Communication Horizons Speech Therapy

10/02/2025

👀 Eyes can do the talking.

In this video you’ll see two emergent communicators exploring eye gaze in different ways:

• A toddler, about 2 years old, with almost no independent body movement. Sitting supported, he’s experiencing his very first moments of eye gaze — discovering that looking at pictures can make the device speak for him.

• A preschooler with CDKL5 and cortical visual impairment (CVI) who’s been using eye gaze for a while. Here she’s refining her skills — playing a caterpillar game to practice aiming her eyes at different spots on the screen, and also learning that choosing words on her device can spark fun, interactive play with her therapist.

Eye gaze technology opens a path to communication for people with little to no other reliable body movement besides their eyes and vision. But it still requires thoughtful setup, practice, and support to help the communicator realize they are in control of the words.

09/23/2025

💙 We are so proud of this amazing little girl and the progress she’s made in just about 10 months! From playful switch presses to using words and even putting them together — her journey has been incredible to witness. ✨

We are so thankful to be walking this path alongside her and her family. Every step forward is a reminder of the power of early access to AAC and the importance of always seeing potential. 🌟

👉 Watch her inspiring journey here:

🌟 Every child deserves the chance to communicate—early. This video shows how one little girl, despite complex motor and vision challenges, found her voice t...

09/18/2025

✨🎂 Big AAC Moment Alert! 🎂✨

At our clinic birthday celebration, one of our amazing clients with CHARGE syndrome had a powerful breakthrough using his Accent 1000 with LAMP Words for Life VI.

We’ve been working on moving beyond just requesting (“I want…”) to also exploring commenting and describing. While he was enjoying cake, we modeled the word “good” and then the phrase “cake good.” Without any prompt, he lit up and independently put two words together:

💬 “love cake” 💬

Such a joyful, spontaneous moment — and a reminder that AAC isn’t only about asking for things. It’s about expressing opinions, sharing joy, and connecting with others in meaningful ways. 💙

08/25/2025

🌟 We’re hiring a Speech-Language Pathologist! 🌟
Join our AAC-focused practice, where you’ll empower families, unlock communication, and receive direct mentorship from an AAC professional with 15+ years of experience. 💬💙

✨ Flexible part-time schedule (with growth potential)
✨ Small caseload = meaningful impact
✨ Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
✨ Competitive pay

📩 Apply today! Send your resume to: cynthia@communicationhorizons.com

06/21/2025

Happy Friday! We'll let Sheela's smile speak for itself. It's been so incredible to be a part of watching her transform from being an incredibly passive communicator to realizing that she has a voice and it's fun to use it. 🥳📣

06/18/2025

This looks like a great event!

USSAAC presents AAC Parent Night August 5th featuring a panel of AAC users.

We invite parents to join experienced AAC users as they share their personal experiences related to growing up, education, relationships, employment and more. Share your questions when you register and help us shape this important discussion.

August 5 @ 7PM EDT / 6PM CDT / 4PM PDT / 3PM AKDT – 1.5 hours

Advance registration is required.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMrSNJR3BIOSsdK1njvOth1pDywmNjhScmo0B6OTwMk1ZMOg/viewform

06/12/2025

This is a great read about "gestalt language processing" from the perspective of an adult autistic woman who uses an AAC device.
https://aaclanguagelab.com/articles/stefanie_glp?mode=view&fbclid=IwY2xjawK3whtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkETPb0u9Y4iRgmO_nWttBqMV_9AVXqRFWEj6-2mP8B9MEo-myMj7blPic-M_aem_KS-DRlXcJqNV1he1qpZo_g

Check out what's new on AAC Language Lab

06/08/2025

These blog posts are great easy reads about the optimal role of pre-stored messages in AAC devices.

Helpful info from PrAACtical AAC with considerations for including prestored phrases in AAC…

PrAACtical Considerations: Prestored Messages in AAC, Part 1: https://praacticalaac.org/featured-posts/praactical-considerations-prestored-messages-in-aac-part-1/

PrAACtical Considerations: Prestored Messages in AAC, Part 2: https://praacticalaac.org/featured-posts/praactical-considerations-prestored-messages-in-aac-part-2/

Added links to both on the OMazing Kids AAC Resource Links page on my blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links/

06/06/2025

Come say "Hi!" tomorrow at the Tichenor Clinic for Children carnival and resource fair! We'll be there from 11-3. We're excited to be supporting this wonderful organization. We'll have information and equipment out to play with and learn hands on about AAC. We will be sharing information about how to get an AAC device funded through your insurance and MediCal, how to get an assessment through the regional center, and there to answer any questions you may have.

We're also proud to have flexed our Mattel connection to get them to donate at least 350 toys! 😁🙌 Hope to see you there!
https://tichenorclinic.org/carnival2025/

05/15/2025

So excited to share the launch of our new website featuring many of our amazing clients. Thank you all for letting us be a part of your journey. ❤️ Check it out, and be sure to look at the videos on the bottom of the "What is AAC?" page to get a glimpse of all the different ways people with different physical abilities can control an AAC device. 😊

Our mission is to empower individuals with complex communication needs by honoring their unique strengths, partnering with their families, and providing access to the latest AAC technology and evidence-based support.

05/08/2025

📸 We were taking some photos today for our soon-to-be-launched new website and had to pause for a moment to take it all in.

We've got an overstocked, and very small storage space where all of this is currently living! Seeing all the AAC systems and access tools currently in our office was a powerful reminder of the range of options available—and the importance of guiding our clients and their families through understanding their options and learning that AAC is NOT one-size-fits-all! 💬🧠💡

We’re proud to support our clients and their teams in exploring what’s possible. Stay tuned—exciting things are coming soon! 🚀

   

04/10/2025

April is Autism Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating by honoring neurodiversity and advocating for therapy that uplifts, respects, and empowers every individual.
✨ The most meaningful communication growth happens when we stop trying to "fix" and start truly connecting.

When therapy is neurodiversity-affirming and client-led, we meet each child where they are—joining them in the things they love, delighting in what delights them, and building communication through connection, not correction.

When we follow a child’s lead with curiosity and joy, incredible things happen. 💬❤️

Let’s create spaces where every way of being is welcomed, and every voice is honored.