ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Stefanie, the president and co-founder of the nonprofit Lilly's Voice. Stefanie shares the inspiring story of her non-speaking autistic daughter, Lilly, whose journey with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices led to the creation of the nonprofit. Lilly’s Voice provides AAC devices to children who have communication differences for families who cannot access these tools through conventional means, such as through school funding, insurance, or other grant mechanisms. Lilly’s Voice also provides education on AAC. The episode covers the importance of AAC, debunks common myths, and emphasizes best practices for parents to support their children's communication. Stefanie also discusses fundraising efforts and the impactful work of Lilly’s Voice.
00:00 Introduction to Lily's Voice Nonprofit
02:19 Meet Stephanie: The Inspiration Behind Lily's Voice
03:32 The Journey to AAC: Challenges and Discoveries
05:51 Launching Lily's Voice: A Nationwide Nonprofit
08:34 Understanding Apraxia and the Role of AAC
12:11 Debunking Myths About AAC
20:01 Navigating the Process of Acquiring AAC Devices
25:48 How Lily's Voice Supports Families
27:18 App Limitations and Popular Choices
28:02 Guidance for Parents on Choosing Apps
30:20 Personal Experiences with AAC Apps
31:28 Best Practices for AAC Devices
34:55 Learning and Customizing AAC Devices
40:12 Fundraising and Support for Lily's Voice
45:25 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
46:39 Conclusion and Next Steps
RESOURCES
⚡️ learn more about Lilly's Voice, apply for a scholarship, and learn about AAC on their website
⚡️ connect with Stefanie through the nonprofit’s Instagram account @lillysvoice and Lilly’s personal page @afriendforlillybug
⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approach and current services offered? visit drtaylorday.com
⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism
⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>
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