Awe and Wonder Podcast: AAC & AT

Hosted by Special Ed Tech Center

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Are you losing the human connection in the midst of data collection? Join Brenda and Sarah as they talk with inspirational people who create awe and wonder in unique ways. “Wonder inspires the wish to understand; awe inspires the wish to let shine, to acknowledge and to unite.” Ulrich Weger & Johannes Wagemann (sourced from Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown) Participants will hear first hand accounts from people supporting students with complex needs. Assistive Technology, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) and IEP goals are discussed, but human connection is highlighted throughout this engaging series.

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60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 243 min

S10 E2: The Future of AAC & AT featuring Maureen Donnelly

In this podcast episode, Maureen Donnelly, M.Ed., Director of Curriculum at Building Wings and a passionate advocate for accessible literacy instruction, shares her expert insights on the future of assistive technology. She discusses innovative ways to involve families more effectively in AT, reimagines progress monitoring and data collection, and emphasizes the importance of looking ahead to build developmentally appropriate, hopeful frameworks for learners. Best of all, the conversation is packed with actionable, free resources you can start using today! Resources: Monarch Reader: https://monarchreader.com/ Readtopia: https://www.buildingwings.com/readtopia/ Project VC: https://www.projectvc.org/ CLFA book: https://products.brookespublishing.com/Comprehensive-Literacy-for-All-P1165.aspx buildingwings.com

September 15, 2026Episode 155 min

S10 E1: The Future of AAC & AT featuring Chris Gibbons

In this episode we are joined by Chris Gibbons, an SLP and the Senior Vice President of Clinical Education at Smartbox Assistive Technology. Drawing on his extensive clinical research background, Chris dives into the fascinating world of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and the rapidly evolving application of artificial intelligence within AAC. We explore how these emerging technologies and large language models can significantly increase access efficiencies for device users. Finally, the conversation highlights the crucial, ongoing role of the communication partner in effectively supporting AAC users as they integrate these powerful new AI tools into their everyday interactions. Resources: Start the Chat Podcast featuring Jamie Preece on literacy: https://open.spotify.com/episode/64wKMhShTkcnDHAoxWUmfg Article- A Visual BCI for Communication for PALS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/158OuOCJgnShWm3kSsqWVdbBrL-xMairj/view?usp=drive_link Article- Ethical Issues with BCI: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QOOFbUoDZLdhIs8j1NvaNnZIjuc1ghLj/view?usp=sharing

July 8, 2026Episode 849 min

S9E8: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Staci Neustadt

In this episode, Staci Neustadt introduces the Neuro Strengths-Based Support for Autism (NSBSA) framework—a revolutionary approach that bridges the communication and perception gap between autistic and non-autistic minds. Staci shares practical strategies for moving away from "fixing" students' problems and toward empowering their independence. Tune in as Staci shares practical tools for fostering student independence, teaching somatic emotional regulation ("How did that feel in your body?"), building self-awareness around both strengths and disabilities, and using mutual agreements to cultivate genuine partnerships. She shares multiple examples of what can do to support and model regulation in a busy and loud classroom. You don’t want to miss the practical strategies and resources she provides throughout this interview! https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-s9/ Resources: Making Sense of Autism: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop5H-JMgygKXcCbQEovnH864cCqJixvDNDDkgaOytecq9OA48g- Strengths, Stressors, and Supports Profile Quick Form FREE: https://www.makingsenseofautism.com/quick-assessment Autism Level UP! https://autismnavigator.learnercommunity.com/Files/Org/b7feabe6ed9e4713b02511fc0003214c/site/Laurent_LevelingUP.pdf

July 1, 2026Episode 751 min

S9E7: Neurodiversity in Education and in Life with Lexi Ayars & Timothy

In this episode we are joined by two incredible guests who bring unique, lived experiences to the conversation: Lexi Ayars and Timothy. 12 year old Lexi, a thoughtful leader and passionate advocate, opens up about her own journey navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual. She shares invaluable advice on how to effectively advocate for others and breaks down the specific qualities that make a teacher truly helpful and impactful for neurodivergent students. Timothy brings an equally important perspective as the older brother of a neurodiverse sibling. He candidly discusses the complexities of family dynamics. Timothy shares how his perspective has evolved over time toward profound understanding and patience, shaping his core belief in the need for individualized, relationship-centered approaches to support. Resources: Parent to Parent sibling supports: https://arcwa.org/p2p-coordinator-information/ Seasame Workshop Understanding Autism: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/autism/

June 24, 2026Episode 652 min

S9E6: Neurodiversity in Education and in Life with Ivanova Smith

In this episode, we sit down with Ivanova Smith, a fierce leader in the self-advocacy movement for over a decade and founder of the Nothing About Us Without Us Act. Ivanova opens up about her early years spending five years in a Latvian institution, her adopted family's tireless fight for her to receive a full education, and the isolating experience of being what she calls the "hot potato sped kid" constantly bouncing between general and special education settings. Reflecting on her early lack of opportunity to connect with the disability community, Ivanova passionately discusses how youth can take a more active role in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and shares actionable ideas to foster a genuine sense of belonging for students with IDD. Now serving as the Community Collaborations Program Manager for Developmental Disability Community Services, she breaks down what true person-centered policy looks like, powerfully reminding us that there should be "no policy without representation." https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-podcast/ Resources: Learn more about the Nothing About Us Without Us Act from Disability Rights WA: https://disabilityrightswa.org/nothing-about-us-without-us/ Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN): https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/inclusionary-practices-technical-assistance-network-iptn

June 17, 2026Episode 550 min

S9E5: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Elizabeth Freund

In this episode, Elizabeth Freund joins us to explore the profound impact of neurodiversity-affirming processes in education and therapy. We dive into the beauty of child-led, exploratory therapy and practical approaches like "strewing," which leverages a student’s natural pattern-seeking strengths to gently introduce new toys and activities. The conversation also highlights how to best support Gestalt Language Processors, exploring how recorded speech can encourage language growth while maintaining essential flexibility for the child. Beyond everyday strategies, we examine how our therapeutic approaches and relationships shift when we actively change the language and narratives we hold. As Elizabeth notes, "Use this [neurodiversity] movement as an invitation to reflect and think about …the narratives we have held and maybe the ones we want to foster instead." Resources: Handout on PDA, GLP and cognitive processing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Ou1f34JVIlLbHwtwxo-t6-TMrLkiM0g/view?usp=drive_link

June 9, 2026Episode 450 min

S9E4: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Emily Kircher Morris

Sarah and Brenda are thrilled to be joined by Emily Kircher-Morris, a clinical mental health professional, host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, and co-author of Neurodiversity Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported. Drawing on her unique background as a neurodivergent parent, educator, and counselor, Emily explores how to build truly neurodiversity-affirming environments. We unpack the nuances of Autism levels, the importance of a "both/and" approach to support, and the vital shift from teaching rigid "social skills" to fostering flexible "social navigation." Finally, Emily breaks down the purpose of stimming and how to scaffold authentic self-advocacy beyond simply asking for help. https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-s9/ Resources Mentioned: Listen to Emily’s show: The Neurodiversity Podcast: https://neurodiversitypodcast.com/ Read Emily's Book: Neurodiversity Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported https://www.neurodiversityaffirmingschools.com/ Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b9S0Lo2P7Rs

June 2, 2026Episode 334 min

S9E3: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Mateo Moreno

In this episode of the Awe and Wonder Podcast's "Stories of Neurodiversity" series, Brenda and Sarah are thrilled to welcome Mateo Moreno, a passionate advocate who has used AAC since the age of four. Mateo shares his powerful journey navigating the world with his Saltillo NovaChat 8, offering unique insights into disability, inclusion, and the realities of being the only AAC user in the room. From presenting internationally to mentoring young communicators at Camp ALEC and even appearing on Disney+, his dedication to fostering confidence and kindness is truly unmatched. Join us for an insightful conversation as Mateo shares his invaluable recommendations for communication partners and his vision for a more inclusive world. https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-s9/ Episode Resources: Watch Mateo’s 2026 Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture ATIA 2026 Conference, titled "Stories from the Kid with a Talking Box: The Vital Role of AAC Users in Educating Peers about AAC and Inclusion." https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwAGlDFawZOOyvFpGrJ0txw See Mateo on Camp ALEC (Documentary on Disney+): A 19-minute short documentary film, part of the People & Places series, featuring the sleepaway camp where Mateo mentors. https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-6b02934d-b6ed-4f6b-8ab0-89149f493709

May 27, 2026Episode 257 min

S9E2: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Lauren Enders Gonzales

What does the future of neurodiversity look like? In this episode, Brenda and Sarah sit down with Lauren Enders Gonzales to explore this idea and tackle the hard questions about how we support neurodivergent AAC users. Lauren unpacks how educators and therapists often project their own agendas onto device customization and implementation and shares how we can reintroduce authentic curiosity into our sessions. Featuring real-world examples from her own therapy practice, Lauren also breaks down how to write measurable goals that reflect what matters most to the student—leaving compliance-based metrics behind. Episode Resources Does This AAC Goal Matter? Checklist Questions: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFQozTAFE8/Ns2RqfEtovR5Dz_oSYPLdQ/view?utm_content=DAFQozTAFE8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hf574c5b313 Learn about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): https://pdanorthamerica.org/ Declarative Language Handbook, by Linda Murphy https://www.declarativelanguage.com/about-declarative-language-handbook

May 19, 2026Episode 149 min

S9E1: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Sara Ayars

In episode S9E1 of the Awe and Wonder Podcast, we sit down with fellow Speech-Language Pathologist Sara Ayars. Sara brings a beautifully unique perspective to the conversation, blending her professional clinical expertise with her personal journey as a parent to a neurodiverse child. She shares actionable, neurodiversity-affirming strategies—like the power of co-regulation and the shift toward declarative language—that are designed to support and empower both the child and the parent. Whether you are a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode is packed with deeply relatable and practical insights. Resources: Declarative Language Handbook, by Linda Murphy https://www.declarativelanguage.com/about-declarative-language-handbook On The Hard Days podcast https://www.ontheharddays.com/podcast Mothers Together group https://www.ontheharddays.com/