Technically Speaking

08/31/2026

We hope you’ll join us for our September 25 SETC Conference at Puget Sound ESD in Renton, WA:

⭐The Art and Science of Access: When the Right Position Sparks Connection, presented by Brenda Del Monte. ⭐

The day will focus on supporting students who use switches, eye gaze, head tracking, and other alternative access methods—with communication always at the center.

We’re also making space for connection. You’ll have opportunities to interact with AAC vendors and a mounting vendor, enjoy some great giveaways, and connect with others doing this work—sharing wins, challenges, strategies, and tools.
60 ASHA CEUs available
Register now: https://specialedtechcenter.com/the-art-and-science-of-access-when-the-right-position-sparks-connection/

07/29/2026

Join me in Colorado on August 29 for six hour AAC implementation class that includes ASHA credit and that that’s right… It is FREE!! we will be covering alternative access, literacy, communication, partner, strategies, CVI, and AI and AAC! There are a few spots left so grab your spot and I look forward to seeing you soon! Link is in the bio.

07/29/2026

Shout out to all my Colorado friends! I am doing a conference in Colorado hosted by HMS on Saturday, August 29 and the conference is free in six hours of ASHA credits are included!! We will be covering AAC implementation strategies including alternative access, partner strategies, CVI, literacy, AI and the future of AAC! There are a few spots left, so grab yours, and you can register through the link in my bio! I can’t wait to meet you all!!!

07/27/2026

https://thinksmartbox.com/news/using-smart-prompt-to-expand-vocabulary/

Brenda Del Monte, MA, CCC-SLP, shares her experience introducing the Smart Prompt powered Expand feature in Grid, with Trinity Joy, an AAC user.

07/25/2026

Communication is a human right, not something that has to be earned.

Yet many nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals are still expected to prove they're "ready" before they're given meaningful access to communication.

In Episode 324: The Right to Be Heard: Reclaiming Communication Autonomy, Emily welcomes Brenda Del Monte and Sarah Kinsella for an important conversation about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and the assumptions that continue to limit access for too many individuals.

Together, they explore why communication should never depend on compliance, how outdated assessment practices can underestimate a person's abilities, and why presuming competence opens the door to more authentic connection and learning.

It's a powerful reminder that every person deserves the opportunity to communicate in ways that work for them.

🎧 Episode 324 is available now at the link in our comments.

06/19/2026

06/02/2026

Join the IHD conference pre on session on AI and AAC!
Hope to see you there! Registration is open!

05/31/2026

Mindset shift…AI, AAC and Co-Construction

Co-construction is not replacing voices it is fostering human connection!

05/28/2026

Why are we talking about our co-construction? Because we want to explain that all communication is co-constructed while simultaneously preserving individuals voice. With the introduction of AI tool we are asking questions we should have been asking along!

05/26/2026

Loving the Birth To Three Therapist, who are really our first responders. They are identifying, presuming, investigating, referring, and supporting!