AAC Speaker series from Temple University (free webinar)

Jodie McElwain Rodrigues

“Jodie McElwain Rodrigues is a multimodal communicator who uses Augmentative Alternative Communication. From Brookfield, CT (a suburb of NYC). Jodie grew up in Vermont in a small town near the Canadian border.

Jodie was born a preemie weighing about 2 pounds in the 1970’s and one of the first infants to survive hyaline membrane disease. She is deaf, has cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

She attended school in a few educational environments but during middle school was placed at Saint Francis Xavier School in Winooski, VT in a tiny class of 8 students. This is where she was most successful! She continued in VT Catholic schools throughout high school and college.

She was one of the first 20,000 people in the world to receive a cochlear implant. At the time the processor (the external equipment) was body worn. Also, only one ear was implanted. Research later supported implanting both ears was beneficial and she received a second cochlear implant in 2018.

Jodie has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a concentration in Child Welfare from Trinity College of VT. She also holds a certificate as an Assistive Technology Specialist from California State University.

Her previous work experiences include IBM, Cochlear Americas and a few agencies that serve individuals with disabilities. However, her most challenging role yet is as a mother!

Jodie is a wife of almost 25 years to her husband, Sergio. Together, they are raising a 14 year old daughter who is twice exceptional.

Jodie loves cats, bright colors, beaches, swimming and shopping!”