Talking With Tech AAC Podcast

Rachel and Chris reconnect to share a candid update on what’s been happening behind the scenes with Talking With Tech including changes to the production team, why episodes have been less frequent, and what listeners can expect moving forward. They also share personal and professional updates, including how life has shaped their schedules, what Rachel is building next in her AAC training work, and what Chris has been creating with the Inclusive 365 team including new “Inclusive 52” books focused on reading and executive functioning.

In this episode, Rachel Madel and Chris Bugaj recap their experiences at ATIA 2025, highlighting the value of community-building during the pre-conference and the growing impact of generative AI in AAC and assistive technology. They discuss exciting new tools like Symbol Creator AI and Flex Speak, and reflect on key sessions around policy advocacy, emphasizing the power of personal stories in influencing change. The episode underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and using your voice to make a difference in the assistive tech space. Key Ideas This Episode: Collaborative Learning and Connection at Pre-Conference and SessionsChris & Rachel emphasized how the ATIA pre-conference fostered rich conversations and collaboration, particularly for professionals who often feel isolated in the AAC field. Participants valued the chance to share insights, ask questions, and build lasting relationships. The extended format of 1.5 days allowed for deeper dives into topics like coaching and core AAC strategies, enhancing both learning and community-building. Generative AI and Accessibility InnovationsA major theme was the evolving role of generative AI in assistive technology. Presentations explored how AI could enhance AAC use—like suggesting dialogue based on context or location (e.g., at Starbucks)—and improve communication speed and flexibility. Tools like Microsoft’s Accessibility Insights, the Flex Speak app for multilingual AAC, and Symbol Creator AI from Global Symbols were highlighted as promising developments that support more inclusive and customizable communication. Empowerment Through Policy, Advocacy, and StorytellingAmidst concerns over funding and administrative changes, attendees were encouraged to advocate for assistive technology by directly engaging policymakers. A standout session by ATIA’s policy advisor Laura Kaloi underscored the impact of personal stories in influencing legislation. The episode closed with a reminder that every professional’s and user's voice matters in shaping future access and innovation in the field. Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech! Visit bit.ly/twtpod for access to previous episodes, resources, and CEU credits that you can earn for listening to TWT episodes!

This week, we Share Chris’s interview with Saffron Murphy-Mann, Helen Hewson, and Andrea Sharples! Saffron Murphy-Mann is a specialist AAC teacher with a background in music, working in both mainstream and specialist settings to support young AAC users in accessing education and demonstrating their knowledge. Helen Hewson is an AAC user born with cerebral palsy, who has been using various forms of AAC since childhood and is now a trustee of Communication Matters, advocating for AAC awareness and supporting others on their communication journeys. Andrea Sharples is a speech and language therapist and the director of AT Therapy, an independent practice that provides AAC mentoring and support, employing AAC users with lived experience to inspire and guide others. All three are actively involved in Communication Matters, contributing to the organization’s mission of empowering AAC users and fostering a supportive community through conferences and advocacy! Before the interview, Chris and Rachel discuss the balance between accessibility and privacy, particularly in the context of AAC devices and personal information. They explore concerns about exposing personal identifying information on devices and luggage tags, while also considering how to maintain security and accessibility for users with fine motor challenges, such as using strong passwords with tools like sticky keys. Key Ideas This Week: 🔑 Empowering Individuals With AAC: Helen Hewson shared her personal journey with cerebral palsy and how AAC technology transformed her life, enabling her to communicate effectively and gain independence. Her story underscores the critical role AAC plays in breaking down barriers for individuals with communication disabilities, allowing them to express themselves, participate in education, and engage socially. 🔑 The Community and Inclusivity of the Communication Matters Conference: The CM conference is not just a professional gathering but a vibrant, inclusive community event that brings together AAC users, families, professionals, and manufacturers. The conference features a mix of educational sessions, social events (like the open mic night and fancy dress dinner), and opportunities for networking and collaboration. 🔑 The Growth of Communication Matters: The episode highlighted the growing popularity of the CM conference, which was sold out in 2024, and the plans to expand its reach in 2025, including attracting more international delegates and potentially hosting the largest AAC flash mob as a world record attempt! Learn more about the Communication Matters International AAC Conference at https://communicationmatters.org.uk/conference Visit talkingwithtech.org to listen to previous episodes, find new resources, and more! Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech!

This week, Chris interviews Dr. May Aguis! Dr. Aguis is a speech and language therapist with the National Assistive Technology Team in Malta!, She is also involved with the World Health Organization as a member of their Assistive Technology Advisory Group, and serves as a lecturer at the University of Malta. Dr. Aguis shares about her doctoral work with AAC and her efforts to train teachers and develop AAC resources across Malta! Before the interview, Chris and Rachel discuss the concept of “best” practices and why, in their opinion, using that phrase in the context of therapy can potentially be confusing, or even a turn off, to others. Key Ideas this Week: 🔑 Redefining Communication Beyond Assistive Technology – Dr. Aguis challenges the traditional categorization of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) as merely a subset of assistive technology. She emphasizes that communication happens through multiple modes—gestures, symbols, and even digital expressions like emojis—highlighting the need for a broader understanding of AAC beyond just high-tech devices. 🔑 Interdisciplinary and Holistic Approaches to AAC – Effective AAC implementation requires collaboration across disciplines. Dr. Aguis discusses how occupational therapists, educators, and families play a crucial role alongside speech therapists. She also stresses the importance of addressing sensory needs before AAC intervention, particularly for autistic individuals, as sensory regulation significantly impacts communication success. 🔑 Global Challenges in AAC Accessibility and Language Representation – The discussion reveals disparities in AAC accessibility worldwide, particularly in languages like Maltese that lack text-to-speech technology. Dr. Aguis highlights the need for universal design in AAC systems and advocates for increased global efforts to ensure linguistic inclusivity in assistive technology. Learn more about the Communication Matters International AAC Conference at https://communicationmatters.org.uk/conference Visit talkingwithtech.org to listen to previous episodes, find new resources, and more! Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech!

This week, we share Chris’s interview with Ceanna MacGregor and Melanie Boyd! Ceanna is an AAC specialist and teacher working with CALL Scotland, an organization that supports staff and pupils in overcoming barriers related to assistive and communication technologies. Melanie Boyd is an AAC consultant who runs her own consultancy called Communication Angel. Melanie's career shift into AAC was inspired by the communication needs of her daughter. Ceanna and Melanie share about their participation in the professional learning network, Scottish AAC Geeks, and some of the benefits they have both received participating in this group. Before the interview, Chris and Rachel share a listener question about her son’s device being wiped, highlighting the need for multiple backups you can access if something happens to the AAC device. Key ideas this week: 🔑 The Power of Collaboration and Networking in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication): Ceanna and Melanie emphasized the role of collaboration in advancing AAC implementation. Their involvement in the Scottish AAC Geeks highlights how professional networks, even small ones, can create a supportive environment for sharing knowledge and fostering innovation in AAC practices. 🔑 Overcoming Barriers and Shifting Mindsets in AAC Implementation: A central theme was addressing the challenges of fixed or negative attitudes toward AAC. They focused on strategies to promote positive mindsets, such as sharing success stories and advocating for a culture of belief in the potential of AAC users. 🔑 The Role of Innovation and Personalized Support: The discussion highlighted exciting advancements like the integration of AI in AAC and computer environmental controls, which offer personalized solutions and greater independence for users. Ceanna and Melanie also emphasized the importance of providing ongoing support to users, their families, and educators to ensure sustainable AAC implementation. Learn more about the Communication Matters International AAC Conference at https://communicationmatters.org.uk/conference Visit talkingwithtech.org to listen to previous episodes, find new resources, and more! Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech!

This week, we share Part 2 of Chris and Rachel’s TWT Live episode recorded at the 2024 Arkansas Speech and Hearing Association! In this half of the episode, they share about modeling, teaching AT tools, strategies to support language development, and more! Before the interview, Rachel shares about her experience teaching her grandmother to use a screen reader to regain independence despite vision loss. They discuss the broader implications of teaching technology usage, advocate for integrating tools like the Pomodoro Technique into education, the need for accessible design, and more! Key Ideas this Episode: Overcoming Barriers to AAC Adoption: The hosts emphasized the importance of asking questions to uncover the reasons behind resistance or challenges in implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This approach helps identify specific roadblocks and creates opportunities to educate and empower teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents. The Role of Coaching and Modeling: The conversation highlighted the importance of hands-on coaching and modeling AAC use directly in classrooms. This strategy allows educators to learn by example and practice implementing AAC tools effectively, fostering better long-term adoption and skill development. Inclusive Decision-Making and Customization: Engaging all stakeholders (teachers, parents, service providers, and students) in a structured decision-making process ensures that AAC tools and strategies are well-suited to the student’s needs. This collaborative approach builds ownership and buy-in, making implementation more successful and sustainable. Visit talkingwithtech.org to listen to previous episodes, find new resources, and more! Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech!

In this episode of Talking with Tech, Chris, Melissa, and Maggie Bugaj reflect on the Disney+ movie Out of My Mind! This film centers around a young AAC user with cerebral palsy, and has sparked a lot of conversations about AAC online. The Bugaj family talks about how we can take the popularity of this movie to continue and share the message of inclusive education and support for AAC! 1. Presuming Potential and Inclusive Education: The episode emphasizes the importance of assuming all students, including those with disabilities, have potential. Teachers, families, and educators are encouraged to provide opportunities for students with disabilities to thrive in general education settings, advocating for systemic change rather than blaming individual limitations. 2. The Role of Relationships and Communication Tools: Highlighting the significance of AAC, the Bugaj family discusses how multiple forms of AAC can enable effective communication. The relationships built between students, teachers, and parents are crucial for understanding individual needs and fostering inclusive environments. 3. Shifting Attitudes in Education: The movie serves as a call to action for educators to reflect on their practices and biases. It challenges educators to embrace training and resources to support inclusive education, an important concept as general education increasingly incorporates special education responsibilities. The movie illustrates that change begins with educators understanding and altering the environment, rather than trying to change the individual. Links: Watch Out of My MInd on Disney+ Supplemental Materials, Including Lesson Plans Visit talkingwithtech.org to listen to previous episodes, find new resources, and more! Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech!

This week, Chris and Rachel share about NotebookLM.google.com, an AI website that will do things like create an actual “podcast episode” about an uploaded document or webpage! Chris and Rachel share some of the things they have created with this tool and ideas about how to quickly create engaging materials for your students. Key Ideas this Week: 🔑 AI-generated content for educational purposes: Chris and Rachel explore the use of AI to generate podcasts and conversational content based on text inputs through the website NotebookLM.google.com. They discuss the potential of using this technology to make learning materials more engaging for students, like listening to two hosts discuss educational content with emotion instead of just reading. 🔑 Impact of storytelling in learning: Rachel emphasizes the importance of storytelling in helping people engage with and retain information. She highlights how AI-generated discussions can create narratives that make dry or complex content more accessible and memorable. 🔑 Potential and concerns of AI in professional and personal contexts: While the technology is praised for its ability to save time and increase productivity (e.g., turning a slide deck into a podcast), both hosts also express concerns about the ethical implications, such as deepfakes and the possibility of AI being used maliciously. AI’s potential for both positive and negative impact is a recurring theme throughout the conversation. Links from this Week’s Episode: NotebookLM.google.com ifaketextmessage.com Visit talkingwithtech.org to listen to previous episodes, find new resources, and more! Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech! .