AAC Spotlight is a series of interviews. Reading about other people who are interested in AAC (augmentative-alternative communication) can help us connect with each other and share experiences and concerns. NWACS will occasionally interview people to help all of us learn more about each other and AAC.

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

reading time: 2 minutes

The views expressed in this post are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NWACS. No endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned.

Did you know that we have a new PRC-Saltillo regional consultant in Washington State? Kathy recently interviewed Sharí Sayán to introduce her to our AAC community.

In the Spotlight: Sharí Sayán, MS, CCC-SLP

Sharí has been working as an SLP and special educator for over 15 years. Her passion for speech pathology and special education began as a nanny for a little girl with cerebral palsy. In the early 2000s, she started attending the Building Bridges Camp as a language facilitator. She met consultants and vendors for various communication device companies. She felt they had the most amazing position guiding parents, professionals, and clients in their search for easier access to technology and communication. In 2005, Sharí had her first experience as a classroom teacher for children who use AAC as their primary communication method. This led her to fall in love with AAC further and eventually to become an evaluator.

When her son came along and needed AAC, Sharí sought to speak with the area PRC-Saltillo consultant. She found out there was a need for someone in our geographical area. She started working for PRC-Saltillo about 4 months ago. Sharí is a consultant for all the product lines for both PRC and Saltillo. She provides services in Washington State and Northwest Idaho. She can do virtual training and now in-person training as well.

Sharí can help set up new devices. She is available to assist speech-language pathologists, assistive technology specialists, educators, and caregivers. She is helping several school districts get AAC in classrooms and on the playgrounds as well. Sharí is finding that school teams are all different in how they want support. Thus, she may help a specific student and their team while other schools prefer support on a more general basis. Either way, Sharí can be there. She reports she has a small inventory of devices to loan for evaluations. Or she can bring devices for consultations. PRC-Saltillo also has a trial loan and evaluation program to support evaluators and users. When Sharí is consulting with families to set up devices, she prefers to include their SLP. However, if circumstances don’t permit the SLP to be present, Sharí will be available to the families as needed.

On a personal note, Sharí and her spouse live in the Puget Sound area. They enjoy taking their 3 children to lakes, the beach, or any body of water for kayaking and boating. ‘Pre-kids’ Sharí reports she enjoyed reading and long-distance swimming.

To get in touch with Sharí, you can reach her at: shari.sayan@prc-saltillo.com or 425-657-9516.

Thank you Sharí for taking a moment to take part in our AAC Spotlight series! We are excited to have you as part of our AAC community.

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.