This is a series of podcasts that will each cover a process of teaching literacy and/or inclusionary practices. The podcasts are pre-recorded and edited for on-demand/Asynchronous viewing.

Each podcast is about an hour and has 15 minutes of homework. The homework is a survey of thoughtful questions about the learning experience. This is a 1:1 at your own pace, 1 hour of training for 1 clock hour. A final Evidence of Learning is required for each hour of training. 

Description: 

What guiding principles help us determine how to implement literacy instructions for students with complex needs? Do you need some inspiration? Join Brenda and Sarah as they talk with leaders and changemakers in the field of AAC and literacy who create awe and wonder in unique ways. Participants will hear first-hand accounts from people supporting students with complex needs and AAC users themselves. We can’t know where we’re going unless we know where we come from and we are excited to interview people who are going the distance. Assistive Technology, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), and comprehensive literacy trends, changes, mentorship, and strategies will be discussed, but as always, human connection is highlighted throughout part 3 of this engaging series.

Learning Objectives: 

Participants will:

• Listen to multiple perspectives of people who support kids with complex learning needs. 

• Hear first-hand accounts of what works and doesn’t work when making changes and mentoring others in Literacy, AT/AAC. 

• Gain insights into strategies for moving forward in the field of Literacy & AT/AAC and reflect on how the field has changed over time. 

Audience: K-12 educators, special educators, administrators, parents

Release order:

Ten online homework questions are required for the completion of each hour of training. Look for the Evidence of Learning Survey on the SETC website.

https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-wonder-s3-knowledge-survey/

Event Closes September 2025. 

Awe and Wonder S3 E1 David Koppenhaver

Co-Author of Comprehensive Literacy for All, Dr. David Koppenhaver provides advice for moving forward with AAC and literacy.

Awe and Wonder S3 E2 Beth Poss

Beth reminds us that literacy is the most functional life skill of all.

Awe and Wonder S3 E3 Lauren Fuhr & Ashley Larisey

This teacher and SLP have a growth mindset around AAC and literacy!

Awe and Wonder S3 E4 Gretchen Hanser

Gretchen Hanser shares her guiding principles around AAC and Literacy!

Awe and Wonder S3 E5 Krista Howard

Krista Howard, AAC User, parent, student (and more!) shares her experience with literacy instruction growing up and the importance literacy plays in her life now.

Awe and Wonder S3 E6 Sharon Redmon

Sharon Redmond is an AT Specialist and Special Education teacher who tells us “You just have to do, you have to be the person to do this” when it comes to implementing literacy instruction in your classroom.

Awe and Wonder S3 E7 Elisa Wern

In this episode Elisa Wern talks about her Comprehensive Literacy For All Book Study group on Facebook Comprehensive Literacy for All BookStudy | Facebook , being collaborative partners in literacy instruction, access to the alphabet, and much more!

Mentioned in podcast: Fundamentals of AAC A Case Study Chapter Co Authored with Sarah Gregory on Sensory processing and AAC Collaborative goals statement from AOTA, AOTA, and ASHA

Awe and Wonder S3 E8 Drew Sato

Drew describes herself as a sassy, creative, outgoing lady with a side of disability. She describes the important role literacy plays in her life and encourages new AAC users to not give up.

Awe and Wonder S3 E9 Chris Bugej

Chris talks to us about access to keyboards, the 80/20 rule for teaching, model the core and spell the fringe, and authentic ways to engage through literacy.Chris talks to us about access to keyboards, the 80/20 rule for teaching, model the core and spell the fringe, and authentic ways to engage through literacy.

https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-podcast/

Introduce the participants, review quick qualifications, and discuss what knowledge and practices they have that make their perspective unique and successful case study.