Archives

Writing Life Participation Goals: Beyond the Impairment

August 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource helps therapists shift from impairment-driven goals to life participation goals that reflect what truly matters to the individual. It includes real-world goal examples and a worksheet to support writing goals that center autonomy, connection, and everyday engagement.
This content is only available to members.

Mealtime Communication Mat (adult paper-based AAC)

August 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This Mealtime Communication Mat supports non-speaking adults in expressing basic needs, preferences, and safety concerns during meals. Designed for quick, intuitive use, it’s a practical tool therapists can introduce to enhance autonomy and reduce frustration in clinical or caregiving settings.
This content is only available to members.

Understanding AAC Trials: What Families Need to Know

July 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout helps families understand what an AAC trial is, why it matters, and what steps to expect along the way, from evaluation to funding approval. It’s a clear, compassionate tool therapists can use to guide families through the AAC process with realistic expectations.
This content is only available to members.

100 Children’s Books Featuring Disabilities and Neurodiversity

April 30, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource features 100 children’s books across 10 categories, including wheelchair use, deafness, dyslexia, stuttering, autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, physical disabilities and differences, cerebral palsy, and sensory processing. With one printable page per topic, therapists can easily share relevant book recommendations with parents and families to foster understanding and inclusion. These carefully selected stories empower children and encourage meaningful conversations about disability and neurodiversity.
This content is only available to members.

Collaborative IEP Meetings: A Multidisciplinary Guide for Meaningful Parent Engagement

April 30, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This is a practical resource designed for therapists to share with parents and colleagues, helping to foster a more family-centered, inclusive approach to IEP meetings. Packed with actionable strategies, checklists, and parent advocacy tools, this guide empowers teams to create meetings where parents feel heard, valued, and truly part of the decision-making process.
This content is only available to members.

Helping Kids Communicate Their Needs: A Guide for Parents

April 30, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout helps parents redirect their child’s behavior by providing simple, effective scripts that teach kids what to do instead of just telling them what not to do. Designed for therapists using a parent coaching model, this resource supports families in reinforcing self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and alternative communication strategies through consistent, real-life practice.
This content is only available to members.

What to Expect in Play-Based Therapy

January 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
Help parents understand the principles of play-based therapy and how it supports their child’s development. This resource provides therapists with clear, parent-friendly explanations to share, making the therapy process approachable and meaningful.
This content is only available to members.

Data Collection Form for Early AAC Users

September 30, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Data collection during early AAC introduction is vital in supporting language acquisition as well as to help determine the most appropriate communication system. This form provides a comprehensive data form for providers to use when introducing AAC to early communicators.
This content is only available to members.