As a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) and lab fellow at the Pardee AAC Lab at KU, I have had the opportunity to engage deeply in various responsibilities that have expanded my knowledge and skill set in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Now in my third semester facilitating this group of AAC faculty, I have found this experience to be both enriching and intellectually stimulating. Working closely with faculty, students, and AAC users has provided me with valuable insights into the theoretical and practical aspects of AAC.

Professional Growth and Learning 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been gaining hands-on experience with AAC devices and software. I have learned how to support new AAC users in using these devices effectively, which has given me a practical understanding of their impact on communication for individuals with complex communication needs. Additionally, I have facilitated lab tours for students in speech-language pathology, audiology, and special education, offering them exposure to AAC technology and its applications. Observing client sessions where faculty and students use AAC devices to enhance communication has been particularly eye-opening, reinforcing the importance of these tools in clinical practice. Beyond structured teaching, I have had the unique opportunity to mentor an undergraduate student who was both a lab employee and an AAC user himself. In working closely with him, I provided guidance on research tasks, device troubleshooting, and discussions on real-world applications of AAC. This mentorship was a two-way learning experience—while I shared my knowledge of AAC and theoretical applications, I also learned invaluable insights from his lived experiences as an AAC user. Our collaboration has fostered mutual respect, and we have developed a strong rapport as colleagues at the Pardee AAC Lab. 

Despite AAC not being my primary research focus, working in the Pardee AAC Lab has sparked new research ideas that I hope to pursue in the future. Specifically, my involvement in the lab has led me to consider investigating lexical development in autistic children using AAC. Furthermore, I was inspired to conceptualize a mobile app aimed at helping parents monitor and enhance their own and their autistic children's language for improved communication and social interaction.

Responsibilities and Contributions

Throughout my GTA appointment at the lab, I have undertaken various responsibilities that have contributed to both the operational efficiency of the lab and my professional development. These responsibilities include:

Technology and Website Maintenance

• Maintaining and updating the AAC Lab Inventory website to reflect current inventory, including adding or removing trial devices.

• Updating office hours and GTA pages as needed.

• Developing additional supports for lab processes, such as graphics for device checkouts.

Lab Organization and Equipment Maintenance

• Assisting with setting up and organizing the new lab space and storage materials.

• Ensuring the lab remains clean and well-maintained, including disinfecting AAC devices weekly and organizing switches and cords.

• Monitoring and maintaining the loan library, keeping records of borrowed and returned devices, and coordinating returns with companies.

• Running hardware and software updates on AAC devices, iPads, and laptops on a scheduled basis.

• Troubleshooting device issues and coordinating with IT when necessary.

Administrative and Student Support

• Monitoring the AAC Lab email and responding to inquiries in a timely manner.

• Maintaining records of loaned devices and updating lab signage and documentation as needed.

• Holding at least nine office hours per week to support students with competencies and AAC assessments.

• Meeting with students outside scheduled office hours when necessary.

Teaching and Collaboration

• Mentoring a new student hourly-employee in the AAC lab, as a returning lab fellow.  

• Facilitating lab tours and presentations for undergraduate and graduate courses, co-facilitating initially before leading sessions independently.

• Attending and contributing to monthly lab meetings, preparing agenda items related to lab operations, challenges, and device loans.

• Collaborating with multiple faculty members in a professional and respectful manner, fostering a collegial environment within the lab.

Impact and Future Directions

My experiences at the Pardee AAC Lab have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of AAC and its applications in research and clinical practice. While AAC was not initially a focal point of my research interests, my exposure to this field has broadened my perspective and inspired potential research avenues, particularly in the area of lexical development in autistic children. Additionally, the interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship I have received have strengthened my ability to work within diverse teams and adapt to different learning and research environments.

Overall, my role as a lab fellow has been a transformative experience, reinforcing my commitment to evidence-based practices and innovative approaches to communication disorders. The skills and knowledge I have gained will undoubtedly influence my future research and teaching endeavors, allowing me to integrate AAC concepts into broader discussions on communication development and intervention strategies.