Start the Chat: The AAC Podcast

Smartbox AAC

Start the Chat: The AAC Podcast is hosted by Speech-Language Pathologists Chris Gibbons, Melanie Gylling, and Alicia Alverson. Together, the hosts explore the world of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), sharing stories, insights, and lived experiences from AAC users, their families, and the professionals who support them. Each episode offers meaningful conversations about communication, connection, and inclusion, exploring what matters most in the AAC community, demystifying complex subject matter, and sparking conversations that lead to greater understanding and belonging.

Episodes

  1. 2 days ago

    Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and AAC

    How can we make classrooms more inclusive for students who use AAC? In this episode, hosts Chris Gibbons and Alicia Alverson explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how building flexibility into teaching from the start can benefit all learners. They're joined by Samantha Hagness and Becky Woolley from Mesa School District, Arizona, who share how embedding AAC into everyday classroom activities has contributed to a 508% increase in students using AAC devices over four years, largely through earlier identification of students who could benefit. We also hear from LJ, a high school student who uses AAC, about his experiences in the classroom, the importance of giving students time to communicate, and why communication differences shouldn't mean lower expectations. Listen in to hear practical ways educators can remove barriers, support participation and create learning environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Useful links: LJ Seiff - Arlington, VA | AAC Speaker Connection (USSAAC) Grid for Schools | Case study with The Watson Institute Closing the Gap Solutions Article Mesa Public Schools - Smartbox Why we created Super Core: See and Say - Smartbox Episode 271: Samantha Hagness & Becky Woolley (Part 1) - Modelling AAC in the Classroom Using Grid 3… Episode 272: Samantha Hagness & Becky Woolley (Part 2) - Strategies for Improving Communication Par… James Clear – Atomic Habits: Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear

  2. 21 Aug

    Exploring eye gaze, part two.

    In episode four, part two of Start the Chat, we continue our conversation on eye gaze. Following on from Karanveer’s perspective on using eye gaze in everyday life in our last episode, we’re joined by Emily and Trinity from Bridging Voice to explore how the technology has progressed and what goes into making eye gaze successful.   Emily and Trinity share practical considerations for building eye gaze skills, from mounting and positioning to dwell settings, games and combining access methods. We discuss the learning curve that often goes unseen, why skills need to be introduced gradually, and the crucial importance of starting with what someone actually wants to achieve using their device.   Looking ahead, we consider what the future of eye gaze could bring – including wearable access, better performance outdoors, AI that helps people keep pace with conversation, and integration with emerging technologies such as BCI.   Throughout, Emily and Trinity remind us that successful eye gaze is about much more than the technology itself. Training, education, positioning and personalised support all play a part – and so does learning from the people who use eye gaze and generously share their experiences.   For more information on Bridging Voice and their work to help people with ALS visit: www.bridgingvoice.org Further resources When Ocular Health Becomes the Key to Communication in ALS Sowers, D.J, & Wilkinson, K.M. (2003) Demands Associated With an AAC System in Relation to Alternat… Brain–Computer Interfaces for Augmentative and Alternative Communication: A Tutorial | American Jou… Look Lab eye gaze software by Smartbox Using Look Lab to support skill development Smartbox Hub: Troubleshooting eye tracking difficulties Smartbox Academy: Eye Gaze Basics

  3. 22 Jul

    Exploring eye gaze, part one

    Eye gaze technology has the power to transform access to communication for many people, but it can come with challenges and doesn’t work for everyone. Learning to communicate with eye gaze takes time, persistence and the right support. In the first of our two-part series on eye gaze, we meet Karanveer Singh, an AAC user who began using eye gaze in his later school years, after growing up without a reliable way to communicate. He describes the reality of life before AAC as similar to "being fully awake in a world that couldn't hear me," as well as the long journey to becoming fluent with eye gaze, and how technology has helped him build a life around creativity, filmmaking, writing and public speaking. To reduce friction throughout the day, Karanveer also uses a blink switch, head mouse, and other tools, reminding us that communication is deeply personal, and that the goal is never to fit the person to the technology, but the technology to the person. He leaves listeners with this advice: "Don't measure your worth by words per minute. Believe that what's in your head matters. Eye gaze is a tool; but you are the power source." In Part 2, we'll hear from two experienced speech and language therapists who share practical advice for teaching eye gaze, overcoming common challenges, and helping people succeed with this powerful access method. ---------------- Karanveer ATIA 2024 Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture Awe and Wonder S4 E8 Cultural Responsiveness - Karanveer Singh with KP Singh and Rose Racicot My AAC Journey - Switches to Eye Gaze to Infinity with Karanveer Singh Effortless Design - Eye Gaze Features Explored in Adobe Illustrator - Karanveer Singh SETC - Unique Perspective Change the World Photoshop AI Using Eye Gaze with TD Control & Communicator 5 Music video edited by Karanveer Singh aka Handsomejatt

  4. 15 Jun

    Literacy, part two

    In part two of our literacy theme on Start the Chat, we hear from Emily Cowen, an AAC user and advocate, as she shares her literacy journey and the barriers she faced along the way.   Together, we reflect on the importance of inclusivity, the role of belief in supporting people who use AAC, and how assumptions and bias can limit opportunities for learning and self-expression.   We then meet Jamie Preece and his partner Emma to hear their perspective on discovering literacy later in life. Jamie shares the impact literacy has had on his ability to communicate, and how he combines spelling, phrases, symbols, prediction and re-voicing to get his message across effectively.   Both stories powerfully reinforce themes from our previous conversation with Maureen Donnelly, highlighting how literacy can give people who use AAC greater freedom, independence, and control over their communication.   To learn more about Emily and her work, visit www.emsdisabilityadvocacyconsultingservices.com.

  5. 23 Mar

    Literacy, part one

    In this episode of Start the Chat, we explore literacy with early childhood education expert Maureen Donnelly, Director at Building Wings – an organisation dedicated to creating engaging instructional materials that support a wide range of learners. Maureen shares her passion for a supportive, student-centred approach to reading and writing, highlighting how giving learners space to explore and express their ideas fosters meaningful growth towards the most flexible communication possible. Together, we discuss the science of reading, the importance of phonics, how to recognise and navigate our own biases, and the role of AAC in supporting literacy development. In this episode, Maureen mentions Camp Alec (www.campalec.com) and the book Comprehensive Literacy for All, by Drs. Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver.  Stay tuned for part two on literacy next month, where we will hear from someone who uses AAC, on what the journey towards literacy can feel like.

  6. 20 Feb

    Supporting aphasia

    In the second episode of Start the Chat, we explore aphasia and how AAC can support people living with this condition. Chris and Melanie speak with Michael, who uses AAC part-time after it helped him through rehabilitation following a stroke. Now known as his “buddy”, AAC is a tool Michael uses when he needs it, supporting both his communication and his memory. The episode also features insights from Speech and Language Therapists and Smartbox Content Team members Daisy and Eva, who discuss the development of a dedicated aphasia vocabulary for Grid users. They explain why designing with both the AAC user and their communication partner in mind is essential - and how this thinking led to the name Aphasia Duo.   Find more information here: thinksmartbox.com/aphasia-duo/ To learn more about USS AAC Speaker Connection visit: www.ussaac.org/aac-speaker-connection/

  7. 8 Jan

    AI, Voice and Identity

    In our first episode, Melanie and Chris meet Deanna, a person with ALS/MND, to hear her lived experience with AAC. She shares what it was like to lose her natural speaking voice and how an AI-generated voice has helped her reclaim an important part of her identity. We then speak with Specialist Speech Therapist Richard Cave, who is a leading voice in the field of voice banking. Richard explains how recent advances in AI have made huge strides in transforming what’s possible for people who rely on AAC, and the difference having an accurate-sounding voice can make to someone facing huge changes in their life after a diagnosis.  This episode explores AAC technology and the impact it can have on voice and identity.

  8. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to Start The Chat: The AAC Podcast

    Welcome to Start The Chat, The AAC podcast, from Smartbox. In this short trailer, your hosts - Speech-Language Therapists Chris Gibbons, Melanie Gylling, and Alicia Alverson - share what this series is all about: communication, connection, and the stories that matter to people who use AAC and those who support them. We explore the rapidly evolving world of AAC - an emerging technology with enormous potential to change how people communicate. Each episode opens up a conversation about real experiences, practical insights, and new possibilities in voice, identity, access, and participation. Have an idea you’d like us to talk about? Email us at startthechat@thinksmartbox.com. Let’s learn, explore, and start the chat about AAC together.

  • 1 Trailer
    7 Episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Start the Chat: The AAC Podcast is hosted by Speech-Language Pathologists Chris Gibbons, Melanie Gylling, and Alicia Alverson. Together, the hosts explore the world of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), sharing stories, insights, and lived experiences from AAC users, their families, and the professionals who support them. Each episode offers meaningful conversations about communication, connection, and inclusion, exploring what matters most in the AAC community, demystifying complex subject matter, and sparking conversations that lead to greater understanding and belonging.

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