Awe and Wonder Podcast Series 8
S8 E7: AI Possibilities Featuring Trinity, Kari and Kate
Gena Pedro, Josh and Irma Pedro
irma_pedro@hotmail.com joshuapedro3780@gmail.com
Gena is a teenage AAC user living in Arizona. She is joined by her parents, Irma and Pedro.
Alyssa Reed and Elizabeth Reed
Gena is a teenage AAC user living in Arizona. She is joined by her mother Elizabeth.
Trinity Rodgers, Kari Rodgers, and Katelyn Oeser
Trinity is a teenage AAC user living in Arizona. She is joined by her mother Kari and her SLP Kate.
S8 E6: AI Possibilities Featuring Mai Ling Chan
Mai Ling Chan, CCC-SLP, PMP. Building on clinical expertise across the lifespan in speech-language pathology, as well as personal success in the disability-centered business sector, I provide unique and valuable insights and solutions related to offerings that benefit accessibility and inclusion. My experience includes: creating, scaling, and exiting successful disability-focused businesses, co-hosting an internationally recognized podcast, publishing three Amazon Kindle Best Selling books, and directing software creation with US and international technology teams, in addition to managing personal real estate investments, and other business ventures. I work exclusively with people and companies who are committed to supporting the disability community.
S8 E1: AI Possibilities Featuring Tracy Rackensberger
Tune in for a fascinating discussion with Dr. Tracy Rackensperger, a public service faculty member at the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) User. Dr. Rackensperger is an expert in AAC, and in this episode, she discusses how AI is creating new opportunities for meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities. Learn about the importance of using critical thinking and editing skills when leveraging AI, and how these new technologies are opening the door to quicker communication for AAC users. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation on the intersection of AI, technology, and inclusion.
S8 E4: AI Possibilities Featuring Tracy Dabbs
As the Coordinator of Technology and Innovation for the Burlington-Edison School District, Tracy leverages over twenty-five years of experience in technology to ensure secure and reliable access to cutting-edge digital tools and resources that enhance student learning. In this leadership role, she spearheads the integration of technology into instruction by providing extensive professional development for teachers and staff. Tracy has been a Bellingham resident for over twenty-five years and further extends her expertise as an adjunct professor with Western Washington University’s Woodring College of Education, serves as an educational trainer for Central Washington University, and actively contributes to digital equity as a member of the Washington State Digital Equity Summit Board.
S8 E3: AI Possibilities Featuring Samuel Sennott
Samuel Sennott, PhD, is an associate professor of special education at Portland State University. He completed his doctorate at The Pennsylvania State University and is the co-creator of the original Proloquo2Go, the popular iOS application that helps people who have difficulty speaking due to a range of disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities. Proloquo2Go has been featured on the front page of the NY Times, by ABC News, and on 60 Minutes. Dr. Sennott’s clinical, research and development, and advocacy work focuses on assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), language and literacy, and universal design.
S8 E2: AI Possibilities Featuring Chris Gibbons
Chris Gibbons has worked in a variety of AAC clinical, research, and industry settings as a private practitioner, assistive technology specialist, instructor, and consultant. As a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in AAC for more than 25 years, he has focused on advocating for and contributing to SGD user success through increased access efficiencies and by working to improve funding for SGDs. Chris received his PhD in Developmental Psychology from the Ohio State University, has taught graduate level courses in AAC at several universities, and contributed as a clinical researcher investigating BCI and natural language modeling techniques. Most recently he has been active in the use of AI and LLMs with AAC. His role at Smartbox Assistive Technology is as Senior Vice President of Clinical Education.
S8 E1: AI Possibilities Featuring Sharon Redmond
Sharon Redmon is a SpEd, GenEd teacher, and AT Specialist with almost 30 years of experience. She holds an M.S. in Adaptive Education: Assistive Technology from St. Norbert College and ATP from RESNA and is a Doctoral Candidate at Penn State University. Sharon’s passion for AT and especially AAC began with her first teaching assignment in WI, where she became involved in WATI, and continues today with the WI AAC Network school committee and founding member of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Regional Networks (WATRN). She also serves as a member of the Education Committee for USSAAC. She has worked for SETC since 2019, presenting webinars and providing technical assistance to school districts around Washington State. Her varied career placements within WI, WA, and overseas schools have given her unique opportunities to combine her passion for AAC, literacy, and Assistive Technology. She is passionate about sharing her experiences with others so that we can all continue to learn together.
