LOMAH Disability Podcast
The LOMAH Podcast is an award winning show that runs topical series deep diving into an issue for 10-12 episodes with interviews from expert guests, including self advocates. Your host, Kim, has a teenage daughter with level 3 non speaking autism who will require 24/7 support the rest of her life. Like many parents, Kim has a lot of important questions. She does not claim to know the answers for her child nor yours but does promise to search for them and share what she is discovering along the way. You will notice a striking difference in the earlier shows compared to the most recent as she has grown and evolved as a result of listening to expert guests and self advocates.
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#171 - 40 Years of AAC Use
07/12/2022
#171 - 40 Years of AAC Use
This last episode in the series is right in step with how all good things should conclude and that is with a bit of fun. You are about to listen in on a conversation with plenty of laughter and bad jokes that I had with a man who has been using AAC since the 80’s and who has been living in his own place with hired supports for 20 years. We travel down memory lane recalling accommodations that thankfully have been replaced with better options but also those that have stood the test of time. About the Guest: Tim Jin Tim Jin is a disability rights advocate with cerebral palsy. He is the Assistant Director of Communication Rights for Disability Voices United, an organization focused on improving education and services for those with developmental disabilities. Jin advocates for improving the accessibility of technology-aided communication for those with speech-related disabilities. Jin has been a member of boards for organizations such as Ability Central Philanthropy, CommunicationFIRST, and the Self-Determination Program Local Advisory Committee for Regional Center of Orange County. Jin has been using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device since elementary school. He graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication. To contact Tim regarding AAC training and inclusion for your staff or organization, email [email protected] This episode is the last in a series focusing on expanding the boundaries often placed around AAC use.
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#170 - Asserting Authority & Directing Care as an AAC User
07/05/2022
#170 - Asserting Authority & Directing Care as an AAC User
AAC users often have to, first, assert authority over their self care staff. Our guest who exclusively communicates via AAC shares tips and tricks she has learned over the years on hiring and training staff. About the Guest Hannah Foley is the Product & Service Development Intern and an Ambassador at PRC-Saltillo, where she develops training and implementation supports for PRC-Saltillo language systems. She also represents PRC-Saltillo at speaking engagements and other events. Hannah presents at school districts across the country on effective inclusion and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) implementation practices within homes, communities, and schools of those with complex communication needs. She is currently attending the University of Illinois at Chicago to complete her Assistive Technology Certification with a concentration in AAC for education. Hannah aims to pursue a professional career in AAC training and implementation to facilitate collaboration and effective training for implementation of AAC among all members of support teams.
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#169 - AAC in Medical Settings
06/28/2022
#169 - AAC in Medical Settings
Communication between provider and patient is a crucial component of quality care which is why extra thought and planning need to be arranged for augmentative and alternative communicators. About the Guest: Jessica Gormley, Ph.D., CCC-SLP of The Patient-Provider Network Jessica Gormley, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor, Speech-Language Pathologist, Research Coordinator and Interim Director in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute. Dr. Gormley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Handicapped from the State University of New York at Geneseo, a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pennsylvania State University. She provides inpatient and outpatient augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services as well as completes AAC research and program development activities. Her research and clinical interests center upon improving interactions among individuals with complex communication needs, their families, and health care providers through the development and evaluation of AAC tools and trainings. Dr. Gormley is a co-organizer for the Patient-Provider Communication Network along with Tami Altschuler and Rachel Santiago. Dr. Gormley has co-authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on the topics of supporting AAC in acute care, personalization of patient-provider communication, and child-parent-provider communication interactions. Links to Mentioned Content:
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#168 - Using The Entire AAC Device
06/21/2022
#168 - Using The Entire AAC Device
The internet has swung the door wide open for alternative and augmentative communication users, yet often the creative use of these tools is never introduced. It’s time to expand how AAC users maximize devices as well as how to navigate online communities that they now have access to via AAC. About the Guest: Tiffany Joseph Known as Nigh Functioning Autism on instagram, Tiffany has 3 neurodivergent children and is autistic. Tiffany’s ultimate goal is for nonspeaking individuals to all have early access to full communication and inclusion in educational settings from early childhood and beyond. She is an intern at Reach Every Voice, training to be an instructor and communication and regulation partner for nonspeaking or minimally speaking individuals of all ages. In today’s conversation Tiffany will use a combination of spoken voice and AAC voice. This episode is the 4th in a series of 10 focusing on expanding the boundaries often placed around AAC use.
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#167 - AAC Slang, Slurs, Swearing...and Censorship
06/14/2022
#167 - AAC Slang, Slurs, Swearing...and Censorship
Many AAC users are dependent upon others to program language onto their device. Despite what research shows regarding common language in various age groups, it is common practice to censor slang, slurs, and swearing even for adults. About the Guest: Hali Strickler is an AAC services coordinator for at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. She received both her Bachelor and Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science from Temple University. Hali is a Pennsylvania and New Jersey licensed and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certified speech-language pathologist. Links to Mentioned Content: Article - by Kristin L. Jay and Timothy B. Jay Relevant Episodes: #116: from July, 2020 in the Complicated Behaviors Series #77: from June, 2019 in the Health Series This episode is the 3rd in a series of 10 focusing on expanding the boundaries often placed around AAC use.
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#166 - AAC with Spoken Communication
06/07/2022
#166 - AAC with Spoken Communication
Brittany Dube is and autistic partial AAC user who shares the stigma she often experiences when choosing AAC over her spoken voice despite how AAC makes her more communicative. Links to Mentioned Content: Etsy has several sellers creating personalized communication boards. Brittany’s came from the seller . The quote referenced came from an written by Alyssa Hillary Zisk and Elizabeth Dalton. It was published in April, 2018 edition of The Autism in Adulthood Journal. This episode is the 2nd in a series of 10 focusing on expanding the boundaries often placed around AAC use.
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165 - More Than Requests: Using AAC for Authentic Communication
05/31/2022
165 - More Than Requests: Using AAC for Authentic Communication
Often, AAC is used for nothing more than to make requests. While requesting wants and needs is important, AAC can offer much more to complex communicators and those who wish to know them. About the Guest: Kate McLaughlin, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist specializing in AAC - alternative and augmentative communication for individuals with complex communication needs. She believes that autonomous communication, inclusion, and self-determination are fundamental human rights. She partners with individuals with complex communication needs and their families to support their AAC journey. Kate is a certified member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and holds licensure as a speech language pathologist in the state of Connecticut. She has worked in home, school, and clinic settings with clients of all ages. Kate trains parents and professionals on proven strategies to support their learner’s authentic and autonomous communication. Links to Mentioned Content: Kate’s website, Follow Kate on and Kate’s course Kim’s from May 20, 2022 authentically communicating with Miranda Relevant LOMAH Podcast Episodes : Literacy Series in : Episodes 131 - 146 from Spring 2021 from September, 2021: Finding Clarity Among So Many Therapy Options
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164 - AAC Series Intro + A Few Life Updates
05/24/2022
164 - AAC Series Intro + A Few Life Updates
The new series will focus on "Doing More With AAC". This episode gives a peek at the topics that will be covered with expert guests, many who are AAC users themselves. The second half shares a few life updates relevant to the LOMAH tagline "Planning the future for our daughter with disabilities and inviting you to fumble through it with us". There has been some great news regarding the next 3 years (Miranda's transition years ages 19-22) as well as an update even closer to home.
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#163 - A New Way to Find and Fund Adult Services
03/08/2022
#163 - A New Way to Find and Fund Adult Services
Most adult supports are chosen via eligible providers on HCBS waiver lists. However, some states have been toying with a new method that offers more flexibility and choice. In this conversation we explore what families have and have not liked about the newly rolled out Self Determination Program and why our family has decided to move away from provider lists and into this new option of funding supports. About the Guest: Sonni Charness, Founder of Guidelight Group Sonni Bendetson Charness brings over a decade of experience serving teens and adults with developmental disabilities and is an expert in community integration and employment supports. Sonni leads the team at and also works personally with clients. Sonni's work on transition-to-adulthood and employment has been published in the and in . Sonni has been a featured expert on the LOMAH podcast and as a presenter at countless conferences including TASH, the Supported Life Conference, and the Statewide Conference on Self-Determination. Sonni is a member of the Board of Directors for California APSE, the state chapter of the nation’s leading advocacy organization promoting employment for people with disabilities. Sonni is a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP), and is trained in Person-Centered Thinking and Independent Facilitation. Sonni obtained her master's degree in special education at Vanderbilt University, where she specialized in transition-to-adulthood and employment outcomes for students with moderate/severe disabilities. Sonni earned her bachelor's degree in child development from Tufts University. Links to Mentioned Content Sonni on the LOMAH Podcast for the Transition Series - Presentations on the channel presented by Guidelight Group.
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#162 - Conservatorship vs Supported Decision Making
03/01/2022
#162 - Conservatorship vs Supported Decision Making
Conservatorship has long been the route to providing supports to disabled individuals with they turn 18. However, a new option called supported decision is an alternative that supports the person in making their own decisions rather than giving up rights through the conservatorship option. About the Guest: Lauren Butterworth, Esquire PLLC received her Bachelor of Science from Penn State in education and was a teacher prior to returning to school for her law degree. She now owns her own specializing in guardianship, powers of attorney, estate planning, trusts, and educational advocacy. Mentioned Links: Financial Planning Series - LOMAH Podcast episodes 101 - 112 r for Supported Decision Making
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#161 - 18 Years Later: What We Got Right and What We Would Have Done Differently
02/22/2022
#161 - 18 Years Later: What We Got Right and What We Would Have Done Differently
Geege Taylor, who you may know from the reality TV show Leave it to Geege, joins Kim for a reflective chat. They both have been parenting autistic children for over 18 years and have a list of things they feel they did really well as well as a few things they would have done differently. About the Guest: About the Guest: Geege Taylor Geege Taylor is an autism advocate and writer who produces and stars in Leave it to Geege, a reality series on The Lifetime Network. The show celebrates autism and follows the zany adventures of her family, including her 19 year old non speaking son, “Pootie,” along with a lively cast which features three other young adults with autism. She makes her home in Athenns, GA with her children and describes herself as a “happy hermit” who loves to get under blankets, eat junk food, and watch TV. You can connect with Geege on IG @geegetayor or FB @angiegeegedudley Leave it to Geege can be streamed on your cable network, the lifetime app, or at To hear Geege discuss dignity and hygiene, scroll LOMAH Podcast episodes from Season 3 and find Dignity and Hygiene from June, 2019.
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#160 - Survival Mode
02/15/2022
#160 - Survival Mode
Our family barely survived and is just now emerging from a hard two years that where spiraling into aggression, self injury, and rapid regression for Miranda. It took intention to make it through to the other side as a caregiver. This episode shares some of the struggles and impact they had on Kim's mental and emotional health. Joining and contributing to the conversation is Mary Susan McConnell. Kim and Mary Susan swap caregiving stories and strategies that point to the truth that hard seasons are to be expected in the journey so it is important to have strategies that protect our physical, mental, and emotional health. Mary Susan's heart beats big for caregivers and she is continually creating and sharing content to help us be our best selves for our kids. She has created a free downloadable book, a podcast, an online corse for entrepreneurs, an online corse to help caregivers reimagine their world, daily words of encouragement delivered to earbuds each morning, downloadables such as a free coloring book, a master folder for the most important caregiving information, and a list of small things we can do (think twinkle lights!) to bring more joy in the day to day, 1:1 coaching opportunities, and more! Find all of these things at
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#159 - Our Empty Nest Plan: 4 Years Out
02/08/2022
#159 - Our Empty Nest Plan: 4 Years Out
We have set a deadline for Miranda to be independent of us, her parents by the age of 22. While she will always require significant care and continual supervision, we have a 5 year plan to phase those supports to others while at the same time honoring her life as a young adult. We are now 4 years out. Listen to the 5 years out episode published January of 2021 before this one where we are 4 years out. The 5 years out episode from last year goes into the details of the overall plan and the why's behind those decisions. This episode shares how things are coming along and what will need to be accomplished this year in order to stay on track.
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#158 - Life Update & Mini Series Intro
02/01/2022
#158 - Life Update & Mini Series Intro
In this first episode of year/season 6, the first 10 minutes lay out what is to come in the new mini series. The last 15 minutes are spent sharing personal situations that have impacted the family.
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#157 - Therapy Series Recap
11/16/2021
#157 - Therapy Series Recap
The therapy series included 10 interviews challenging us to consider the why and how behind therapy choices. This episode offers snippets from each conversation. Thus concludes our 5th year and 5th season. The LOMAH Podcast will return in January with a life update about the many big changes taking place as we march closer and closer to Miranda's adult years. There is a lot happening! Late January or early February will bring the start of a new series. Be sure you have tapped subscribe and/or follow on your podcast app so those episodes find their way to you. Wishing you the happiest of holidays!
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#156 - Therapy From a Client's Perspective
11/09/2021
#156 - Therapy From a Client's Perspective
What does therapy look like and feel like from the perspective of the client? A woman in her 20’s who has been in therapy since infancy shares her experiences and observations of how things changed as she aged and what she feels is important during the teen to adult transition years. About the Guest: Hanna Foley Hannah Foley is the Product & Service Development Intern and an Ambassador at PRC-Saltillo, where she develops training and implementation supports for PRC-Saltillo language systems. She also represents PRC-Saltillo at speaking engagements and other events. Hannah presents at school districts across the country on effective inclusion and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) implementation practices within homes, communities, and schools of those with complex communication needs. She is currently attending the University of Illinois at Chicago to complete her Assistive Technology Certification with a concentration in AAC for education. Hannah aims to pursue a professional career in AAC training and implementation to facilitate collaboration and effective training for implementation of AAC among all members of support teams.
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#155 - Supporting Families in Rural Settings
11/02/2021
#155 - Supporting Families in Rural Settings
Families living in rural and frontier setting may live hours away from the nearest specialist and have a small pool of therapists and providers from which to choose. How can a support system and work force be formed for these families? Links to Mentioned Content: Telehealth and telepractice regulations vary by state. Therapy-focused national associations track these regulations, by state. AOTA ASHA ----- : About the Guests: Molly Kimmel, OTR-L & Martin Blair, PhD Molly Kimmel is the Program Director of , within the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities in Missoula, Montana. MonTECH provides technology, support, and services that focus on improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities across the state. After graduating from Gonzaga University and an early career in adult education, Molly decided to pursue occupational therapy (OT) as an avenue to help adults and children more fully participate in meaningful, necessary, and valuable activities. She received her master’s degree in OT from the University of Washington in 2010 and has practiced at Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula for nearly 11 years. Molly transitioned to the role of Program Director at MonTECH in April of 2020 and has carried the program forward, managing pandemic-related challenges while still meeting the evolving assistive technology needs of Montana families. In addition to her role at MonTECH, Molly is the Montana State Coordinator and OT faculty for (Utah Regional Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities), a collaborative and interdisciplinary training program for students and professionals working with children with special health care needs. In April of 2021, Molly was elected as the President of the Montana Occupational Therapy Association. She is passionate about neurodevelopmental rehabilitation, building connections to provide best practices in care, and helping people achieve greater independence in all aspects of life. Understanding a work/life balance is the cornerstone of any good OT, so Molly also spends plenty of time traveling, floating down Montana rivers, and tending her community garden. Dr. Martin Blair began his career as a special education teacher. Following that experience, he spent the next two decades at Utah’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), the Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD), as director of the Utah Assistive Technology Program, Chair of Utah’s Interagency Outreach Training Initiative, the policy director of the National Center on Disability and Access to Education, the Associate Director of the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education, and the CPD’s Assistant Director for Policy and Development. In these various roles he has built trusting, collaborative relationships with colleagues from a variety of disciplines in university, community, state and national circles. In 2013, Dr. Blair assumed leadership of the Montana’s UCEDD. Dr. Blair has presented over 60 papers to national and international audiences and authored dozens of professional articles. He has generated nearly $25 million in grant and contract funds to support his efforts. He currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Public Policy Committee of the Association of University Centers on Disability. Dr. Blair’s work is focused on improving the quality of services and supports for individuals with disabilities and their families by working closely with trainees, Center staff, university faculty and administration, state and federal legislators and administration officials, and those who are the primary beneficiaries of the services and supports that he and his colleagues provide.
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#154 - The ABA Debate
10/26/2021
#154 - The ABA Debate
Doctors tell parents of autistic kids not just to do ABA therapy but a lot of ABA therapy and as early as possible. Meanwhile, autistic self advocates are loudly saying under no circumstances should ABA be a therapy option. Who is right? About the Guest: Brian Middleton, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA Brian Middleton started Bearded Behaviorist as an effort to make understanding behavior fun and interesting. Dedicated to open-source education, Brian is a founding member of the Open-Source Educational Resources special interest group of ABAI. His social media pages and website are dedicated to dissemination of behavior science as well as pushing for inclusion of trauma-informed care standards in Applied Behavior Analysis and other human services. He is the host of the Oh Behave! Podcast, and open-source licensed podcast. Brian is a proud autistic adult, loving husband, avid lover of sci-fi/fantasy, a “nerd” with something better to do, enjoys the great outdoors, cooking, musicals, puns, spending time with friends and dogs, and making up silly songs. He is also the Chief Creative Officer for Legend Masters LLC, a print and design company. He holds a Masters of Education and a Post-Master Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. After being a special education teacher for 7 years, Brian became a BCBA. He is working to make Trauma-informed Care the default approach within the field, and believes the path forward is to own the mistakes the field has made and commit to do better. This episode is part of a 12 episode series in Season 5 rethinking the what, when, where, why, and how of the therapies we choose.
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#153 - The Need for Niche Therapy
10/19/2021
#153 - The Need for Niche Therapy
Complex needs necessitate a more specialized approach toward therapy. Often the “Big 3” of speech, OT, and PT are not specialized enough to address complex needs. This episode takes a look at how niche therapies fold in the The Big 3 and where trends seem to be headed. About the Guest: Laura Hayes, MS, CCC-SLP Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 12 years of augmentative communication experience in both school and medical settings. Laura has presented locally and at state, national, and international conferences such as the Missouri Speech-Hearing Association, ATIA, and the Pediatric Perspectives Conference. She has been published and supported both inpatient pediatric and educational augmentative communication research. She currently hosts a podcast for her school district titled: “Innovative AAC Solutions”. She loves providing training, implementation resources, and guided direction to help with success using AAC. She can be followed for more resources and ideas on Instagram Links to Mentioned Content: Kim’s conversation w Chris Bugaj on the about technology book about integrating tech where she discussed research based approaches to therapy This episode is part of a 12 episode series in Season 5 rethinking the what, when, where, why, and how of the therapies we choose.
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#152 - Education and Therapy Customization
10/12/2021
#152 - Education and Therapy Customization
If the traditional format of education during the day and therapies in the afternoon are not advancing your objective, you CAN break the mold. Listener turned guest, Jess Fraga is venturing out of the box this year. Rather than slot her twin boys into what is already established with education and therapies she is creatively customizing a day that is focused on how to best meet goals. She shares how her boy’s days are structured, where she found people to help, utilizing resources for funding, and suggested educational materials. Links to Mentioned Content: This episode is part of a 12 episode series in Season 5 rethinking the what, when, where, why, and how of the therapies we choose.
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#151 - Dwindling Adult Therapy Options (caused by well meaning but misguided advocacy efforts)
10/05/2021
#151 - Dwindling Adult Therapy Options (caused by well meaning but misguided advocacy efforts)
Adulthood often comes with a narrowing of therapeutic options that unfortunately are becoming even more thinned out due to recent policy. In this episode we pick up from a line of thought introduced in episode 150 regarding supports that affirm Neurodiversity and how value is ascribed to disability communities. Ableist lines of thinking are having a catastrophic impact on support services for the most vulnerable. These impacts in policy will be very hard to reverse once implemented and many advocates are unaware that the advocacy movements they are supporting may actually be ableist at the core and incredibly harmful to those we wish to champion About the Guest: Ashley Kim Weiss Ashley is an entrepreneur and disability advocate who currently serves as the National Coordinator for . She is also the President & CEO of Elevare Community, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create supportive residential communities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to Elevare, Ashley was the co-founder and Executive Director of Villa de Vida, a non-profit organization building an affordable housing community for adults with developmental disabilities in San Diego. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Management from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Claremont Graduate University’s Drucker School of Business. Ashley joined the show in Season 2 for an in depth conversation on the Fair Labor Laws and HCBS scrutiny. Find that episode in the Advocacy Series,
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#150 - Neurodivergent Affirming Approaches to Self Injurious Behavior
09/28/2021
#150 - Neurodivergent Affirming Approaches to Self Injurious Behavior
What does it look like to support self injurious behavior in a way that is affirming to the individuals neurotype? Are the approaches being suggested in the neurodivergent affirming therapeutic practices movement just wishful thinking or are they game changers for the many looking for help in this area? We conclude with a conversation about what self determination truly looks like when considering independent living outcomes and goals. We highly suggest listening to this episode with a copy of the document created by OT's for Neurodiversity. You can download it for free . Without the download this conversation will lack the same level of depth and understanding because we refer to the document often without specific descriptions. About the Guests: Greg Boheler, MSOT and Jacklyn Googins, MSOT Greg is an autistic MOST graduate from UNC Chapel Hill, co-founder of , and co-founder of OTs for Neurodiversity. Greg leverages his diverse skill set, his divergent way of thinking, and an OT background in his work as a consultant, disability advocate, and a ‘narrative shifter’. A skeptic by nature, Greg believes in the importance of questioning the way things have always been done and challenging ableist assumptions embedded within the OT profession. Learn more about Greg . Jacklyn (she/her) graduated from UNC Chapel Hill’s Master’s of Occupational Therapy program in August 2021. Jacklyn is the co-founder of OTs for neurodiversity, a paradigm-shift in social media advocacy platform and the co-founder of , a nonprofit that provides social and vocational opportunities for people of all abilities. She plans to carve a non-traditional path as an OT interested in inclusive workplace practices, neurodiversity in higher education, and post-secondary transition planning. She identifies as neurodivergent and is dedicated to advancing social justice through her involvement in community-level initiatives. Links to Mentioned Content: We highly recommend listening to this episode while referring to Podcast Episodes #49 & #50 with Erin Sheldon: Podcast Episode #39 on Podcast Episode #145 with Jordyn Zimmerman: Film about Jordyn Zimmerman - This episode is part of a 12 episode series in Season 5 rethinking the what, when, where, why, and how of the therapies we choose.
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#149 - Neurodivergent vs. Ableist Therapeutic Practices
09/21/2021
#149 - Neurodivergent vs. Ableist Therapeutic Practices
New methods of therapy are beginning to take hold that emphasize neurodivergent affirming practices. What does this even mean and how does it expand or change the scope of traditional therapeutic focus? This is the first of two episodes on the topic. About the Guest: Jacklyn Googins, MSOT Jacklyn (she/her) graduated from UNC Chapel Hill’s Master’s of Occupational Therapy program in August 2021. Jacklyn is the co-founder of OTs for neurodiversity, a paradigm-shift in social media advocacy platform and the co-founder of , a nonprofit that provides social and vocational opportunities for people of all abilities. She plans to carve a non-traditional path as an OT interested in inclusive workplace practices, neurodiversity in higher education, and post-secondary transition planning. She identifies as neurodivergent and is dedicated to advancing social justice through her involvement in community-level initiatives. Mentioned Content: - Please download this free chart in preparation for part 2 of the conversation happening in Episode 150. This episode is part of a 12 episode series in Season 5 rethinking the what, when, where, why, and how of the therapies we choose.
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#148 - Finding Clarity Among So Many Therapy Options
09/14/2021
#148 - Finding Clarity Among So Many Therapy Options
From the start, referrals and advice and options abound. How do we make smart decisions and put boundaries around therapy so as to choose the best option and know when it’s time to bail. About the Guest Kimberly Richey is a former librarian, researcher, massage therapist and Rolfer with over 20 years of experience. She is also on a unique parenting journey with her son, Eli, who has disabilities. Kimberly’s goal is to support other parents navigating and advocating for their children with disabilities. She loves a good podcast and ginger kombucha! You can find her @uniqueparentingjourney on IG or at . Kimberly has offered a free download of the discussed in the show to help bring clarity to therapy choices. This episode is part of a 12 episode series in Season 5 rethinking the what, when, where, why, and how of the therapies we choose.
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#147 - Pros & Cons of the Most Common Therapy Models
09/07/2021
#147 - Pros & Cons of the Most Common Therapy Models
The most common settings for occupational, physical, and speech therapy are clinics, schools, homes, and in the community. This episode explores the pros and cons of each and introduces the new series where we rethink the what, when, where, why, and how of therapies we choose to use. About the Guest: Sara Hall, OTR/L Sara Hall is a pediatric occupational therapist and the owner of , a community-based private practice specializing in unique and tailored therapy services to children of all ages and diagnoses. SOAR’s emphasis is on empowering parents and providing education to parents, caregivers and teachers for effective carryover and to best support children in all environments. With over 20 years experiences, Sara has worked across many settings, including school setting, clinics, home health early intervention, and community-based settings. She specializes in sensory integrative approaches, self-regulation, emotional regulation, reflex integration, and also has certification for completion of STAR Institute Sensory Processing Disorders Level 1 Mentorship and Astronaut Training. This episode is part of a 12 episode series in Season 5 rethinking the what, when, where, why, and how of the therapies we choose.
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#146 - Literacy Series Recap
06/15/2021
#146 - Literacy Series Recap
In this final episode of the literacy series, Kim shares how she is implementing into Miranda's literacy instruction what the guests have taught and what she has learned from the book Comprehensive Literacy for All. Along with specific episode/guest mentions from the series and page references from the book Kim shares: How at the beginning of the series it was confusing to understand the way literacy and communication were and were not the same when using a speech generating device. What happened when she learned and implemented strategies for emergent rather than conventional stages of literacy development. What types of lessons she is using to teach the emergent writing areas of working with words, and writing with full keyboard. What types of lessons are being used to teach the transitional strategies of shared reading, independent reading, word study, and reading comprehension. What was the easiest and what has yet to be tried. The take away is to think of the elements of a comprehensive literacy program (as listed on page 205 of the book) as several buffets. Each buffet has several teaching options. To get started, simply go to the buffet and put something on your plate. When you are ready for more, return and grab more. Give yourself and your learner grace. Just start with one thing. Bite what you can chew. Repeat.
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#145 - Thoughts From a Nonspeaking Autistic on Communication and Literacy
06/08/2021
#145 - Thoughts From a Nonspeaking Autistic on Communication and Literacy
She was denied access to appropriate educational opportunities and a robust communication system for the first 18 years of life. But now, she has a degree in education policy and is a grad student studying curriculum instruction. A self advocate shares what it was like to live with trapped thoughts for 18 years and what was helpful and harmful on her journey toward communication and literacy. About the Guest: Jordyn Zimmerman, B.Ed. Jordyn is a graduate student of education at Boston College studying Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on severe disabilities. Before graduate school, she completed her bachelors degree in education policy at Ohio University, as well as a minor in communication studies, and certificate in law, justice, and culture. She founded the seventh inclusive collegiate cheer team in the nation under Generation Spirit (formally The Sparkle Effect), served on the student senate, and was a finalist for the National Speech and Debate Association Student of the Year. She was a public policy intern for the National Disability Rights Network in Washington DC, and served as mentor, teaching assistant, and art instructor for an autism school for over 3 years. As a nonspeaking autistic student who was denied access to effective augmentative communication until she was 18 years old, Jordyn has personal experience challenging the educational status quo. An avid advocate, Jordyn is on the board of directors for Communication FIRST and is passionate about ensuring every student is able to access effective communication and exercise their right to a truly inclusive education. Follow Jordyn on and visit her to learn more about Jordyn, including links to her publications, information on speaking engagements, and media appearances.
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#144 - Emergent Literacy Strategies with Cortical Visual Impairment
06/01/2021
#144 - Emergent Literacy Strategies with Cortical Visual Impairment
Despite what research tells us about time learners need in emergent literacy environments, learners with CVI and significant disabilities are often expected to immediately jump into conventional strategies. This episode shares emergent literacy strategies, specifically in writing, for learners who have difficulty seeing and who have significant physical impairments. About the Guest: Gretchen Hanser, PhD Dr. Hanser has worked in the field of assistive technology and literacy for students with significant disabilities for over 20 years. She is an educator and an occupational therapist. Her primary focus has been on augmentative and alternative communication and literacy for students with the most significant disabilities. She has worked in a variety of educational settings developing model classrooms, developing school based assistive technology centers, providing teacher and related service provider trainings, participating in assistive technology assessment teams and working directly with students and staff in the classroom. Gretchen has taught university classes and presents nationally and internationally on these subjects. She is currently the Director of Assistive Technology at the International Academy of Hope in New York City. Links to Mentioned Content Articles for by Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver Article by Karen Erickson on what to do everyday with emergent learners (coming soon) Order of teaching phonological awareness (coming soon) Jane Farrall’s and
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#143 - Comprehensive Literacy in the IEP
05/25/2021
#143 - Comprehensive Literacy in the IEP
If it’s not in the IEP then there is a good chance it won’t be an educational priority. Comprehensive literacy involves several areas of instruction. What should assessments and goals look like when using comprehensive literacy approaches toward literacy? About the Guest Stephanie Spadorcia is the chair of the Teaching and Learning department, which consists of Early Childhood, Elementary. Middle School, High School, and Special Education programs. Her research and teaching focuses on literacy instruction for students across the disability continuum; assessment of reading and writing; and using technology to support literacy instruction. She has published articles and book chapters, and presents nationally. She is a researcher with the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at UNC at Chapel Hill, conducting research and development on literacy instruction for students with disabilities. She does work in schools in providing literacy instruction for all students, and the role of assessment in a literacy program. For information on her counseling and coaching services visit This is the 13th episode in a series focusing on the importance of comprehensive literacy approaches for students with significant disabilities.
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#142 - Literacy for All Requires All of Us
05/18/2021
#142 - Literacy for All Requires All of Us
Bringing all learners, regardless of disability, to a place of literacy is going to require specialized skill sets from the therapy team, leadership from the special education teacher, involvement of para professionals, and follow through at home. This episode offers insight from a public high school education team that have discovered how bring it all together for comprehensive literacy instruction. About the Guests: Ashley Larisey is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and clinical educator. Ashley’s work experiences over the past 11 years include public and private therapeutic day schools, speech/language clinics, and early intervention. Ashley also serves as an adjunct clinical supervisor at Saint Xavier University and teaches a module specific to the use of technology in the field of Speech/Language Pathology. Ashley has extensive experience working with children and adults who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, and has presented at local and national conferences on AAC. Lauren Sheehan is a special education teacher with over thirteen years supporting students with complex communication needs. She has an undergraduate degree in Special Education and Masters Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Special Education. She also has a certificate in Assistive Technology. Some of her past settings include private, in-home therapy for young children with Autism and the public school district supporting students with low-incidence disabilities. She is also an adjunct faculty instructor at Saint Xavier University. Her focus continues to specialize in the area of accessing the curriculum for all students, alternative access, supporting AAC users, assistive technology and her new found love and interest in comprehensive literacy instruction. Lauren has presented at Closing the Gap, ATIA, and Illinois State University. This interview is part of a 15 episode series in season 5 focusing on literacy instruction for students with significant disabilities.
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