Podcast appearances and mentions of chris bugaj

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 Sessions Chris & 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 Innovations A 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 Storytelling Amidst 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!

October is AAC Awareness Month! Today's guest, Chris Bugaj, is the co-host of the *Talking with Tech* podcast, which explores the world of AAC, inclusive design, and the creators, providers, and users behind these systems. As an SLP, Chris realized early in his career that he had a knack for technology, which led to his role on his district's Assistive Technology Team for Inclusive Learning.During our chat, we discussed the history of early AAC devices, their flaws, and how these limitations impacted our ability to set effective goals. We're so fortunate that technology and access to it have improved dramatically for our learners over the past two decades. We also touched on the concept of a growth mindset—a philosophy focused on breaking free from fixed ideas about abilities and embracing the "power of yet," ensuring we don't limit any learners in any way.Chris has his formula for professional development in AAC down to a science. It begins with a facilitation meeting to assess training needs, followed by teaching sessions where communication partners join in-person or online courses focused on modeling through a unique training and coaching format. Finally, there are follow-up practice sessions and feedback to reinforce learning.When AAC training and coaching are effective, they impact not just one learner but every learner that provider or teacher will work with in the future. We offer many AAC courses at ABA Speech Connection, so don't forget to check them out and join us! #autism #speectherapyWhat's Inside:October is AAC Awareness Month.The history of AAC.A clear plan for professional development and training for AAC.Find more info through AAC course on ABA Speech Connection.Mentioned In This Episode:Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection MembershipRose Griffin-Autism Speech Therapy Tips (@abaspeechbyrose) • Instagram

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 communication partner and the context. Benjamin interviews Chris about evaluating students for AT, the importance of sharing AAC concepts with everyone at a young age, Benjamin's lived experience as an AAC user, and more!   Before the interview, Chris and Rachel discuss a listener question about adding a student who is adding words to his device without much consideration for where those words should be long term. Chris and Rachel discuss why we usually don't need to lock a student out of editing their device, and ways that we can teach and shape the desire to add words  into something positive!   Key Ideas this Episode:  

This week, Rachel and Chris continue their discussion about the highlights and takeaways from ATIA 2024! They share some of their favorite presentations and poster sessions from Lauren Enders, Brenda Del Monte, Bruce Alter, Tina & Mateo Moreno, Karanveer Singh, EdTech, and more!   Key Ideas this Week:  

This week, we share Part 1 of Chris and Rachel's recap of their recent trip to ATIA 2024! Chris and Rachel discuss a recent change to ATIA's venue, share resources and takeaways from the conference, talk about what they covered in their own sessions, and more!   Key Ideas this week:  

In this “Recast” episode of Talking with Tech, we share a remastered episode that was previously aired on the podcast. This episode, Chris Bugaj, Rachel Madel, and Lucas Stuber have a roundtable discussion about the key components of aided language stimulation, i.e. modeling. This means that the the communication partner uses the same communication system as the AAC user to model communication exchanges.   Key ideas this week:  

In this “Recast” episode of Talking with Tech, we share a remastered episode that was previously aired on the podcast. This episode includes Chris Bugaj's interview with Chris Klein, a full time AAC user, disability advocate, and mentor. They discuss Chris Klein's presentation at ATIA about motor planning and the “external lexicon” of AAC users.    Before the interview, Chris Bugaj, Rachel Madel, and Lucas Steuber discuss some of their thoughts about motor planning and what they have seen in their practice that supports the need for motor planning in robust AAC systems.   Key ideas this episode:  

In this “Recast” episode of Talking with Tech, we share a remastered episode that was previously aired on the podcast. This episode includes Chris Bugaj's interview with Shaun Pearson and Chris Chichoskikelly about the AAC Agreements, a set of “better” practices around AAC that were crowd sourced from stakeholders in the area of AAC at the ATIA conference in 2016 and 2018. You can learn more about the AAC Agreements here!   Before the interview, Chris Bugaj, Rachel Madel, and Lucas Steuber discuss some of the key beliefs that they have around AAC and how they try and follow these guidelines within their own practices.   During the interview, Chris, Chris, and Shaun discuss the following "AAC Agreements":   1. The student should have access to their communication system even while engaging in academic or leisure activities. 2. Everyone is a multi-modal communicator. A communication system should include multiple modalities. 3. There should always be a light tech option as part of an AAC system. 4. Motor planning is an important consideration of an organizational structure of an AAC system. 5. The communication system should allow for multiple pragmatic functions. 6. Core vocabulary should be taught. 7. Modeling (aided language stimulation) all day, every day is desired in AAC, with no requirement of a response. 8. Modeling should allow for growth in the individual's communication. 9. Modeling should be used to facilitate growth in communication. 10. Accept any mode of communication as valid, as long as your communication partner understands what it means. Don't require individuals to repeat themselves in another modality. Do model the response in the modality you are trying to teach. 11. The AAC system should always be immediately accessible to the user. 12. The AAC system should never be removed for disciplinary reasons.   Visit talkingwithtech.org to access previous episodes, resources, and CEU credits that you can earn for listening to TWT episodes!   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 Sydney Elcan Birchfield, an OT Assistant working in the schools and a graduate student in Assistive Technology at George Mason University! Sydney interviews Chris about his career and approach to assistive technology, including what Chris's focus on inclusive design, including more AT in the IEP, the need for AT considerations vs AT assessments, free AT professional learning resources, and more!    Before the interview, Rachel and Chris discuss one of Rachel's clients who, prior to working with Rachel, was not making much progress using his AAC device. Rachel shares that, when an AAC user comes to her who hasn't made progress, their system is often not set up for success - too few buttons, scrolling home page, etc. Rachel recommended a new AAC layout for her client with more language, but everyone in this client's family was worried about moving to the new layout. They started with progressive vocabulary masking some words, and after 7 months, he is using the full layout successfully!   Key Ideas This Week:  

Inclusive Learning 365: Education that does NOT exclude anyoneThis episode is the first in our second season, and sets the stage for a full season focused on inclusion, i.e. student centered learning, i.e. equitable learning, i.e. student driven learning, i.e. universal design for learning. We are going to look at inclusive practices from multiple angles to better understand what inclusion means and how we can create it in our schools. Today we are talking to 3 of the 4 authors of the book Inclusive Learning 365: Mike Marotta, Karen Janowski, and Chris Bugaj. Their book provides a deeper understanding about what inclusion is and how educators can create inclusive learning opportunities in their classrooms with an inclusive idea for every day of the week. Plus a bonus idea for day 366!We talk with the authors about hot topics including Chat GPT, Standardized testing, and even the idea that we have reached a tipping point and we must revolutionize WHAT we are teaching in order to produce graduates that have real world skills. Follow the links below to connect with the authors, explore some of the research and ideas that they share in this episode, and to watch a video from this interview.Mike Marotta http://www.mmatp.com/ http://www.twitter.com/mmatp http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemarottaatp Chris Bugajhttps://twitter.com/attipscasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbugajKaren Janowskihttps://twitter.com/KarenJanBeth Posshttps://twitter.com/possbethNational Educational Tech PlanInclusive Learning 365 Interview Video

This week, Chris and Rachel forgo the normal interview format to discuss some of the many thoughts that Chris put together during his recent trip to Disney World, including the need for training Disney Castmembers about ablest language, the need for sensory safe experiences on loud rides, using google images to translate foreign languages, and more!   

Links/ Resources:Talking with Tech AAC PodcastChris's TwitterRachel's Instagramhttps://linktr.ee/jocelynwoodrumRural SLP Facebook Groupfacebook.com/groups/ruralslpMy website with a freebie gift:jocelynwoodrum.com

Jason Carroll, Chief Product Officer at Texthelp is joined (for the second time) by the authors of Inclusive Learning 365:  Chris Bugaj, Karen Janowski, Mike Marotta and Beth Poss -  who all come from a variety of backgrounds in education.In this episode, we find out a bit more about the authors, delve into some of the topics they are passionate about and discover what drove them to write their book Inclusive Learning 365. They also share some of their plans for the 2022 ISTE Conference, taking place in New Orleans and how they plan on getting there...Show Notes: Follow the Inclusive 365 authors on their Roadtrip to ISTEAdd your favorite road trip songs to their spotify playlist for the tripOrder your copy of Inclusive 365Follow the Inclusive 365 Team on Twitter and Instagram

Technology – when used thoughtfully – can have a tremendous impact in supporting districts' goals around inclusive learning environments. What are the biggest challenges and what are some proven, practical strategies to make learning more inclusive? We're tackling those questions today with a panel of expert practitioners: Karen Janowski - inclusive technology consultant and former adjunct professor at Simmons College in Boston Beth Poss - educational and technology consultant, accessibility and inclusion advocate, speech/language pathologist, and former assistant principal Chris Bugaj - inclusive technology facilitator, speech language pathologist, and founding member of the Assistive Technology Team for Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia Each of the guests, along with Mike Marotta, are co-authors of the book Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year. Listeners who want to pick up more strategies can find information at https://inclusive365.com The guests speak about developing an inclusive mindset and the importance of continuous learning and reflection, the most challenging aspects of promoting inclusion and how the challenges have shifted during the pandemic, why options that promote learner agency are critical, perspective shifts that have taken place in districts as a result of the pandemic, and more. This episode of The CoSN Podcast is supported by Microsoft. Learn more at www.microsoft.com/education Engage further in the discussion on Twitter. Follow: @attipscast @possbeth @KarenJan @CoSN @MindRocketMedia @MicrosoftEDU The CoSN Podcast is produced in partnership with Mind Rocket Media Group. To learn more about CoSN, visit www.cosn.org.

Complex needs necessitate a more specialized approach toward therapy. Often the “Big 3” of speech, OT, and PT are not specialized enough to address complex needs. This episode takes a look at how niche therapies fold in the The Big 3 and where trends seem to be headed. About the Guest: Laura Hayes, MS, CCC-SLP Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 12 years of augmentative communication experience in both school and medical settings.  Laura has presented locally and at state, national, and international conferences such as the Missouri Speech-Hearing Association, ATIA, and the Pediatric Perspectives Conference. She has been published and supported both inpatient pediatric and educational augmentative communication research.  She currently hosts a podcast for her school district titled: “Innovative AAC Solutions”. She loves providing training, implementation resources, and guided direction to help with success using AAC.  She can be followed for more resources and ideas on Instagram @aac_innovations. Links to Mentioned Content: Kim's conversation w Chris Bugaj on the Talking With Tech Podcast about technology Inclusive Learning 365 book about integrating tech Chickadee AAC Sarah Gregory Rachel Mandell Episode w Jacklyn Googins where she discussed research based approaches to therapy This episode is part of a 12 episode series in Season 5 rethinking the what, when, where, why, and how of the therapies we choose. 

Friends, we have an awesome pod for you today! Mike and Brad talk about travel plans coming up, games and videos worth checking out, and our guests today are the FOUR authors of Inclusive Learning 365. Guest: The Authors of Inclusive Learning 365 Our guests this week - FOUR OF THEM! - are the authors of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year. Published by ISTE, this book has amazing ideas for how to design meaningful, inclusive instruction - 365 of them in fact! Welcome to the podcast Chris Bugaj (boo-gay), Karen Janowski, Mike Marotta, and Beth Poss! BUY THE BOOK!: https://inclusive365.com/ (https://inclusive365.com/) Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/attipscast (https://twitter.com/attipscast) Karen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenJan (https://twitter.com/KarenJan) Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmatp (https://twitter.com/mmatp) Beth on Twitter: https://twitter.com/possbeth (https://twitter.com/possbeth) Notes: If Zoom Meetings were Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYu_bGbZiiQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYu_bGbZiiQ) Football, football, football Games are becoming a universal language Paper's new video games slack channel grew instantly to 40+ people Spider-Man: No Way Home Teaser!!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKVSRXqsCDw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKVSRXqsCDw) ASK FOR STICKERS: https://twitter.com/MsThornborrow (https://twitter.com/MsThornborrow) Today's podcast is brought to you by: Participate: The presenting sponsor of OnEducation is Participate. The Sandbox is creating a learning ecosystem where educators can learn in weekly streams, bring ideas into their classrooms, collaborate with other educators and become Sandbox ambassadors. Join the community to learn more at http://go.participate.com/sandbox (go.participate.com/sandbox)

In this episode we're joined by 4 educational experts, and friends of Texthelp, who have co-written a fantastic new book about inclusive learning. The book is called Inclusive Learning 365, and is being published by ISTE - the International Society for Technology in Education.  If you work in education this book will become your daily companion, with 365 strategies that you can use to provide the best learning experience. We're going to take a look at some of these strategies in today's podcast. The authors Chris Bugaj, Karen Janowski, Mike Marotta and Beth Poss come from a variety of backgrounds in education. We'll meet them all shortly and find out a bit more about them and what drove them to write this book. 

In this episode of Texthelp Talks, our host Mark Schwartz  sits down to chat to some leading experts on the art of writing. Amy Mayer, founder and CEO of friEdTechnology, is a nationally known speaker and trainer as well as a veteran public school educator. Chris Bugaj  is a founding member of the assistive technology team for Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia. Chris co-hosts the Talking with Tech podcast featuring interviews and conversations about augmentative and alternative communication, and has hosted award-winning podcast featuring strategies to design educational experiences. They explore effective writing strategies for students, and share some tips for inspiring students to write more. 

Christopher Bugaj is an assistive technology specialist, speech-language pathologist, ISTE author, app author, international presenter, online mentor, and host of the ATTips Podcast, which is a podcast about using technology to help students meet their educational goals. Chris is the featured keynote speaker at this year's MassCUE Fall Conference, taking place October 24-25 at Gillette Stadium. Chris and Brandon talk about his keynote for the conference, assistive technology, and how assistive technology has been mainstreamed to help all students. You can find Chris Bugaj on Twitter @ATTipsCast and his website www.chrisbugaj.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/get-a-cue/message

New to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and don’t know where to begin? This course is designed to introduce key terminology, technology, and ideology, in order to establish a solid foundation of AAC. AAC experts, Rachel Madel and Chris Bugaj (hosts of the Talking With Tech Podcast) share their tips and strategies. This episode is an excerpt of an XED course which was originally offered as a free live webinar during the SLP2B Conference, February 2019.

 ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS: ALTERNATIVE/AUGMENTED  COMMUNICATION: Our Special guests  are two of the most respected voices in the use of Assistive Technology in Education, Chris Bugaj , founding member of the Assistive Tech team for Loudoun County Public Schools  in VA and  Language Pathologist Rachel Madel who coaches on communications worldwide. Together they co host the podcast "Talking with Tech"

 ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS: ALTERNATIVE/AUGMENTED  COMMUNICATION: Our Special guests  are two of the most respected voices in the use of Assistive Technology in Education, Chris Bugaj , founding member of the Assistive Tech team for Loudoun County Public Schools  in VA and  Language Pathologist Rachel Madel who coaches on communications worldwide. Together they co host the podcast "Talking with Tech"

This week, the TWT team is re-broadcasting the first half of our March 31st Facebook Live episode! Rachel, Chris, and Matt Hott of the SpeechScience podcast took questions from listeners about the ASHA AAC Clinical Specialty Certification. During this free-flowing discussion, they share concerns with the “expert” model, why Specialty Certification may help improve graduate-level AAC instruction, and how a Specialty Certification could impact private practices working with AAC. Rachel and Chris also touch on concerns about insurance payments, the need for more a collaborative approach to assessment, questions about who should be considered an “AAC Specialist”, and more!   Links:  SpeechScience podcast: https://xceptionaled.com/podcasts/speech-science/ Chris Bugaj's book, "The New Assistive Tech: Making Learning Awesome for All!": https://www.amazon.com/New-Assistive-Tech-Learning-Awesome/dp/1564846881 For Part 2 of our Facebook Live episode on AAC Clinical Specialty Certification, click here

Episode 72:  ASHA's AAC Certification This is a very special episode.  Talking with Tech's Chris Bugaj and Rachel Madel stop by to discuss the ASHA recommendation for AAC Certification.  Will this be good or bad for the field?   Email: speechsciencepodcast@gmail.com Voicemail: (614) 681-1798  ----more---- New Episode and Interact here: www.speechsciencepodcast.com podcast.speechsciencepodcast.com     Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MWHProduction   Rate and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/speechscience-org-podcast/id1224862476?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D8   Show Links   Katya Hill Interview https://xceptionaled.com/podcasts/talking-with-tech/katya-hill-developing-an-asha-specialty-certification-for-aac/   ASHA Accreditation https://www.asha.org/SIG/12/About-SIG-12/ https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/ https://www.asha.org/Certification/specialty/Approved-Petitioning-Groups-for-New-Specialty-Areas/ https://www.asha.org/Certification/specialty/Establish-a-Clinical-Specialty-Area/ https://www.asha.org/certification/specialty/       Intro Music: Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License.   Bump Music: The Spellbreaker by Tri-Tachyon is licensed under a Attribution License.   Closing Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.       Speech Science Powered by: Special Free Tools for Speech Science Listeners www.pearsonclinical.com/speechscience Pearson provides a variety of assessment and intervention materials for speech and language pathologists, audiologists, and related practitioners, which can lead to greater insights, better decisions, and successful outcomes for children and adults. Our respected products include the PPVT™-5, EVT™-3, GFTA-3, GFTA-3 Spanish, KLPA-3, CELF®-5, and PLS-5.

SPECIAL EDUCATION ...AN FETC  PANEL DISCUSSION ON EQUITY AND INCLUSION...We'll be talking Assistive Technology etc with a group of educators  that includes  experts Chris Bugaj of Loudon VA, Kindy Segovia of Kent ISD  in MI and Mia Laudato & Robin Williams of FDLRS Action resource Center

SPECIAL EDUCATION ...AN FETC  PANEL DISCUSSION ON EQUITY AND INCLUSION...We'll be talking Assistive Technology etc with a group of educators  that includes  experts Chris Bugaj of Loudon VA, Kindy Segovia of Kent ISD  in MI and Mia Laudato & Robin Williams of FDLRS Action resource Center

Episode 59: Mai Ling Chan, Chris Bugaj, Rachel Madel, and Matt Hott sat down for a behind the scenes podcast round table.  They talk how to build a show and the balance it takes to put a show on air.  It's a Christmas Celebration.   

Each episode of Inclusive Technology 4 All will bring you information about Inclusive and Assistive Technology to increase independence. In this episode: Tech Tool Spotlight x 2: Aida Reminder app Tab Resize Chrome Extension Check out: Explore AT from AT3 Center AbleNet University #ATchat Update: 12/19/18 Topic: The New Assistive Technology with special guest Chris Bugaj (@attipscast) For more information, visit mmatp.com/it4all for the Episode 25 show notes.

For this special holiday episode, Mai Ling Chan sits down for a fun, lighthearted roundtable conversation with the other hosts of the Xceptional Podcast Network. She is joined by Matt Hott of Speech Science as well as Chris Bugaj and Rachel Madel of Talking with Tech. The four discuss the challenges and benefits of creating a podcast in the special needs market. They also talk about how they first got into an SLP career, staying focused while interviewing guests, their favorite holiday films, and more.

Once again we bring you some great interviews from the 2018 ASHA conference in Boston. In this episode, we feature interviews with other podcasters in the SLP space. Mai Ling Chan talks with the SLP Happy Hour hosts, Erik X. Raj, Chris Bugaj, Lucas Steuber, Ayelet Marinovich, Venita Litvack, and Jenna Castro-Casbon.

Each episode of Inclusive Technology 4 All will bring you information about Inclusive and Assistive Technology to increase independence. In this super sized episode: Tech Tool Spotlight: eBook Conversion Guide Resources You Can Use: Edcamp NJ 2018 Let’s Hear From You: PD, Tools & Thanks! Special Guests: Maureen Tumenas, Chris Bugaj, Beth Poss, Michael Roush and Hillary Goldthwait-Fowles #ATchat Update: 11/21/18 Topic: Let’s Give Thanks - No chat For more information, visit mmatp.com/it4all for the Episode 21 show notes.

In this episode the incomparable Lauren Enders, SLP and AAC specialist, joins Talking With Tech's Lucas Steuber and Chris Bugaj to talk practical tips for implementation and consultation in the schools. Meanwhile, Lucas and Rachel discuss some of the resources Lauren has created, including the "dos and dont's" of AAC instruction. Thanks so much for listening! For more on Lauren check out her frequent submissions to PrAACtical AAC as well as prolific posts on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.  If you like what we do, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! We also appreciate any help keeping the lights on at patreon.speechscience.org. Happy listening!

In this episode Rachel Madel and Chris Bugaj (and later just Chris) take over the episode to talk about accessible gaming! We welcome Mark Barlet of AbleGamers to talk about their work in making recreation available to everyone. Like what we do at Talking With Tech? Make sure to subscribe and rate on iTunes - and check out Chris's new book coming out soon: http://bit.ly/thenewatforall Interview Notes: Chris explain how he met Mark Barlet Mark discusses what Ablegamers is all about Mark talks about using videos games to escape Video games as a social experience with meaningful friends Mark talks about how Ablegamers was founded Mark talks about how Ablegamers blossomed to what it is today The focus changes from add single feature for single user to designing games for everyone because the market demands it All game companies are building accessibility features into their design Now Ablegamers is building new technologies with 3D printing Ablegamers is reaching out to build game centers in places where people with disabilities are located First steps to making games more accessible in schools Getting administrators involved Tablets are cracking the idea that games are meant for home only Find someone who is passionate about games to lead the endeavor Some schools have after school gaming clubs Making games and coding could be part of STEM curriculum When people come to Ablegamers, what do people do? Ablegamers skew more to people with physical disabilities but are growing to people with cognitive disabilities or others Ablegamers do an assessment

Kathy Howery joins Chris Bugaj to discuss her research on the lived experience of AAC users. Afterward, the team comes back together to talk about the importance of human identity - and humor - in language use. Thanks for listening! As always, contact us at tech@speechscience.org with any feedback and make sure to subscribe and share with your friends! If you'd like to support our work, we always appreciate any gesture via Patreon.  

In this episode Talking with Tech's Lucas Steuber, Rachel Madel, and the long-list Chris Bugaj sit down and discuss international development in AAC before welcoming Chris Gibbons of SmartBox to the show. Chris shares beautifully about his many years of experience in the industry, the transition from intervention to the lab to the market, changes over time to the funding model - both good and bad - as well as Grid 3 and some thoughts on what's to come. For more information about Chris and SmartBox, be sure to visit their site and - if you get a chance - catch him presenting at many related conferences such as ASHA, ATIA, ISAAC, and pretty much everywhere else. Thanks for listening! As always, contact us at tech@speechscience.org with any feedback and make sure to subscribe and share with your friends! If you'd like to support our work, we always appreciate any gesture via Patreon. *Disclosure, Lucas Steuber and Chris Gibbons have worked together before on minor projects through their shared venture GiveLanguage, but neither party received financial compensation.

In this episode, Talking with Tech's Lucas Steuber and Chris Bugaj interview Bill Binko of ATMakers (and much more) about his work in do-it-yourself assistive technology, the growth of the "maker" movement in our field, and the future of assistive technology when so many large companies focus increasingly on usability in electronics. For more information, see http://atmakers.org/ - and thanks for listening!

The stealth attack ship Washington D.C. is on a mission which must be completed, regardless of the cost. Everyone is expendable. All that matters is that they succeed in their task. They must learn what Professor James Keeling of the Planetary Union is working on out here in deep space.The DC is a highly advanced "ugly" from the League of Planets. Silence and stealth are the Washington's weapons of war. Every emission, whether it be electromagnetic, heat, light, or sound can place them in immediate peril. Detection means death. Deaths noted in Captain Plaunts' log this episode: Donny Bliss, Chris Bugaj, Melissa Bugaj, Laura Burns, Andrew Clark, Christiana Ellis, Martha Hollaway, Paulette Jaxton, Mikey Kay, Mur Lafferty, Kira Mandel, Steve Marschall, Earl Newton, Nutty Nuchtchas, Jason Ramboz, Andrew Randles, Mark Smith, Andy Spencer, Carmen Wellman, Jett Whitfield. Crew members whose fates are UNKNOWN: Scott Breakall, Darth BonBon, Christine Cipparone, Hillary Clapper, John Cmar, Kevin Crosby, Darrin Dishong, Bill Engleman, Paul Fischer, Cristin Guinan-Wiley, Eric Hodges, Jason Jones, Ed Patrush, Gillian Plaunt, Allie Press, Bruce Press, Aric Ruks, Ted Sawyer, Chooch Schubert, Viv Schubert, Ashley Schultz, Carrie Seidman, Greg Seidman,  Ryan Sexmore, David Sobkowiak, Maxwell Sobolik, Dan Tabor, Annie Turner, Brent Weichsel, Evelyn Wolke, Jason Wonn.

Happy Spring! As we have shared in our past few entries, one of our most favorite activities to do is take a walk or hike. On weeknights after dinner, we enjoy walking around our mountain as a family. We love to check on the level of the babbling creek, hike off the beaten path to the many interesting rocks formations, run as fast as we can down the dirt roads, and listen for birds chirping and other little critters skittering around. Sometimes we are really lucky and see our deer friends "Hoppy" and "Twirly" and their babies that are the new spring additions to our majestic mountain. As you listen to the story, consider the following: What do you enjoy doing most with your family? Leave us a message on the blog about your favorite family activity, the story, or any past story and you can enter a chance to win some great books from Hatchette Books! CH-CH-CH-CHANGESThis week we have a special treat! When you listen to the story, you will notice a difference. Did my voice drop a few octaves? Not exactly, but good guess. We are delighted to have Mr. Chris Bugaj, who has written all the stories with Miss Mel, to make his narrating debut. Mr. Chris is also the host of the award winning podcast A.T.Tipscast, which provides at least one strategy per episode about technology used to help struggling students.What did you say? A word of the day!That is right! In our story there are many juicy words that are fun to learn and say! Concoction: To prepare by mixing ingredientsEmbarked: To set out on a ventureEmblem: A sign, design, or figure that identifies or represents somethingInterweaving: To weave together, as threads, strands, branches, or roots Bright Birthdays We wanted to start sending bright birthday wishes to our loyal listeners at the end of each episode. If you want to be a part of getting a Night Light Birthday wish, send us an email at nightlightstories@gmail.com.  Please send us your first name and last name initial only along with your age and date of your birthday. There are no age limits! For example, this weeks episode we want to send out  Bright Birthday wishes to Will D, Joe D and John D from Valencia Spain.  We hope your day SPARKLED!More Worthy WebsitesCelebrate Spring with some clever craftsAll about Spring