AAC Virtual Fireside Chat- Bilingual (English-Spanish) AAC Implementation

This is a monthly, virtual networking and mentoring event where professionals and caregivers who are supporting persons who use AAC can connect, ask questions, and have discussions.  This is also a place where persons who use AAC and their families are welcome to join and share their perspective and expertise.

This month, we are joined by an all-star crew of bilingual AAC SLP's who will share their experience and strategies in supporting English-Spanish bilingual AAC implementation. If you are a professional looking for cultural and linguistic tips to improve your AAC assessment and intervention for Spanish-speaking children, don't miss out on a chance to learn from an experienced village and to ask your questions. Families who are wondering about bilingualism for their AAC user will also find this talk beneficial.

Guest Bios & Disclosures:

Alma Partida M.S., CCC-SLP

Alma M. Partida is a bilingual and bicultural Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in AAC. Alma graduated from San Jose State where she received the Project AACes grant, which specialized her on AAC. She currently works in Northern California in the school setting with preschool and early elementary-aged students, where she is also their AAC consultant. Alma runs the Instagram account @AACForYouandMe and also spearheaded the Instagram account @DiverseAAC. She is also a community partner and lecturer at the new graduate speech-pathology program at CSUMB.

Maria De Leon M.S., CCC-SLP

Maria De Leon is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at San Francisco State University. She participated in “Project Building Bridges” and graduated with a specialization in culturally responsive AAC practices. Maria currently works at a non-profit organization as a speech-language pathologist providing AAC services to Southern California. She specializes in AAC evaluations, trials, and training to various facilities and entities, including training for the individual's family and circle of support. Before this, Maria was a speech pathologist in a private practice serving individuals with complex communication needs, she has 6 years of experience as an early interventionist and response to intervention (RTI) teacher providing services to students who required specialized instruction in the school setting. Her focus lies in giving back to communities like the one she grew up in and spreading information about best cultural practices in Speech-Language Pathology, practices where individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds are included and legitimized.

Melissa Tapia M.S., CCC-SLP/L

Melissa Tapia is a bicultural and bilingual certified speech-language pathologist in the state of Illinois. She is a heritage Spanish speaker and believes that involving family and caregivers is essential for the success of her clients and provides individualized patient-centered care. She attended Illinois State University for both her undergraduate and graduate studies where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish Language, Literature, and Cultures. She has 5+ years of experience working as a school-based SLP with a variety of student needs and diagnoses specializing in AAC, bilingualism, and speech sound disorders. Melissa also has worked 3+ years in early intervention speech and language services. Melissa has also obtained her Bilingual Special Education Teacher- Spanish license in the state of Illinois. Melissa is also the owner and founder of Hablame Speech Therapy where she focuses on working alongside bilingual families by providing therapies in their homes to help them gain access to communication in all modalities and be knowledgeable about how to best support their children.

Eunsey (Sarah) Lee

Sarah is a Speech-Language Pathologist and AAC specialist currently holding her CA state license, LSH credentials, and ASHA membership, She has 13-years of experience as a school-based SLP and early intervention, working with PreK to adult clients with various physical and/or cognitive disabilities including Deaf/blind, CVI, Cerebral Palsy, Rett Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism, and Cri-du-Chat. She is well-versed and up-to-date in current communication apps, medical durable communication devices, educational software, and accessibility equipment. Sarah believes in evidence-based, innovative intervention strategies and synthesizing literature to practice. She has a MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Kentucky University and a MS in Neuroscience and Education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University with a focus on AAC and Autism.