Communication Toolkit

TTAC @ VT SLPs

Hello and welcome to the Communication Toolkit podcast, brought to you by the Training and Technical Assistance Center at Virginia Tech where our mission is to improve educational opportunities and contribute to the success of children and youth with disabilities. This is the show for SLPs, where we discuss hot topics related to speech, language and communication!

  1. 11/19/2025

    Conversations Around Communication: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Part 2

    In this episode, we are joined by Shay Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Verbali and father to a non-verbal son. In an attempt to find the most optimal AAC system for his son, Shay developed MaTalk AI, an innovative new app that combines traditional communication supports with an AI component. In this interview he discusses the current features of his app and what he hopes for the future of AI and AAC. Check out the following resources for more information... Verbali - linksWebsite Ma-Talk on the App Store Ma-Talk on Google Play Verbali on the social networks: Youtube X Linkedin Facebook Instagram

    31 min

  2. 11/05/2025

    Conversations Around Communication: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Part 1

    In this episode we chat with Matt Newton, an instructional and assistive technology coordinator with the T/TAC at Virginia Tech, about Artificial Intelligence or AI. He share some of his favorite AI tools and how they can support access and participation in instruction for our students with disabilities and also enhance teaching and increase time management for our educators. Check out the following resources mentioned in this episode...

    30 min

  3. 10/29/2025

    Conversations Around Communication: Core Vocabulary Part 2

    In this episode we have a discussion with two teachers who are implementing core vocabulary in their classrooms and discuss how this has enhanced the language of their students and improved their overall instruction. Please check out these links to come of the reources mentioned in today's episode... Project Core Word of the Week Using Core in the Classroom

    25 min

  4. 10/02/2025

    Conversations Around Communication: Core Vocabulary Part 1

    This episode takes a deeper look into core vocabulary and discusses the importance of focusing on core words when you are teaching students to use AAC and some great resources to get teachers and teams started! The following resources are discussed in today's episode... Article: A Few Good Words Stepping Into AAC Escondido Union School District Email Blast Assistiveware's Core Word Classroom Lessonpix

    20 min

  5. 04/16/2025

    Let's Talk Literacy: Emergent Literacy Domains Part 2

    In this episode we take a deeper look into the importance of print knowledge, phonological awareness and oral language skills as it relates to emergent literacy. Each of us share about our experiences teaching these skills to young learners and we also describe some of our favorite activities and materials for targeted these skills in therapy sessions! Check out the following links for more information on some of those suggested items... Story Champs Using Green Screen

    21 min

  6. 03/05/2025

    Let's Talk Literacy: Emergent Literacy Domains Part 1

    In this episode we dive into the three foundational areas to support literacy development for young learners. Oral language, phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge provide the foundation for learning to read and write in elementary school, as lined out in the 2008 study by the National Eearly Literacy Panel (NELP). We discuss the importance of each of these domains and how we might incorporate these skills into speech and language therapy. Check out the following resource from Reading Rockets for more great ideas... https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/preschool-and-child-care/articles/nelp-report-developing-early-literacy

    9 min

  7. 02/05/2025

    Let's Talk Literacy: Supporting Students with Complex Needs Part 2

    In this episode we wrap up our discussion around supporting literacy instruction for our students with the most complex needs. We present an overview of the book, Comprehensive Literacy for All, by Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver, and share some of our favorite strategies and take aways. Check out the following links for more information on this topic. Center for Literacy and Disability Studies Tar Heel Shared Reader Buy the book: Comprehensive Literacy for All

    9 min

  8. 01/08/2025

    Let's Talk Literacy: Supporting Students with Complex Needs

    This episode focuses on supporting literacy instructions for our complex learners. We are joined by two all star special education teachers from Russell County to share their about their experiences. Please check out this link for more information!

    31 min
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About

Hello and welcome to the Communication Toolkit podcast, brought to you by the Training and Technical Assistance Center at Virginia Tech where our mission is to improve educational opportunities and contribute to the success of children and youth with disabilities. This is the show for SLPs, where we discuss hot topics related to speech, language and communication!

Information

  • Creator
    TTAC @ VT SLPs
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TTAC @ VT SLPs
  • Show Website
    Communication Toolkit