#142 - Literacy for All Requires All of Us

Bringing all learners, regardless of disability, to a place of literacy is going to require specialized skill sets from the therapy team, leadership from the special education teacher, involvement of para professionals, and follow through at home. This episode offers insight from a public high school education team that have discovered how bring it all together for comprehensive literacy instruction. About the Guests: Ashley Larisey is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and clinical educator. Ashley’s work experiences over the past 11 years include public and private therapeutic day schools, speech/language clinics, and early intervention. Ashley also serves as an adjunct clinical supervisor at Saint Xavier University and teaches a module specific to the use of technology in the field of Speech/Language Pathology. Ashley has extensive experience working with children and adults who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, and has presented at local and national conferences on AAC. Lauren Sheehan is a special education teacher with over thirteen years supporting students with complex communication needs. She has an undergraduate degree in Special Education and Masters Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Special Education. She also has a certificate in Assistive Technology. Some of her past settings include private, in-home therapy for young children with Autism and the public school district supporting students with low-incidence disabilities. She is also an adjunct faculty instructor at Saint Xavier University. Her focus continues to specialize in the area of accessing the curriculum for all students, alternative access, supporting AAC users, assistive technology and her new found love and interest in comprehensive literacy instruction. Lauren has presented at Closing the Gap, ATIA, and Illinois State University.   This interview is part of a 15 episode series in season 5 focusing on literacy instruction for students with significant disabilities.