AAC that Piqued my Interest —interview series

I want to support students who are interested in the speech-language pathology (SLP) profession and who are studying in an SLP undergrad program, so that inspired me to start blogging Education in SLP as an Undergrad for students. This week I feature a classmate, DIANE ECKSTROM, on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to bring different experiences to students.

Yusa: Thank you for being a part of the interview series! Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Diane: "My name is DIANE ECKSTROM. I will be graduating May 2020 with my bachelor in SLP from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). I was introduced into this field by my cousin and sister, who are practicing SLP’s. I always had an interest in becoming a doctor and a teacher, so this was the perfect mix for me. I will be going back to CSULB for my Master’s degree in Fall 2020!"

Yusa: Why are you interested in AAC?

Diane: "I am interested in AAC because it is such a fantastic concept. AAC is sophisticated yet interesting to learn about because it gives everyone a way to communicate. My AAC professor, Dr. Margaret Vento-Wilson, piqued my interest in this subject because of her dedication to helping others. Her passion for AAC made me excited to learn more about it. I recently wrote a research paper, and my topic was on AAC devices and how to implement that for first responders. My dad worked as a police officer in the jails and came across inmates who could not communicate their wants and needs, otherwise known as complex communication needs (CCNs). I asked him about his training on how to interact with inmates with CCNs, and he said they were never adequately trained. The inmates, provided with a pen and paper, communicated with officers with them that way. However, if those individuals cannot express in that way, what do you do next? Therefore, this sparked my interest in wanting to hold training sessions for first responders. Many first responders who called to a scene did not know how to communicate with someone with CCNs, which is dangerous for both parties. I hope to educate others on the many different ways to communicate with one another."

Yusa: In what setting you use an AAC device to communicate?

Diane: I completed my internship at a private clinic, and I saw my supervisor work with a child who communicates with AAC devices. Before my client was learning how to use a high-tech device, his mom would communicate with him through a picture communication board, and an iPad programmed the symbols and pictures. The transition to a high-tech device was beneficial for the client as I saw that he was more mobile with the high-tech device and worked well within his environment. Just being exposed to working with an individual who uses an AAC device had only solidified my passion for AAC.

Diana may be contacted through this email: dianeeckstrom04@gmail.com 

For students interested in working individuals communicating with AAC devices, please make sure to mention that before being assigned to your clinical practicums! Although preferred assignments may not always work out, it doesn't hurt list your preference!

Stay well,

YUSA