Vlinder Communication Therapies, PLLC

10/15/2026

"All aspects of accessibility need to work together protect everyone’s right to vote."

Important read from Glenda Watson Hyatt!

10/15/2026

If you haven't already, make a plan to vote! And vote early if possible.

Do you have your voting plan figured out? If not, now is the time to make one!

In Washington state: ballots are being mailed out this week. Voting begins as soon as you receive your ballot. Vote early!

Learn more about your voting rights in our The Right to Vote resource: https://nwacs.info/community/advocacy/right-to-vote/

[image description: Do you have a voting plan?; the cover of a Washington state voter's pamphlet]

10/10/2026

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day.

Here is a resource to check out to help create a safety plan.

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day.

People who use AAC, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD), deserve mental health support.

A safety plan gives people something to refer to in their hardest moments. Warning signs to watch for. Coping strategies. People to call. And more.

This guide from The Link Center was written by Ren Koloni of Communication First. It was made for people who have I/DD and mental health support needs. The guide explains some big ideas about crisis and crisis planning. It can help people learn how to stay safe during a crisis. It offers a way to learn about different crisis plans and to choose a crisis plan that works best for them.

Check out "What To Do What I Don't Feel Okay: A risis Plan Developed for People with I/DD and Mental Health Support Needs" on The Link Center's website: https://thelinkcenter.org/resource/making-a-plan-for-when-i-dont-feel-ok-2/

Want more about AAC and mental health? Join us this Sunday for the 2026 NWACS Virtual Fall Conference. Steph Fassov will be presenting a session "Exploring AAC Communicators’ Mental Health Challenges!"

Learn more about the NWACS conference and register: https://nwacs.info/2026-nwacs-fall-conference/

10/05/2026

There are still a few days left to register for the 2026 NWACS Virtual Fall Conference! A great line up of speakers and topics.

Register with this link and get 15% off registration: www.eventbrite.com/e/1993750196508/?discount=nwacs26_CS15

*Disclosure: I am on the NWACS Board (100% volunteer)

October is a big month for NWACS, and there is one event you will not want to miss!

2026 NWACS Virtual Fall Conference: AAC User Perspectives

Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Time: 8:45 am to 4:15 pm Pacific
Location: Online (Zoom)

This full-day conference centers lived experience and the belief that joy and connection are not extras. They are the whole point.

Featured speakers:

Chris Klein, M.DIV.

Stephanie Fassov, M.A.

Lance McLemore, B.A.

Tracy Rackensperger, Ph.D.

David McNaughton, Ph.D.

Hannah Springfield, B.S.

Five AAC user-led sessions covering intimate relationships, mental health, faith, healthcare communication, and more.

Everyone is welcome: AAC users, family members, SLPs, teachers, para-educators, OTs, direct support professionals, administrators, and anyone with an interest in AAC.

Professional registration: $90 (5.75 hours of continuing education available for SLPs and WA school district employees)
Non-professional registration: $45

Can't attend live? Recordings are available for registered participants through October 26, 2026.

Register on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-nwacs-virtual-fall-conference-aac-user-perspectives-registration-1993750196508

Full conference details: nwacs.info/2026-nwacs-fall-conference/

Join us October 11!

[Image description: NWACS2026 conference flyer with information also in post caption.]

09/23/2026

Digital flyer from Lauren with discounts happening for AAC Awareness Monthh 2026!

Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

09/19/2026

This year's NWACS conference is a great opportunity to listen to and learn directly from AAC communicators! The conference is coming up on October 11, 2026.

Learn more about the confernce and register: https://nwacs.info/2026-nwacs-fall-conference/
Use my discount code to get 15% off: nwacs26_CS15

Disclosure: I am on the NWACS Board (100% volunteer)

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 NWACS Virtual Fall Conference!

Join us Sunday, October 11 for a full day of learning that puts AAC voices front and center. This year's theme: AAC User Perspectives, and joy as resistance.

Featured speakers:

Stephanie Fassov, M.A.
Chris Klein, M.DIV.
Lance McLemore, B.A.
Tracy Rackensperger, Ph.D.
Dr. David McNaughton, Ph.D.
Hannah Springfield, B.S.

Details:

Sunday, October 11, 2026, 8:45 am to 4:15 pm Pacific
Fully online (Zoom)
Recording available for registered participants through October 26
Professionals: $90 (5.75 CMHs available for SLPs and WA school district employees)
Non-professionals: $45

Everyone welcome: AAC users, family members, SLPs, teachers, para-educators, OTs, direct support professionals, administrators, and anyone with an interest in AAC.

Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-us-for-the-2026-nwacs-virtual-fall-conference-aac-user-perspectives-registration-1993750196508

Full conference details: https://nwacs.info/2026-nwacs-fall-conference/

Cannot afford to attend? Reach out about our Scholarship Fund. Want to help fund a scholarship? A $5 to $10 donation goes a long way.

See you October 11!

[Image description: photos of each speaker from left to right, Stephanie Fassov, M.A., Chris Klein, M.DIV., Lance McLemore, B.A., Tracy Rackensperger, Ph.D., David McNaughton, Ph.D., and Hannah Springfield, B.S.]

09/17/2026

Santa's Little Hackers adapts toys to make them more accessible for people with disabilities. And they give them away during the holiday season. You have to apply to be in the running to receive an adapted toy.

Applications for this year are opening up for one week in mid-October!

SAVE THE DATE!!
Toy registration opens October 15!

Santa’s Little Hackers by MaxMods is opening registration for our 2026 adapted toy program.

Registration is open for ONE WEEK ONLY:
📅 October 15–21, 2026

If you are a parent, guardian, or legal representative of a child or adult with a disability who could benefit from an adapted toy, mark your calendar!

Registration is not first come, first served. Requests will be reviewed after registration closes. We are able to supply as many adapted, accessible toys as donations allow.

Want the details ahead of registration? Read our full announcement and important registration information here:
https://mailchi.mp/maxmods/save-the-date

Please share this post with someone who may need to know!

09/09/2026

Today is International Literacy Day

06/17/2026

Have you read any of the articles from the special issue of the AAC Journal that came out in 2025? All of the articles were written or co-written by AAC users.

06/17/2026

AAC in the Cloud is next week! It is a free, virtual AAC conference. Are you registered?

Most sessions are recorded for on demand viewing later. So not to worry if you can't attend live.

Choices Give us a Voice, June 24-25, 2026