Episode 151: Codi & Jennifer Mendenhall: Using Social Media and Making Videos as a Teen AAC User

This week, TWT presents Chris and Rachel’s interview with Codi Mendenhall, a 14-year-old who has been using AAC since she was 5, and her mother Jennifer Mendenhall.

Jennifer and Codi recently shared their story on a TEDx talk - you can watch here.

Codi and Jennifer share about Codi’s journey learning to use AAC, the ways that Codi uses texting and social media to communicate with her peers, how to facilitate more communication opportunities for AAC users, and more!

Before the interview, Rachel and Chris discuss some of their upcoming trainings on coaching and virtual AAC assessment. Chris shares about a recent multi-series event he hosted with both live and asynchronous components, and how the pandemic has made new ways of learning possible.

Key ideas this week:

🔑 When selecting AAC, it’s important to consider the input of those who will be communicating most with the AAC user, e.g., the family may find one app easier to program and use than others.

🔑 Communication partners need to be very patient with AAC users and should try hard not to finish their sentences for them. 

🔑 One way we can help motivate AAC users is by demonstrating that AAC is a way to connect more closely with the people in their life.

Check out Codi’s YouTube Channel, Codi’s Life

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