AAC Virtual Fireside Chat- The Ins & Outs of Selecting AAC

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 AAC rock stars , Rachel Madel and Chris Bugaj to explore the AAC selection process. Chris and Rachel will share and answer your questions regarding different selection methods and their efficacy, including a brief dive into MTSS in the AAC arena. This is a free event that will take place over Zoom for registered participants. You can also watch via Facebook live.

Guest Bios & Disclosures:

Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC‐SLP is a founding member of the Assistive Technology Team for Loudoun County Public Schools. Chris co-hosts the Talking With Tech podcast featuring interviews and conversations about augmentative and alternative communication and has hosted The A.T.TIPSCAST; a multi‐award winning podcast featuring strategies to design educational experiences. Chris is the author of The New Assistive Tech: Make Learning Awesome For All, published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Chris is the co-author of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year and The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools both of which are also published by ISTE. Chris co-authored two chapters for a book published by Brookes Publishing titled Technology Tools for Students with Autism. Chris co‐produces and co‐authors the popular Night Light Stories podcast which features original stories for children of all ages. Chris has presented over 550 live or digital sessions at local, regional, state, national and international events, including TEDx.

Rachel Madel M.A.,CCC-SLP is a Los Angeles-based speech-language pathologist and communication expert dedicated to coaching parents and professionals on how to incorporate technology to best support speech and language development. Rachel presents both nationally and abroad on the use of augmentative alternative communication (AAC) for children with complex communication needs and coaches clinicians, teachers and parents on integrating technology in classrooms and at home to support communication. When she’s not working with children in her private practice in Los Angeles, she co-hosts a weekly podcast called “Talking With Tech” that focuses on best practices in AAC. She is the founder of a digital media company that provides educational resources, therapy materials and training videos to help support parents and professionals of children with autism. Her work has been featured in Autism Parenting Magazine, Speech Science, Praactical AAC, Xceptional Ed, Teachers with Apps and ChildNEXUS.