by Kathy Smith, MSPA, CCC-SLP/L (Speech-Language Pathologist, retired); NWACS Vice President

AAC Spotlight is a series of interviews that we hope will be another resource. NWACS occasionally interviews people to help all of us learn more about each other and AAC.

In the Spotlight: Margaret Edwards, MA, MEd, CCC-SLP

Margaret has been a contributor to the NWACS blog for the past few years, and this summer became an NWACS Board member. She has taken on launching a new role within NWACS: Outreach and Special Projects Coordinator. She is a practicing school-based Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant with over 30 years’ experience.

The NWACS Board is delighted you recently volunteered to be the chairperson of our new Outreach Committee.  Why did you decide to take on this task?

After attending a few conferences, I knew that one day I wanted to somehow be a part of this group. I decided to take on the task of chairperson for the Outreach Committee because I want to be involved in taking NWACS to new places in our city. I want to help NWACS become one of the best sites and groups for AAC support for families and professionals. I also want to stretch myself. I need to explore new ways to reach AAC users and their families. I’m hoping that the Outreach Committee will allow me to learn more about the needs of our AAC community and help to fill-in the gaps.

What are your goals for the new Outreach Committee?

There are many goals for this committee! However, we are going to take it slow because I believe we should focus on quality over quantity of tasks. Our first goal revolves around reaching families of AAC users. We hope to partner with the other NWACS committees in providing parent-friendly information on the NWACS website. Soon, we hope to feature virtual ‘town hall meetings’ for parents where they can ask questions and learn new skills related to AAC.

What opportunities will I have if I volunteer to be on your committee?

If you would like to volunteer on the Outreach Committee, you will have the opportunity to work with other NWACS members. This is a great opportunity to work with like-minded individuals. In addition, you will have a chance to work with families seeking support in AAC. In the future, there may be chances to attend outreach functions such as at schools where you can talk to students about the field of Speech/Language Pathology. In addition, there may be other community events where you can connect with professionals and families. 

Thank you, Margaret for sharing your interests and goals for the Outreach Committee. The Committee is seeking volunteers - and we’d love to have you join! If you want to volunteer, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Julia Wynne, at jfawynne@gmail.com.

You can read more interviews by clicking HERE.

Do you have a suggestion of someone you would like to see us interview for AAC Spotlight? Let us know in a comment below or send us an email.