Perspectives of People of Color Who Use AAC: Focus Group Results and Live Panel

DESCRIPTION:

Client-centered and culturally responsive services have been buzzwords in the field for many years; however,
these concepts have not been put into practice, particularly when it comes to certain marginalized
populations. Last year, a team of researchers set out to identify how we can better support Black, Indigenous,
and People of Color (BIPOC) who use AAC by facilitating an online focus group. This webinar will review the
eight primary themes identified in the focus group. Several BIPOC AAC users will share their perspectives and
the session will conclude with a question-and-answer segment. Engagement from attendees will be
encouraged during a brainstorm of meaningful action and ways to address the needs of Black, Indigenous,
and People of Color who use AAC.

PRESENTED BY: Tim Jin, Alison Pentland, Wendy Quach, Yoosun Chung, Shelley Lund

MODERATED BY: Tracy Rackensberger

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Tim Jin, born with cerebral palsy, advocates for the rights of anyone with a speech-related disability to
have access to the communication tools and supports they need. He has used an AAC device since
elementary school in the 1980s. His work has been featured by TEDx and other publications. Mr. Jin
graduated from California State University Long Beach with a degree in speech communication. He lives in
Southern California and serves on the boards of several nonprofits.

Alison Pentland, M.A., CCC-SLP received her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from San Jose
State University where she participated in its AAC in Educational Settings grant. She focuses on AAC
assessment and treatment, working with communicators of all ages in their homes and schools. She also
provides indirect services and training for family members and professionals in California. Alison is an
advocate and firm believer that communication is a human and civil right.

Wendy Quach, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is a licensed, certified speech language pathologist and professor in the
Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences at San José State University. Her teaching and
research interests are in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for people with
complex communication needs and motor speech disorders. She is actively engaged in several collaborative
research and training projects.

Yoosun Chung, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Division of Special Education and disAbility Research of
the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. As an AAC user, she has
focused on the use of Mainstream Intelligent Digital Assistant of AAC users, the perspectives of AAC users,
the attitudes towards AAC users in public, and how to increase awareness of AAC in public. She is the
recipient of many awards for her teaching and lectures. Dr. Chung received her bachelor’s degree from
George Mason University and her master’s degree from Cornell University in Computer Science.

Shelley Lund, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an associate professor in the Department of Communication
Sciences and Disorders at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her research focuses on developing
assessment/ intervention protocols measuring and improving outcomes for individuals who use
AAC.

PARTICIPANTS WILL:

• Summarize findings of a focus group about perspectives of people of color who use AAC.
• Recognize exclusion of cultural and linguistic differences in current AAC systems and
  practices.
• Explain how representation in AAC devices and interventions impacts users’ ability to
  express themselves fully.

TIME ORDERED AGENDA:

•  
• 5 minutes: Introduction of speakers, USSAAC and topic
• 5 minutes: Background and methods for focus group
• 15 minutes: Results of the focus group
• 20 minutes: Panel of BIPOC AAC users
• 10 minutes: Brainstorming Action Ideas
• 5 minutes: Q&A

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) CEUs in speech-language pathology and
audiology are awarded by the ASHA CE Registry upon receipt of the CEU Participant Form from the ASHA Approved CE Provider, USSAAC. CEU Participant Forms are available onsite at Registration. ASHA CEUs are provided to full registrations. This program is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs (Introductory Level, Professional Area)

ASHA Disclosures:

• Speakers
  • Financial:
    • Tim Jin is receiving an honorarium for this webinar
    • Alison Pentland is a clinical educator at San Jose State University
    • Wendy Quach is a salaried professor at San Jose State University
    • Yoosun Chung is a salaried professor at George Mason University
    • Shelley Lund is a salaried associate professor at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • Nonfinancial:
    • Tim Jin is Co-Director of Empowerment Program for Disability Voices United
    • Alison Pentland is on the Board of USSAAC and on their Research and Development Committees
    • Wendy Quach is a Past President of USSAAC and chair of USSAAC Research Committee
    • Yoosun Chung is a Past President of USSAAC and on their BIPOC & Disaster Relief Committees
    • Shelley Lund has no nonfinancial disclosures to report

• Moderator
  • Financial
    • Tracy Rackensberger is on faculty at the University of Georgia and receives a salary.
  • Nonfinancial
    • Tracy Rackensberger is USSAAC’s President-Elect and on USSAAC’s BIPOC Committee.

PLEASE NOTE: Only the first 150 attendees to log into
the webinar will be guaranteed spots.

USSAAC EDUCATION COMMITTEE:

Betsy Caporale, Richard Hurtig, Sharon Redmon, Wendy Quach

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