Communication Horizons Speech Therapy

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.

04/03/2025

🌟 No Prerequisites for Communication! 🌟

Meet this adorable 25-month-old superstar who’s proving that AAC has NO prerequisites, especially not age! ❤️ This little one has cortical visual impairment (CVI) and is learning to talk using two-switch step scanning.

No matter a child's age, diagnosis, or abilities, there is always a place to start.

In the video she's using a simple communication page made in Grid 3 and learning by getting a natural and motivating response from whichever word she chooses. This page was made as an exploratory teaching tool and is not representative of the robust language system that we will be working towards ASAP!

Want to learn more about supporting early AAC users? Drop a ❤️ in the comments and let’s chat!

11/01/2024

Ever since watching the webinar that did with the I have been OBSESSED with making fun and engaged graphics and slide show stories with to create quick fun and motivating things to get my clients talking about. Here were my favorites from October. I swapped out pictures and GIFs of my clients family members and favorite characters for each. These both were incredible conversation starters, in addition to offering another way to use core vocabulary found in everyone's device regardless of the program.

For those that needed it, I also connected a switch so they could advance the stories themselves.

Anyone want to share some fun ideas to try for November??

11/01/2024

Lots of fun was had on Halloween! 🎃

02/27/2024

Highly recommend watching this if you can!

TODAY!
Webinar series: Beyond Words: Finite Words Infinite Possibilities.
February 27, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (EST)

Register today: https://prc-saltillo.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z2jN5fXHQ1G5yUiB5zcq5Q?fbclid=IwAR2hI1kz6zObXgTNz-Vnc_63Mw4TjBFgqxH1BWW0ej8GKK4SGiiyiciROLo #/registration

In February, John Halloran and Lucas McCarty will discuss how a relatively small collection of words on an AAC device, paired with multiple modes of communication, can produce infinite possibilities.

More about Lucas McCarty: Lucas is 38 years-old, lives in Mississippi, and has garnered numerous accomplishments throughout his life. As the proud owner of Lucas Cleaning Service, he has established and successfully managed his very own business. Lucas gained recognition when he was featured in the book, "Year of Our Lord: Faith, Hope and Harmony in the Mississippi Delta" by T.R. Pearson. Not only is Lucas an expert in CB radio, but he also serves as a source of friendship and inspiration to many. Beyond his professional achievements, Lucas' genuine care for his family stands out as his most significant accomplishment.