Unlocking Communication: The Power of AAC Devices in Education with Lisa Quinn

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 86 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Lisa Quinn, founder & director of Reach Every Voice, and co-founder of Communication for Education. Introducing Lisa Quinn: Advocate for AAC Access Unlocking Communication: The Power of AAC Devices in EducationIn this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Lisa Quinn, founder of Reach Every Voice and co-founder of Communication for Education, to discuss Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. These devices play a crucial role in helping nonverbal students communicate, yet many school systems still struggle to implement them effectively. Lisa shares her journey from being a public school educator to launching her organization to support students who were often denied access to these essential tools. Final Takeaways Lisa recommended watching the new movie on Disney+, “Out of my Mind”, which is about a non-verbal student and being mainstreamed.  Lisa’s final message to parents is: Don’t let the school system decide your child’s potential. Seek out AAC support early and ensure proper training is provided. Advocate for literacy and academic inclusion, even if your child is nonverbal. Connect with communities and professionals who can support your child’s growth. For more resources, Lisa’s organization Reach Every Voice offers courses, workshops, and individualized support for non-speaking students. Parents can visit http://www.reacheveryvoice.org to learn more. Frances closes by reminding listeners that they are not alone in this journey. Parents, educators, and advocates must work together to create real change in schools and beyond. For more insights, check out past episodes at http://www.shefterlaw.com. Learn more about Lisa Quinn:  * Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamihalichquinn  * Follow Reach Every Voice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reach-every-voice-llc  * Visit Reach Every Voice’s website: https://www.reacheveryvoice.org  * Follow Reach Every Voice on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ReachEveryVoice  * Follow Reach Every Voice on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/reacheveryvoice  * Check out Lisa’s Accessible Academics course, a self-paced course teaching strategies for adapting age-appropriate academics for non-speaking students: https://www.reacheveryvoice.org/accessible-academics-course  * Check out the training available at Communication for Education, a collaboration among the Autism and Communication Center at California Lutheran University, Reach Every Voice, and Autistically Inclined: http://www.CommunicationForEducation.com/training *********************************** Stress-Free IEP®:  Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need. Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®:  * On website: https://shefterlaw.com/blog  * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCff0foIeCETrWbtsQSDwckQ Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:  * https://shefterlaw.com/#contact-me  * https://shefterlaw.com  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesshefter  * https://www.facebook.com/ShefterLawPA  * https://twitter.com/shefterlawpa  * https://www.instagram.com/shefterlawpa * https://www.tiktok.com/@shefterlawpa