This week, the Talking with Tech team discusses how to obtain funding for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices with speech-language pathologist and nonprofit founder, Traci Peplinski! Before the interview, Lucas, Rachel, and Chris chat about how to find funding for AAC devices and the need for more financial help for individuals who require AAC but cannot pay for it themselves. Then, the team examines why funding for implementation (e.g., training the AAC user’s circle of support) is such an important consideration when evaluating funding needs. The team concludes by touching on some of the challenges they experience with trialing devices during the AAC assessment process.

Following this discussion, Rachel sits down for a conversation with Traci to talk about her nonprofit, A Voice Discovered (www.avoicediscovered.com)! A Voice Discovered provides funding assistance to individuals with complex communication needs in Ventura County, CA. Rachel and Traci discuss why she founded the nonprofit, how it has grown, and how others have used her nonprofit as a model for starting their own! Traci also describes ways that she has helped others find funding assistance, including regional centers, local charities, grants, and donation matching. Finally, Traci discusses her work with The Arc (www.thearc.org) to support adults with complex communication needs, and why helping adults communicate with AAC is so rewarding (and important)!

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