Deanna Wagner
M.S., CCC-SLP
M.S., CCC-SLP
What is it that I do...
I work with individuals families to build their communication skills, including literacy. Many of these families have members who are not proficient with English, either because Spanish is their first language, or because they struggle with pronunciation of verbal speech. I lead a group of adult who use AAC at a VALLEYLIFE AZ adult day center and facilitate interactions with other programs through a user-driven group called “AZ Talks Together.” I also support connecting with local communities through our “Out and About” monthly events, seeking to explore passions and interests of our participants and sharing their contributions with our friends and neighbors. This group has provided me with an opportunity to stay in touch with the same families and watch AAC skills grow over time. Some have been part of my life for 20 years! I have provided feedback to companies developing or enhancing their AAC apps because I have been witness to needs that change over time, based on second language learning, improving literacy, visual impairments, and physical challenges. I consider the vendors, trainers and representatives my friends and dear colleagues. We share a passion for improving lives of everyone in our communities.
Why do I do it...
I have always enjoyed the challenge of working with people who have something to contribute but have great potential to be marginalized. I realize the benefit I feel when someone expresses gratitude to me, and my desire is for everybody to have the opportunity to feel that. We all deserve to feel that we have an important role to play in our society.
How do I spend my free time...
I love traveling and learning about other cultures. I enjoy the sounds, smells, and tastes of strange places. I like experimenting with recipes and sharing new flavors with friends and family. My dog even gets in on the fun. Lately she has been uncertain whether she likes beet greens, and really enjoys the crunchy heart of a good cabbage or cauliflower.
Why should you get in contact with me/how can I help you...
I have studied the patterns of languages and how various communication apps are designed to make learning as intuitive as possible for those who are also learning to read and write in English. I am in regular contact with various vendors and developers of AAC apps in order to share experiences of the benefits and challenges we encounter as we use their apps over many years. If you want to explore how apps compare, I can show you some of the fascinating and facilitating features of many of them. If you notice something that could be improved, we can also share that information with stakeholders. Consider me your vendor liaison. I will strive to stay up to date and share new as well as time-tested methodologies. We can work together with your family members, school team, and other providers and therapists to come up with communication strategies that will encourage growth and help us get to know the thoughts and passions of the people we care about.
I work with individuals families to build their communication skills, including literacy. Many of these families have members who are not proficient with English, either because Spanish is their first language, or because they struggle with pronunciation of verbal speech. I lead a group of adult who use AAC at a VALLEYLIFE AZ adult day center and facilitate interactions with other programs through a user-driven group called “AZ Talks Together.” I also support connecting with local communities through our “Out and About” monthly events, seeking to explore passions and interests of our participants and sharing their contributions with our friends and neighbors. This group has provided me with an opportunity to stay in touch with the same families and watch AAC skills grow over time. Some have been part of my life for 20 years! I have provided feedback to companies developing or enhancing their AAC apps because I have been witness to needs that change over time, based on second language learning, improving literacy, visual impairments, and physical challenges. I consider the vendors, trainers and representatives my friends and dear colleagues. We share a passion for improving lives of everyone in our communities.
Why do I do it...
I have always enjoyed the challenge of working with people who have something to contribute but have great potential to be marginalized. I realize the benefit I feel when someone expresses gratitude to me, and my desire is for everybody to have the opportunity to feel that. We all deserve to feel that we have an important role to play in our society.
How do I spend my free time...
I love traveling and learning about other cultures. I enjoy the sounds, smells, and tastes of strange places. I like experimenting with recipes and sharing new flavors with friends and family. My dog even gets in on the fun. Lately she has been uncertain whether she likes beet greens, and really enjoys the crunchy heart of a good cabbage or cauliflower.
Why should you get in contact with me/how can I help you...
I have studied the patterns of languages and how various communication apps are designed to make learning as intuitive as possible for those who are also learning to read and write in English. I am in regular contact with various vendors and developers of AAC apps in order to share experiences of the benefits and challenges we encounter as we use their apps over many years. If you want to explore how apps compare, I can show you some of the fascinating and facilitating features of many of them. If you notice something that could be improved, we can also share that information with stakeholders. Consider me your vendor liaison. I will strive to stay up to date and share new as well as time-tested methodologies. We can work together with your family members, school team, and other providers and therapists to come up with communication strategies that will encourage growth and help us get to know the thoughts and passions of the people we care about.
