phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge provide the foundation for learning to read and write in elementary school, as lined out in the 2008 study by the National Eearly Literacy Panel (NELP). We discuss the importance of each of these domains and how we might incorporate these skills into speech and language therapy.

Check out the following resource from Reading Rockets for more great ideas...

https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/preschool-and-child-care/articles/nelp-report-developing-early-literacy

In this episode we wrap up our discussion around supporting literacy instruction for our students with the most complex needs. We present an overview of the book, Comprehensive Literacy for All, by Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver, and share some of our favorite strategies and take aways. Check out the following links for more information on this topic.

Center for Literacy and Disability Studies

Tar Heel Shared Reader

Buy the book: Comprehensive Literacy for All

This episode focuses on supporting literacy instructions for our complex learners. We are joined by two all star special education teachers from Russell County to share their about their experiences. Please check out this link for more information!

In this episode, we wrap up our discussion on play and share some final thoughts on fostering a language rich environment. For more information, check out the following links...

Neuroscience and learning through play:  a review of the evidence

The Connection Between Play and Language

In this episode we interview a preschool special education teacher and an SLP to hear about how they collaborate to provide a language rich environment and incorporate play throughout the day.

Check out this resource for more suggestions...

NAEYC: Creating a Playful, Language-Rich Preschool Environment