I love this podcast! Im 1.5 episodes in and I’ve already learned more about myself and my students 🤯 🤩 🥰 🤗

Son is autistic non speaking high support needs 6 yr old. This podcast is one of the best. Really reaffirms everything I believe. Have been trained on. Chris and Rachel are great. I really appreciate that they have actual aac users and autistic voices on their podcast!!!

This podcast has been such a great help for me as a parent of a complex communicator. My son has had an AAC device since he was four. It sat on the shelf because I did not understand the language, I did not understand how to use it, and we did not have the proper supports. I started listening to this podcast several years ago, and that’s all changed. I’ve learned how to be a communication partner, learned the basics about providing my son language support, how to teach literacy to a complex communicators and now have many resources to turn to from the interview Chris and Rachel do. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

I continue to find episodes that are just life changing for us as the parents of a young nonverbal autistic learning to use his AAC. We bought our son an AAC and have done all the work on it. The discussions and guests on this podcast have helped formulate a strong base for us. And when they have autistic guests, just like the most recent episode on gestalt language 271 they offer a perspective that needs to be heard! As a teacher and mom I continue to value this podcast!

BEST. PODCAST. EVER! This podcast is absolutely amazing! I have learned so much. I tell anyone I can about it. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, knowledge, and experiences. You have greatly helped me and my students!!

I’m an AT specialist and I listen to this podcast on my way to work and while driving around my school district. I always come into the office feeling inspired and enthusiastic for the role I get to play in the lives of my students and families! Thank you for providing this podcast!

I have two children that have needed a AC for a long time and have not been able to find any support or help with that. The show is giving me the confidence to find the minimal support I had available and run with it to teach the my kids and and customized CoughDrop for them. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for this podcast. You guys were a big part of my inspiration to focus my practice on AAC. I am learning so much from all of you. Hopefully one day I will get to meet you and thank you in person!

Love your podcast!

I’m so incredibly thankful to Chris and Rachel for their amazing work with the Talking with Tech AAC Podcast! As an SLP and AAC Specialist this has been an invaluable resource to me through the years and I would highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about AAC!

I’m an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Professional with 15 years of experience. I am currently an AT & UDL Services Coordinator for my state. Part of my job includes supporting AT Specialists. This is a podcast I share out as an excellent resource.

As a new listener, almost a month into it, I strongly believe this show should be a supplemental course for all SLP’s in graduate school and beyond. A wise SLP once said to me, “the more you know, the more your realize what little you know.” This is exactly how I feel after listening to both of you. I serve pre-K to 5th grade students with CNN in public schools but have also worked in private practice. I also supervise graduate students from our local university and will encourage them to listen to your podcast as part of their off campus training experience. Thank you both for continuing to provide accessible training in our field! I am a fan!!

This is the best podcast out there for AAC discussion and progression. We’ve cited a bunch of content from your episodes to help our son get better services at school (and are in the process of evaluating an out of district placement that will help him become more engaged with his AAC device). We’ve even reached out to several guests from your prior episodes, and they were super helpful as well. Thank you for what you guys do for our community! You provide a lot more help to people than you even realize.

I first came across this podcast during the pandemic and have not stopped listening to it ever since! In the beginning I felt a bit intimated because of some of the technical language used in the show as I’m a parent. However, I soon came to understand those terms because both Chris and Rachel take the time and effort to explain and educate us more about AAC! I’ve reached a point where I almost feel like an expert, lol! I have recommended this podcasts to so many parents and professionals!! Also, thanks to this podcast I’ve become familiar with so many AAC professionals across US and now follow their work on social media. Some of my favorite episodes are of course the ones that feature AAC users. After all, as a mom to a 13 year old AAC user, it warms my heart to listen to their experiences and I rejoice in their success!! Chris and Rachel, you both are not just amazing professionals, but also awesome human beings. Your passion for AAC is truly infectious!! You have made me fall in love with this field, and I hope someday I can give back to the AAC community in some way for all that I have learnt and I continue to learn through this show. Thank you so much for all that you do🙏

I come to your podcast when I feel like I need to get some more motivation and I always leave with a fresh perspective and something applicable!

When I discovered there was an AAC podcast my heart filled with joy! Finally a show for me to learn about the latest research, clinical techniques, and even hear from AAC users. Talking With Tech is my go to SLP podcast in the sea of my many true crime ones. I love hearing the weekly updates and following both Rachel and Chris on social media. I even had a spazzed fangirl moment when I got to meet them at ATIA. If you are an SLP, teacher/professional who works with AAC, a parent of an AAC user, or an AAC user yourself, you have found your place. AAC doesn’t need to be scary and this podcasts makes all things AAC and Assistive Tech accessible to its listeners. Thank you Rachel

I absolutely love this podcast! I listen on my long drive to work and always feel inspired and come away with so many ideas to use with my students. Thank you Talking with Tech staff for all your hard work!

Are you looking for a relaxed but evidence based way to learn about AAC? Rachel and Chris do an excellent job on this podcast. They utilize all of their personal therapy experiences, in conjunction with evidence based practice to help clinicians provide the best therapeutic interventions and support for families and staff of individuals with AAC. Working in a school system of 50+ schools as the “AAC SLP”, they have given me tools and strategies that I can implement the next day. They have also made me think…never let me get stuck, but push me to be the best SLP possible! I am so grateful for this podcast and the work Rachel and Chris do!

As a school-based speech therapist who is fairly new to the world of AAC, this podcast is a lifesaver! Chris & Rachel present great topics in each episode, and the conversational dialogue is so helpful. I learn something new every time I listen.

This podcast is a weekly must listen to provide me with inspiration, creativity, and support! My students and staff have all benefited from the ideas Chris and Rachel provide. I love the podcast so much that I became a Patreon member!

I listen to you everyday while walking Sam and Shiloh. They know your opening sounds and voices. This signals a good, long walk is coming. I am pumped and energized to work with my nonspeaking clients after listening to you. I am a former 2nd and 3rd grade teacher before going to graduate school at 45. I experienced having a nonspeaking child with the big, bulky Dynavox in 1998 to the explosion of ipads and apps in 2022. I left the schools 2021 to open my private practice in Texas, One Voice Speech Therapy Services in Ft Worth, Texas. Your podcast provides inspiration and encouragement for me to never give up on my people. My AAC clients are 26, 30 and 31. They have only had limited experience with low tech since AAC high tech was never considered for them. Since I began seeing them their families are learning how to interact with their adult children using AAC. We are conducting research each time I see them. I have learned that one is a gestault language processor. The more we introduce words and phrases the more he begins to verbalize. Thus, reinforcing the research that’s been out there for years. We still have a lot of work to do, but small successes are celebrated each week as I review session notes from first meeting him to his current progress. I would like to know more about gestault language processing and working with adult AAC users new to technology. This is a population of people who were truly left behind. I believe they will continue to learn and progress with language growth in spite of their learned behaviors used to communicate. Thank you for your daily knowledge and encouragement! Sincerely, Julie Meigs MS, CCC-SLP Owner One Voice Speech Therapy Services, PLLC

Talking with Tech is my favorite podcast to listen to! I am a mom to an 11 year old AAC user, SLP graduate student, and a self professed AAC nerd. I first began listening to Talking with Tech in 2018 while driving to and from the ASHA convention in Boston. I was so excited to find a podcast about AAC! I have loved seeing how the show has evolved over the past few years and the many, many amazing guests you have interviewed. I especially love when you have AAC users on the show as their insight is invaluable. Thank you for the amazing work you are doing in sharing information and helping further AAC knowledge and practice to so many. I love your New Year’s goals as I do think their are still so many professionals who are still not familiar with AAC or have only a very basic understanding of AAC that would benefit so much from listening to the podcast. I would also love to see more episodes addressing the special challenges for users who need alternative access methods. My son is an auditory switch scanner and there is so little information available to support users in learning and using this access method. We’ve encountered very few professionals in his life who are experienced with alternative access. Thank you for all you do and I hope you are able to reach even more listeners in 2022!

I know this podcast is geared more towards educators and SLPs, but I’ve found it immensely helpful to learn strategies to help me become a better member of my child’s IEP team. There are so many nuggets of wisdom that have helped me view interventions differently as well as communication needs of my child. Would definitely recommend this podcast for anyone who is seeking to become a better communication partner, a better advocate for their child, and have a better understanding of an important part of the disability community.

This podcast has completely transformed my clinical practice and the way I perceive my therapeutic role. I am better equipped to support the needs of students, families, and teams because of the relevant, evidence based, practical content that Chris and Rachel bring to the table in each episode. This resource is invaluable and essential - one of the first tools in my toolbox. Thank you for inspiring me and reigniting my love of this field and profession!

Rachel and Chris provide practical information and strategies to AAC assessment, training and use. Useful for novices and more seasoned SLPs alike.

Equal parts informative and inspiration, Rachel and Chris are incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate hosts. This podcast has helped me a much in understanding the use of AAC as a critical communication device for clients. A must listen!

Keep up the great work! You both are wonderful to listen to! I just started listening a month ago. I love all the content. When I start a show, I always think, “I wonder what I will learn to today?!” I always have some kind of “take away” in a show. It’s a helped me to not feel like I am on this AAC journey alone! It has me with professional development, AAC implementation, and feeling like a member of the AAC community. You are making a difference, even in my rural town! If you are a SLP or special educator working with students who have or could benefit from AAC, this is the Podcast for you!

Super podcast with fabulous guest speakers helps make the world of assistive technology more accessible with many, many usable resources and ideas bundled e with common sense.

I’m an SLP in the birth-3 years arena in Kansas. I’ve been really pushing for robust AAC at our agency the last couple years. There’s been so much advocacy needed even within house...many seasoned clinicians don’t believe in AAC for this population which breaks my heart. On the other end, there’s also have been some amazing clinicians who’ve had a paradigm shift in their perspectives! Coaching and empowering the entire family unit is the best part of the job. But there is SO much advocacy to do also when they leave our program... the pushback from the school districts they transition into is a whole other beast. Some days I leave in tears from the frustration I have for this vulnerable population, but I’m thankful for this virtual AAC community that can educate and cheer each other on. Many days I feel like I’m on an island, but you guys inspire me to be a better and better SLP and to continue shifting the culture of AAC in Early Intervention- one uncomfortable conversation at a time! 💪🏽

I work with two children who have AAC devices and I have learned so much from this podcast! I know you are geared towards teachers and SLP’s but I have learned so much and it has helped me implement AAC more with these kids.

I feel like Rachel and Chris consistently “hit the nail on the head” with their speaking points!! Not only do they make points that make so much sense; they give practical application of skill/concept to attempt with my own students. Thank you both for sharing your knowledge!!

How did I just now learn about this podcast?! I’ve been listening to the episodes for over a week now and I love everything I’m hearing! I am a current CDS graduate student with a dual interest in communicative disorders and assistive technology. I feel that AAC and AT have incredible potential to improve the lives of SO many with communication disorders, but from my experience many SLP’s do not seem confident in their understanding of how best to incorporate these tools into their therapy. I am currently enrolled in the AAC course for my graduate program, and I am disappointed to say that it is outdated and disorganized. If this were the only exposure I’d had to AAC, I too would feel ill equipped to assess and treat using AAC. I am SO SO grateful for the current access to resources such as this for students like myself who are motivated to self educate, but who can’t necessarily afford to attend CEU events yet. Thank you!!

Thank you for bringing awareness to AAC and talking about the so many topics that are swirling around it. I refer families, students and other colleagues here because you are such an easy listen

I’ve been procrastinating writing a review for a long time because it has been difficult for me to find the right words to truly express my gratitude for this podcast. I stumbled upon Talking with Tech unexpectedly, but it has changed my professional career and personal life in so many ways. Rachel, Chris, and Lucas share real life experiences, research, and strategies that can be implemented immediately. They cover a wide variety of relevant topics, often interviewing AAC specialists, AAC users, teachers, and family members of AAC users who offer important perspectives to improve our daily practice. One of the best parts about it... they keep it real. I’ve laughed, cried, and yelled, “yes!” and “thank you!” in agreement to the findings and struggles they share. Prior to the podcast, I felt lost and nervous about serving students with complex communication needs. Now, those are the sessions I look forward to most, and Talking with Tech has provided me with information and resources that have allowed me to feel confident enough to share my knowledge in order to educate families, staff, and fellow SLPs. This podcast helped lead me to developing a true passion and desire to specialize in AAC. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. You have taught and inspired me, and in-turn many students, families, and educators, more than you’ll ever know!

I was lucky to meet Chris this week at a conference incorporating AT and AAC in the schools. I am an avid and voracious consumer of podcasts for entertainment. As a school based SLP today, this podcast is an easy and entertaining way to discuss one of the most difficult aspects of my clinical practice. Chris and Rachel have a great rapport. They communicate so clearly and with such ease, it’s like I’m eavesdropping on a couple of colleagues. I appreciate the way they identify the best ideas and support efforts of other professionals and each other. Compliments and positivity are as important as the direct therapeutic suggestions and relevant topic discussion. Chris and his ability to speak clearly and with passion about the work he does makes listening a joy. I always hope I am competent in the use and implementation of AAC. On days that I feel less than perfect, I plan on putting on one of these podcasts. The stories the podcasters share about personal experience as well as interviewees that are inspiring and though-provoking are certain to lift my spirit. The conversation will remind me that AAC will always be a fluid means of communication amongst people with unique communication needs, changing and adapting to human needs. Thanks for keeping this conversation going, Chris. I look forward to more from you and Rachel. @jayve.slp

This podcast is INCREDIBLE. It makes me look forward to my drives between my three middle/high schools. I had very little experience working with students with complex communication needs before this year and now I have several on my caseload. I felt completely lost and I’ll-equipped until I found this podcast. Now I feel so passionate about providing therapy to these students and educating the whole team about the strategies I learn on this podcast. It seems like whenever I start feeling discouraged or overwhelmed about a case, the next week you put out an episode about that subject and it SAVES me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Your podcasts are very interesting and thought provoking. There is so much to learn regarding AAC - you make the learning fun and enjoyable! Thanks for this!

I am completely in love with your podcast. I am an SLP and AAC Specialist for our county board of developmental disabilities and we actually have a “podcast club” (like a book club) where the AAC Specialists on our team get together once a month and have a discussion about one of your episodes. It has led to great discussions that have caused us to sometimes validate and sometimes challenge our service model. You always have interesting, fresh content and the supporting materials are extremely helpful. Thank you for this incredible resource, we are very grateful for it!!

Dear Talking with Tech team, I am an Assistive Technology Teacher Leader working overseas. I listen to your AAC podcast as I commute to work and love it as it keeps me on the cutting edge of AAC despite the physical distance. I meet with a team of AT professionals monthly and we have used your podcast as a 'jumping off point' for our discussions. Your podcast has helped me to find amazing resources that I would not have known about otherwise. Chris, Lucas, & Rachel, your engaging AAC podcast motivates me both personally and professionally. Thank you! Nara Hays

As an SLP working on developing a specialty in AAC, I have found this podcast to be incredibly valuable to expand my knowledge and gain key insights into the field.

Love your podcast! As an SLP in a rural setting, podcasts like yours give me life and keep me inspired.

This podcast has completely changed my life. A year ago, I was transfered to a school and acquired several non-verbal students with complex communication needs on my caseload. I literally had ZERO experience with all things AAC. Somehow, by the grace of God, I found your podcast, and you literally have changed the course of my professional life. Your discussions are so engaging and rich with information. I find myself anxiously awaiting each episide. I am able to apply new skills and ideas literally the DAY AFTER I hear episodes, and I feel confident that I am serving my students and families with best practices. The staff that I work with are amazing and they eat up everything that I offer, and we are all so excited to see our kids develop new communication skills right before our eyes. Thank you so much for your respectful and thought-provoking podcast. I would not be the SLP who found my passion with kids with CCN without you!

I am thrilled that I am able to watch this podcast on a regular basis. I recommend it to my grad students and colleagues in the field regularly. I love the variety of topics and the casual manner in which the content and discussion is presented. It is engaging and informative. I also appreciate that they will stretch our thinking, not just share on the acceptable topics.

I listen to this podcast every opportunity I have. A great resource for continuing to learn from other professionals about best practice, great conversations about problem solving in the community, and inspiring to try new ideas!

I love listening to this podcast! So much so that my coworkers have described me as “a podcast girl” because I mention things I’ve learned from here so often. I work with many complex communicators and my job requires a 30-45 minute commute each way so having something helpful and informative to listen to is amazing. The reason for one star loss is just the sound quality at times. There are glitches and places where it cuts out and sometimes the quality of the sound is hard on my ears for how loud I need to have it on my drive. Obviously it’s worth the trade off since I still listen religiously! But if the recording quality was upped it would be a 5+ star podcast all the way!

I teach students with complex communication needs in a district where there's minimal support for AAC. It can feel like a discouraging uphill battle at times, but listening to this podcast always gets me excited about what's possible for my students and gives me a little boost of energy to keep trying. I just recommended it to the SLP I work with as well. My one (super minor and not actually content-related) complaint is that the audio (Chris's voice in particular) can be a bit soft, so I can't listen when driving on the highway - if it's possible to adjust this at all I would be so happy!

I’m a parent of three kids with developmental disabilities - currently waiting on insurance approval for my 3yo’s device, starting a device trial with my 5yo, and trying to decide what we should be doing already to support my 13 month old as she develops as a communicator. I have been desperate for real, current, practical, actionable information to help inform my conversations with their therapists and teachers, and I’ve found an excellent resource in this podcast. Thank you for helping me educate myself so I can be a better advocate for my kids.

I listen to your podcast on my commute to work! I have been an SLP for a long time but am fairly new to AAC. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and bringing other AAC professionals to your podcast. Your podcast has helped me to step out of my comfort zone and gain confidence in my abilities. I have learned so much on my drive to work!

My professional goal this year is to use more visuals and grow in the area of the AAC. Since I listen to your podcast almost every week I have seen growth with my students since the beginning of the year. I am a speech language pathologist in an elementary school and have been collaborating with our assistive technology team as well.

I recently started traveling for a new position. I look forward to seeing new episodes of Talking with Tech pop up in my app. I love the multiple perspectives of therapists in different settings. And I love the discussion of all aspects of AAC. Thanks for bringing such important convos to the forefront!!