SLP Coffee Talk
A speech and language podcast to motivate and inspire school-based SLPs. Get the tips, strategies, and low-prep therapy ideas you need to confidently walk into your therapy room and plan with ease. Learn and hear stories from an SLP in the trenches just like you!
SLP Coffee Talk
Making AAC More Accessible for Communication Partners
Hallie chats with Malka Arnstein about making AAC more accessible for communication partners.
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Malka Arnstein — SLP, private practice owner, and AAC specialist on a mission to make AAC less intimidating and way more accessible. Malka gets real about the judgment that can creep into AAC work, why reframing it as just another communication tool changes everything, and how modeling for adults (not just kids) is where the magic happens. She talks about working with dysregulated students, pushing into classrooms instead of pulling out, and why showing up with fun and connection beats perfect data every time. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by AAC or like you're just winging it, this episode is packed with practical tips and plenty of "just do it and you'll be great" vibes.
Bullet Points to Discuss:
- Why AAC is just a communication tool — and reframing it that way makes all the difference
- How to make AAC accessible for SLPs, teachers, paras, and parents (not just users)
- The power of modeling for adults, not just kids — show, don't tell
- What it looks like to work with dysregulated students and build trust from a distance
- Why pushing into classrooms instead of pulling out changes everything
- How to ditch the data obsession for a minute and focus on fun and connection
- What "modeling without expectations" actually means in practice
Here’s what we learned:
- AAC isn't scary—it's just a tool, and reframing it that way changes everything.
- Accessibility isn't just for users; teachers, paras, and parents need it to be usable too.
- Model for the adults, not just the kids—show them how it's done in real time.
- Push into classrooms instead of pulling out—let the team see AAC in action.
- With dysregulated students, start from a distance and let trust build slowly.
- Ditch the data sheets for a minute—fun and connection come first.
- If it's not joyful, take a step back and adjust your approach.
Learn more about Malka Arnstein:
Website: http://www.speakingaac.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingaac/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/973643611365308
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Speaking-AAC/61568405591784/
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/speakingaac-llc
Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:
📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/
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📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book
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