Sarah Cruz, SLP

04/29/2026

After a difficult overnight stay at a sleep study with dad, this little one had an important message for mom. “Stop stop happy dad helped” 🥹

*posted with parent consent

04/22/2026

Ever wish you could add a flexible writing space right inside your AAC pages for phonics work or literacy activities? Here’s a quick walkthrough on how to add the Whiteboard feature in TouchChat with WordPower/Phonics pages.

This simple setup lets you:
• Model writing + AAC side-by-side
• Support emergent literacy and spelling practice
• Keep everything in one interactive space during therapy or home practice

Once you see where the Whiteboard lives in the page editor, you can easily embed it next to (or within) your phoneme/phonics layout to create a truly flexible learning space.

Save this for your next AAC setup session 👇

02/23/2026

🚀 Rockets to Routines ✨
AAC, but make it play.

We’re bringing a hands-on, movement-filled, play-based session to CSHA 2026—and we want you in on the fun! From stomp rockets to everyday routines, we’ll explore how meaningful play can power AAC implementation across the lifespan.

💬 Wanna play with us?
🧠 Come model, move, laugh, and do AAC—not just talk about it.
🤝 Practical strategies you can use Monday morning.

📍 CSHA Convergence | San Francisco
🗓 Saturday 3/14 | 9:00–10:30 AM

Let’s get on the floor, follow the learner’s lead, and make AAC come alive. 💥

02/14/2026

In AAC, we talk about “modeling” all the time. And I’m starting to think that word is working against us.

11/12/2025

A groundbreaking children's television show is set to introduce a new character who is largely non-speaking and communicates with the help of a special speech tablet.

11/11/2025

If you have a client that loves colors and labeling items like fruits and vegetables, grab a bag of pipe cleaners and you have a simple fun game. You can target receptive, and expressive language skills.

We made about 10 fruits and vegetables today while targeting language, and then turned it into various receptive language activities afterward.

11/06/2025

10/30/2025

AAC Evaluations! 🌟

I’m currently accepting new clients for in-home and sensory gym-based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) evaluations and parent coaching sessions!

If you have a little one who is struggling to communicate or has been recommended for an AAC evaluation, I provide personalized, play-based sessions that support both children and families in learning how to build early communication skills using signs, gestures, pictures, switches, and speech-generating devices.

🧩 Services available for:
- Families of children 0–3 years old
- Private pay clients
- Regional Center referrals (including Alta Regional Center)

💬 My goal is to make communication possible for every child — at home, in play, and in daily routines.

If you’d like more information or are ready to schedule an AAC evaluation or coaching visit, please send me a message or email me directly. Let’s work together to help your child find their voice! 💛

10/29/2025

Controversial topic for some, but one I will never change my mind about: All kids deserve access to more vocabulary than a PECS book can provide. And all kids deserve to be taught multiple communication functions earlier than what the PECS protocol teaches.

10/24/2025

It was an inspiring day of learning, collaboration, and networking at the early intervention summit at CSU Sacramento. Hearing from different state stakeholders and representatives on various issues regarding early intervention services. Enjoyed a seminar on neurogenesis, synaptic pruning, and the foundations for language learning and literacy skills.

10/09/2025

💬 Meet the Talk Pad Wego 10 + Grid App by Smartbox!

This dynamic AAC setup is designed to grow with your communicator — from first button presses to full conversations! 🌟

✨ Key features:
🔹 Multiple symbol sets (including PCS, Widgit, SymbolStix, and more) to match your child’s learning style
🔹 Interactive activities for early learners — explore cause and effect, making choices, and engaging play-based communication
🔹 Customizable grid layouts that adapt as communication skills expand
🔹 Supports eye gaze, touch, or switch access for flexible use across abilities
🔹 Runs on the sturdy and portable Talk Pad Wego 10, built for everyday communication at home, school, and beyond

Whether your child is just beginning to explore AAC or ready for more complex language, the Grid app makes communication accessible and empowering. 💙

💡 SLPs — try it for yourself!
This Talk Pad Wego 10 is a trial/loaner device. If you’re a speech-language pathologist, you can request a free trial device from Smartbox to explore the Grid app and see how it supports your student or client’s communication today.

👉 Learn more or request a loaner at https://thinksmartbox.com

10/01/2025

It’s always been about the game, not the toy! ❤️

The cover for this week’s issue, “Free Play, ” by R. Kikuo Johnson. See what’s inside: https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/Dz4MrQ