Talking With Tech
Talking With Tech
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Jaclyn Lewis & Jessica Gerth: Supporting Communication and Inclusion with Tabletop Gaming
Jessica Gerth and Jaclyn Lewis

This week, we share Chris’s interview with Jessica Gerth and Jaclyn Lewis! Jessica (@chaoscommunicationconverse) is a speech pathologist who utilizes TTRPGs to enhance communication and social skills among her students. Jaclyn (@wranglerofchaos) is a writer, youth worker, and game master who wrote "Rolling with the Youth," a book focusing on fostering safe and fun spaces through role-playing games. Together, they emphasize the importance of inclusivity in gaming, aiming to provide all children, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, a place at the table!

Before the interview, Chris and Rachel discuss their shared sense of optimism for the future of AAC, and some of the possible sources for their positive outlook. They connect this optimism with the concept presuming potential, which requires an unwavering belief that students have the potential to grow and make progress!

Key ideas this week:

The Power of Role-Playing Games (RPGs) in Education and Therapy: Jessica and Jaclyn emphasize how tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons, can be used for educational and therapeutic purposes. These games provide opportunities for language development, social skills practice, and creativity. Jessica shares how she incorporates elements of these games into her work with students, particularly those on the autism spectrum, helping them with communication and engagement.

Inclusivity in RPGs: The interview highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces in role-playing games. Jaclyn discusses her work on making RPGs accessible to everyone, particularly younger players and those from diverse backgrounds. She and Jessica both emphasize the role of representation, where characters like Yumi, who uses an AAC device, offer both visibility and understanding of different abilities within the game.

Safe and Supportive Game Environments: Jessica and Jaclyn explore how to create a safe environment for players through tools like "Session Zero," where expectations are set, and safety tools like the X-card, which allow players to signal discomfort. This ensures that games are not only fun but also emotionally and socially supportive for players of all backgrounds and abilities.

Links from this Episode:

“Rolling with the Youth” by Jaclyn Lewis: www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Rolling-with-the-Youth.html

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 !
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Переглядів: 5

Відео

Amanda Diekman: Lowering Parental Demands to Increase Connection and Calm
Переглядів 5День тому
This week, we share Rachel’s interview with Amanda Diekman! Amanda (@lowdemandamanda)is an autistic adult and parent of three neurodivergent children who advocates for a shift away from traditional parenting models that prioritize control and demands. She suggests that accommodating children's needs and reducing expectations can foster better emotional connections. The interview underscores the...
Brianna Hughes & Tiffany Rezvani: Creating a Free AAC Screening Tool
Переглядів 1214 днів тому
This week, we interview Brianna Hughes and Tiffany Rezvani! Brianna and Tiffany are Speech-Language Pathologists and AAC Specialists based in Northern California. They share all about the free AAC screening tool they created, called AAC Screening, that helps educators and clinicians efficiently identify students who may benefit from AAC devices! Before the interview, Chris shares some exciting ...
Marnina Ellis & Marisa Portanova: Empowering Communication & Collaboration at Blythedale Children's
Переглядів 621 день тому
This week, Chris interviews Marnina Ellis and Marisa Portanova, two speech-language pathologists at Blythedale Children’s Hospital, the only independent specialty children’s hospital in New York State! Marnina and Marisa share about their role on the core assistive technology (AT) team, ideas for supporting AAC users and their families outside the hospital, taking a team-based approach to treat...
Amy Mayer, Judy Schoonover, Remi Moran, & Tiffany Zaugg: Small Talks VIII
Переглядів 6Місяць тому
This week, we share a series of “Small Talks,” e.g. short recordings (less than 15 minutes) about a single topic of interest with guests Amy Mayer, Judy Schoonover, Remi Moran, and Tiffany Zaugg! Before the Small Talks, Rachel discusses presenting ant an online autism summit about some of the fundamentals of AAC. Meanwhile, Chris shares about recording some trainings on the “specific language s...
Carole Zangari, Tabi Jones-Wohleber, Rachel Langley, & Michaela Ball: The "Stepping Into AAC"
Переглядів 15Місяць тому
This week, Rachel and Chris interview the superstar members of the “Stepping Into AAC” project - Carole Zangari, Tabi Jones-Wohleber, Rachel Langley, and Michaela Ball! The “Stepping Into AAC” team shares about the core mission of the project: to introduce people to AAC, to guide them through the early months of using these new communication tools and strategies, and to offer resources to engag...
Recast: Rachel Dorsey: Taking a Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Therapy
Переглядів 12Місяць тому
This week, we present a Recast episode of Rachel's interview with Rachel Dorsey, an amazing autistic SLP who teaches courses on neurodiversity and goal writing. Recast episodes are previous episodes of TWT that Chris and Rachel want to highlight. In this Recast, Rachel Dorsey shares her perspectives on neurodiversity, how to help shift the perspectives of others to better affirm neurodiversity,...
Recast: Rebecca Moles: Preventing Abuse and Neglect With AAC
Переглядів 62 місяці тому
This week, we present a Recast of Chris’s interview with Dr. Rebecca Moles! Recast episodes are previous episodes from the early days of TWT that Chris and Rachel want to highlight! In this Recast, Dr. Moles shares the importance of communication and AAC in preventing child abuse, the categorization of abuse types, the need for educators to equip children with the language necessary for self-ad...
Recast: Talking with Tech Roundtable: Early Intervention & AAC
Переглядів 202 місяці тому
This week, we present a Recast of a previous “roundtable discussion” between Rachel, Chris, and previous host Lucas Stuber on early intervention and AAC! (Note: Recast episodes are episodes from the early days of TWT that Chris and Rachel want to highlight again). In this episode, Rachel shares her experiences with using AAC with very young children and discusses the benefits and challenges wit...
Vibes AAC Talking With Tech Live Invitation
Переглядів 82 місяці тому
An invitation to participate in a Talking With Tech Live experience at the Vibes of AAC conference
Recast: Kathy Howery: Understanding the Lived Experiences of AAC Users
Переглядів 112 місяці тому
This week, we share a “Recast” of Chris’s interview with Kathy Howery! “Recast” episodes are episodes from the early days of Talking with Tech (with improved audio) that share important ideas Chris and Rachel want to highlight! Kathy is an AAC specialist, researcher, and educational consultant from Alberta, Canada who emphasizes the importance of understanding the lived experiences of AAC users...
Caroline Woeber: Supporting AAC Users with Angelman Syndrome
Переглядів 153 місяці тому
This week, Chris interviews Caroline Woeber! Caroline is an SLP specializing in AAC at Children’s Hospital Colorado, including working at their Angelman/Chromosome 15 Disorder clinic. Caroline shares all about supporting communication and AAC in the hospital environment, training parents and caregivers about AAC, identifying next steps when teaching people with Angelman syndrome to use AAC, and...
Benjamin Gibbs: Interviewing Chris Bugaj for a Master's AT Program
Переглядів 83 місяці тому
This week, Chris is interviewed by Benjamin Gibbs! Benjamin is a student at George Mason University studying Assistive Technology who is completing a school project interviewing Chris, and Chris asked if the conversation could go on the podcast! Ben has cerebral palsy that affects his walking gait and verbal speech. He uses a combination of verbal speech and AAC to communicate, depending on his...
Amy Mayer: Engaging Students and Driving Inclusivity with EdTech Tools
Переглядів 143 місяці тому
This week, we share Chris’s interview with Amy Mayer! Amy is the founder and CEO of friEdTech (friedtechnology.com/ ), a company that provides educational technology (EdTech) professional development for educators. Amy talks about her recent book, Beyond Worksheets, which provides resources for teachers to utilize EdTech tools and to inclusively redesign education for everyone! She and Chris di...
Karina Carter & Nicole Young: Teaching Language to AAC Users with Horses
Переглядів 123 місяці тому
This week, we share Rachel's interview with Karina Carter and Nicole Young! Karina Carter is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) at Children’s TheraPlay , where horses are used therapeutically to support children with disabilities and/or unique needs, including complex communicators! Nicole is the mother of TY, an AAC User who is one of Karina’s clients. Karina shares all about equine speech th...
Elisa Wern - The Importance of Involving OTs in the AAC Identification Process
Переглядів 114 місяці тому
Elisa Wern - The Importance of Involving OTs in the AAC Identification Process
Fairfax County Public Schools AT Team: Celebrating the Life of AAC Specialist Jeff Powers
Переглядів 74 місяці тому
Fairfax County Public Schools AT Team: Celebrating the Life of AAC Specialist Jeff Powers
Yoosun Chung: Honoring an AAC User's Chosen Form of Communication
Переглядів 184 місяці тому
Yoosun Chung: Honoring an AAC User's Chosen Form of Communication
Chantelle Hutchinson: Supporting Adult AAC Users with Acquired Brain Injuries
Переглядів 824 місяці тому
Chantelle Hutchinson: Supporting Adult AAC Users with Acquired Brain Injuries
Tiffany Joseph (Part 2): The Use of Gestalts in Acquiring Language as a Part-Time AAC User
Переглядів 384 місяці тому
Tiffany Joseph (Part 2): The Use of Gestalts in Acquiring Language as a Part-Time AAC User
Tiffany Joseph: Educating and Supporting AAC Users as a Part-Time AAC User
Переглядів 545 місяців тому
Tiffany Joseph: Educating and Supporting AAC Users as a Part-Time AAC User
Tiffany Joseph: Educating and Supporting AAC Users as a Part-Time AAC User
Переглядів 155 місяців тому
Tiffany Joseph: Educating and Supporting AAC Users as a Part-Time AAC User
Bob Sagoo: Empowering an AAC User as a Parent
Переглядів 55 місяців тому
Bob Sagoo: Empowering an AAC User as a Parent
Beth Moulam & Joanna Holmes: Recognizing AAC Users as Multimodal Communicators
Переглядів 325 місяців тому
Beth Moulam & Joanna Holmes: Recognizing AAC Users as Multimodal Communicators
Daniel O'Connor & Bradley Heaven: Creators of All Access Life, an Adaptive Product Nonprofit
Переглядів 485 місяців тому
Daniel O'Connor & Bradley Heaven: Creators of All Access Life, an Adaptive Product Nonprofit
Breea Rosas: Neurodivergent Affirming Practices for School-Based Practitioners
Переглядів 326 місяців тому
Breea Rosas: Neurodivergent Affirming Practices for School-Based Practitioners
Kelley Coleman - Pushing Back Against an Incorrect AAC Evaluation
Переглядів 196 місяців тому
Kelley Coleman - Pushing Back Against an Incorrect AAC Evaluation
Heidi Rabe - Supporting Switch Use for Clients with Complex Physical Needs
Переглядів 167 місяців тому
Heidi Rabe - Supporting Switch Use for Clients with Complex Physical Needs
Aaron Marsters: Supporting Assistive Technology for Students on US Military Bases Across Europe
Переглядів 117 місяців тому
Aaron Marsters: Supporting Assistive Technology for Students on US Military Bases Across Europe
Kimberly Zajac: Creating Fun & Interactive Projects That Meet Learning Objectives & IEP Goals
Переглядів 107 місяців тому
Kimberly Zajac: Creating Fun & Interactive Projects That Meet Learning Objectives & IEP Goals

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @xXeditsbySophsXx
    @xXeditsbySophsXx 2 місяці тому

    I js got a call from this girl she had a similar pfp and the same name

  • @daniellem2919
    @daniellem2919 4 місяці тому

    Hi Chris, Although I am not an AAC user myself, I have Cerebral Palsy, and many of my friends with CP use some sort of AAC device to communicate. When I watch the general population interact with them, the general population often tries to fill the silence that occurs while an AAC user is typing out their response to the question they were asked. Often times, I see them try to fill it with side conversations. I understand this silence can be uncomfortably awkward for someone who is not accustomed to the time it takes for an AAC user to answer questions, but I want to thank you for demonstrating to your listing audience what it sounds like to be comfortable with the silence that happens when an AAC user is participating in a conversation! Even more than showcasing All Access Life and the amazing work Dan and Brad are doing for the community with disabilities, you showcase what it sounds like to be truly present when an individual is using AAC! You showcase what it sounds like to give individuals using AAC the dignity and respect they deserve during a conversation!

  • @StorytimeSparkle1
    @StorytimeSparkle1 6 місяців тому

    But here are some problems: 1. SEO score is very low 2. No title - description - tags are SEO friendly 3. Not sharing on social media platforms and your UA-cam channel is a lot of trouble. As a result views, likes and subscribers are not increasing. Do you want to increase your SEO score? I am waiting for your response.

  • @mystreteacher
    @mystreteacher Рік тому

    In my view you have to start with the foundations of what kids need. Kids need people talking to them and reading to them. The most important thing, IMHO, is that everybody who that child interacts with is a decent communication partner, be it staff or student, and that requires training. Aside from those Tier 3 cases these feature matching, best device discussions are like a debate of which language and alphabet is best for kids.

  • @petere3067
    @petere3067 Рік тому

    Beautiful! 😊😊😊😊! Get the results you deserve > P R O M O S M.

  • @LOL_MANN
    @LOL_MANN Рік тому

    first

  • @kathrynmcallister1463
    @kathrynmcallister1463 2 роки тому

    Aa a previous music teacher and supporter of students using AAC, I LOVE THIS PODCAST!

  • @sergeynaumenko1764
    @sergeynaumenko1764 2 роки тому

    ....????

  • @fabiolakoperberg7769
    @fabiolakoperberg7769 2 роки тому

    I wonder if the course Rachel is talking about the same as the one she presented this week on the SLP Summit?

  • @RoosterFire
    @RoosterFire 2 роки тому

    I hope you update your listeners to the actual research that is peer-reviewed that proves agency from communicators with a letterboard. Also, you miss the point that independence to using AAC is achieved. And you obviously don't understand RPM, as the partner doesn't move the damn board 🙄. Maybe understand what you are talking about before you start misinforming your audience!

  • @wendymurrow2987
    @wendymurrow2987 3 роки тому

    I loved this presentation and have listened to it several times because of all the great information shared. I would love to know how we can implement a similar system in our district.

  • @kaitlinanderson6903
    @kaitlinanderson6903 3 роки тому

    AAC SLP here! I have spent my career working in school districts. In particular, I previously worked in one district invested in having their sped teachers and SLPs trained in PECS. The other districts I've worked in have not. Both districts had AAC teams and referral processes for high tech. What was the difference? Classrooms of kids who used PECS vs classrooms of kids who really had NO way to communicate symbolically. I still was trying mid-tech, core boards, and other forms of AAC with students. In both districts, a student was still referred for high tech when the team felt that it was appropriate. But PECS was a tool in my toolbox. It worked with a lot of kids, and we had good carryover from staff. Based on my personal experience, I feel that PECS is a good place to START with many children. It teaches initiation and beginning picture discrimination. It gives students a way to communicate at a very basic level, and it lays out a very concrete teaching sequence for the adults. I feel that providing PECS is far better than providing NOTHING. It's a valuable tool in the SLP's toolbox for SOME kids at the beginning levels. There's bigger issues that could be discussed as well, such as building capacity among teachers/SLPs to support high tech for more students, establishing teaching protocols for high tech (more than model model model), better AAC coaching for teachers and staff etc. Until the profession can get to a place where we can start robust AAC for every kid AND SUPPORT IT, we need to keep PECS in our toolbox as an option for SOME kids in SOME situations.

  • @armengulian
    @armengulian 3 роки тому

    Say it again for those in the back who weren't listening the first time! Thank you for addressing this. We don't have to start with PECS for all students- for most students for that matter.

  • @asbondy4
    @asbondy4 3 роки тому

    Did you delete my comment? Andy

    • @DowerAssociates
      @DowerAssociates 3 роки тому

      Now that would be truly unfortunate if that happened Andy!

    • @asbondy4
      @asbondy4 3 роки тому

      @@DowerAssociates Here's part of what I tried to note: I understand that there is concern that the PECS protocol was developed over 30 years ago- fortunately, research from independent sources remains internationally enthusiastic. This discussion is filled with erroneous information and illogical extensions. There is much discussion about PECS versus robust AAC, including the issue of transition as if these were new concerns. The PECS Manual of 2002 includes an entire chapter (14) entitled Transitioning to other Modalities- anticipating virtually all of the concerns noted. Furthermore, Lori Frost has co-authored with an AAC expert two guidelines on this topic pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/aac20.4.114 and pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/aac21.1.3

  • @avm4177
    @avm4177 3 роки тому

    I love PECS.. "that little hand" exchanging a picture. It's what gets students to SOCIALIZE with another human being. And the child is not just clicking on pictures.. "They used PECS and they're verbal" yup..

  • @y00ch
    @y00ch 3 роки тому

    You say more robust language systems but you don't give us options for that. Please state it clearly in 10 secs.

  • @marystreib4026
    @marystreib4026 3 роки тому

    I have been listening to your thoughts on PECS for some time, (every episode you have mentioned it, this POD...) I am trying to wrap my head around PECS being something we need to skip over. As you said, we now know better, we need to do better, however, what about the PECS idea about teaching initiation? What about teaching the understanding of a listener and a communicator? I totally agree about not doing hand over hand. I am struggling with the whole idea of throwing out PECS. It seems like throwing out the baby with the bathwater, doesn't it? I know it's not right for everyone, I always try to start with robust AAC. I am just not sure it is always the only answer. I am still listening.

  • @rosemarymorgan160
    @rosemarymorgan160 3 роки тому

    Preschool SLP here. My biggest barrier is the lengthy assessment process we are required to complete including input from all service providers and parents, testing, SETT framework, developing an action plan, meetings, choosing/finding three separate systems to trial with data collection. Our kids only come 2 or 3 days a week so it draws the process out even more. As overworked as we are with high caseloads it is very cumbersome and time consuming. We go with core boards as long as possible knowing we are not servicing our students as we should.

  • @DowerAssociates
    @DowerAssociates 3 роки тому

    Rachel said starting with PECS is “wasting time,” but do we really know that is true? Has that been studied? I don't think we really know that it’s a problem. If starting with picture exchange and transitioning to high-tech AAC system results in a similar (or shorter) rate of acquisition, then it’s not a problem at all.

  • @holliewright8515
    @holliewright8515 3 роки тому

    I still think PECS has its place for supporting clients with social communication difficulties. As much as I love and am a huge advocate for high-tech AAC, the physical exchange itself supports initiation skills and that learning of ‘cause and effect’ in communication, persistence skills, and the benefits of communication, and this just isn’t replicated in such a concrete way using high-tech AAC. I’m not saying PECS is for everybody, but for certain client groups it is definitely an optimal - and sometimes quite necessary - first step.

  • @kaitoheero4564
    @kaitoheero4564 3 роки тому

    Hi guys, SLP here, genuine question: how do you guys introduce robust systems of vocabulary to students, particularly with low imitation, social motivation. Have come across many clients where the former SLP has thrown hundreds of vocabulary at a new user in an unsystematic way and the kid has no buy into the AAC system. Whenever I discuss things with these SLPs, they always quote all the things that you are saying (things which I dont necessarily disagree with), but I feel like that a lot of people are using these strategies incorrectly. I say this in particular because I have never seen the clients use these robust systems well. I do agree that PECS is not meant to be a long term solution ideally, but I do also think that it's useful for teaching basic initiation. If done well, you can be done with PECS in three weeks and move to a robust system that enables successful communication. Wondering what your thoughts are on they ways to introduce robust systems adequately.

    • @talkingwithtech
      @talkingwithtech 3 роки тому

      Hi Kaito--- thanks so much for the message! Great question--- Chris and I will answer this question on an upcoming podcast :)

    • @DowerAssociates
      @DowerAssociates 3 роки тому

      One of the pervasive problems in the implementation of SGDs is that there is no systematic, empirically validated protocol in place like PECS has. It is the wild west with SGD acquisition and implementation. Model model model without expectation is a waste of a learner's time that could be better spent actually teaching the learner. I too have yet to see an ASD learner use an SGD with robust vocabulary in a 'robust' way.

    • @kaitoheero4564
      @kaitoheero4564 3 роки тому

      @@talkingwithtech Thanks guys. Appreciate your input :)

  • @КириллФилипов-и4у

    nice video, but strange, why there are only few views. If it helps, for the channel promotion you can try services like Utify.io. r&

  • @AceHardy
    @AceHardy 4 роки тому

    🏋🏽‍♀️🔥

  • @annekuhlmeier442
    @annekuhlmeier442 4 роки тому

    Fabulous!! I can't wait to see what you come up with next! Thank you for making my day brighter.

  • @Janowskiedtech
    @Janowskiedtech 4 роки тому

    Brilliant, clever, awesome - just what you'd expect from Chris! Love this!

  • @loribinko826
    @loribinko826 4 роки тому

    OMG Chris - I vote you do this every week. Love it!

  • @marcijerome5578
    @marcijerome5578 4 роки тому

    Great tool and great presentation!!!

  • @kierantrudel9321
    @kierantrudel9321 4 роки тому

    This is awesome! Great tool and a great way to share it!!!

  • @jika4718
    @jika4718 4 роки тому

    You are awesome !

  • @jennifermitchell7778
    @jennifermitchell7778 4 роки тому

    OH MY! (or OMG depending on your generation)! What wonderful news about a wonderful tool! I'll spread the word here in Chicago. BTW, have you thought of a career in acting? You're a natural :)

  • @CharlieDanger
    @CharlieDanger 4 роки тому

    Hope it's not the only instalment!

  • @valentijnfiggins1561
    @valentijnfiggins1561 4 роки тому

    ? Love the video. You have a new subscriber. Check out FollowSM[.]com!!! Loads of big UA-camrs use it to promote their videos!

  • @Tracks777
    @Tracks777 4 роки тому

    nice content

  • @Tracks777
    @Tracks777 4 роки тому

    lovely stuff