K12LEADERS

Author: Kim Zajac

  • Breaking Down Barriers: Why AAC Access is Critical for Educational Equity

    Breaking Down Barriers: Why AAC Access is Critical for Educational Equity

    Communication is more than just words—it’s the foundation of human connection, learning, and self-expression. For many K-12 students with communication disabilities, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and software represent the difference between silence and having a voice, between isolation and inclusion, between academic struggle and success.

    Yet across our educational system, a troubling disparity exists. While some students have access to the AAC tools they need to thrive, countless others remain voiceless in their classrooms, unable to fully participate in the learning experiences that are their fundamental right.

    The Academic Impact: More Than Just Grades

    When students lack access to appropriate AAC devices and software, the consequences extend far beyond test scores. These essential tools serve as gateways to classroom participation, allowing students to engage with educational content, express their understanding, and demonstrate their literacy skills. Without them, students face barriers that can seem insurmountable.

    The ripple effects are profound. Students who cannot communicate effectively in academic settings often experience long-term underachievement, not because they lack ability or potential, but because they lack the tools to express what they know. This educational disadvantage follows them throughout their academic journey, limiting future opportunities and closing doors that should remain open.

    The Human Cost: Social and Emotional Well-being

    Beyond academics lies an even more concerning impact on social and emotional development. Students denied effective communication tools frequently experience social isolation, mounting frustration, and diminished self-esteem. These challenges create a devastating cycle where disengagement from school compounds academic difficulties, leading to further isolation and diminished confidence.

    When we fail to provide AAC access, we’re not just limiting academic potential—we’re affecting the fundamental human need for connection and self-expression that shapes a young person’s entire sense of self and place in the world.

    The time for action is now. Every day that passes without addressing AAC access disparities represents lost opportunities for students who simply need the right tools to unlock their potential.
    ~ Kim Zajac, MA CCC-SLP/A

    A Foundation Built on Core Values

    Addressing this disparity isn’t just an educational imperative—it’s a reflection of our deepest values as educators and community members:

    Respect means creating learning environments where every student’s communication needs are acknowledged and supported, fostering appreciation for the diverse ways people express themselves.

    Collaboration requires building partnerships between educators, families, speech-language pathologists, and technology specialists to ensure comprehensive AAC support.

    High Expectations means refusing to lower our academic standards for students with communication disabilities, instead providing them with the tools they need to meet rigorous benchmarks.

    Responsibility involves empowering students to become independent communicators and learners, taking ownership of their educational journey.

    Equity demands that we provide all students with access to curriculum through quality instruction and appropriate communication tools.

    Empowerment means building communities where every student can contribute their unique voice and perspective.

    Transforming Education Through Inclusive Design

    Investing in AAC accessibility creates a transformative ripple effect throughout our educational system. When we ensure that all students can communicate effectively, we enhance curriculum accessibility for everyone. Universal design principles benefit not just students with disabilities, but create more engaging and inclusive learning experiences for all learners.

    This investment also supports teachers in developing new instructional design practices, building their capacity to create truly inclusive classrooms where every student can participate fully. The professional growth and collaboration that emerge from this work strengthens our entire educational community.

    Economic and Social Returns on Investment

    This isn’t just about meeting immediate educational needs—it’s about investing in our community’s future. Students who can communicate effectively are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and contribute meaningfully to our workforce and economy. The long-term economic benefits of ensuring AAC access far exceed the initial investment costs.

    Moreover, this is fundamentally an issue of social equity and justice. When we provide all students with the communication tools they need, we take a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive society where everyone can participate fully in community life.

    The Path Forward

    The time for action is now. Every day that passes without addressing AAC access disparities represents lost opportunities for students who simply need the right tools to unlock their potential. These students have voices waiting to be heard, ideas ready to be shared, and contributions that can enrich our entire educational community.

    Creating equitable access to AAC devices and software isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s an investment in a future where communication barriers no longer determine educational outcomes, where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

    The question isn’t whether we can afford to make this investment. The question is whether we can afford not to. Our students—and our future—depend on the answer.

    Kim Zajac, is a certified SLP and Audiologist in Massachusetts. She is an ASCD/ISTE Community Leader, Educator Mentor for the Vital Prize Challenge, an Adobe Creative Educator Leader and Magic School Ambassador. Kim has served as a virtual practicum instructor at Speech@Emerson and is Co-Founder of EdCampSoutheasternMA. She is an FETC Featured Speaker and has presented at ASU GSV AIRShow, SXSWEDU, ISTE, MassCUE, & NYC Schools Tech Summit. Kim specializes in creating programs and sharing learning strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. She is passionate about establishing equitable access and inclusion for ALL students. You can connect with Kim at KimZajac.com

  • Tech’ing it One Step at a Time: Reflections on supporting diverse learners to thrive in a digital world

    Tech’ing it One Step at a Time: Reflections on supporting diverse learners to thrive in a digital world

    As someone who transitioned from a career in medical speech language pathology to K-12 education, I’ve witnessed firsthand the disconnect between students’ brilliant ideas and their ability to express them through traditional means. This gap is particularly evident for students with language disabilities and learning differences who have so much to contribute but lack the tools to bridge that gap.

    Finding Pathways Through Technology

    My journey began with noticing the specific barriers students face. For middle school students with language learning disabilities, figurative language—idioms, multiple-meaning words, and metaphors—created significant obstacles both academically and socially.

    The breakthrough came through what I call “visual language bridges”—using AI-enabled tools to generate visual interpretations of both literal and figurative meanings of language. Students who previously shut down during these lessons suddenly became active participants, moving from feeling excluded to confidently understanding metaphors and even creating their own.

    This transformation wasn’t just about academic achievement—it was about enabling full participation in both classroom discussions and social interactions. When technology removes barriers rather than creating new ones, it becomes a bridge to understanding and expression.

    The Gaps in EdTech

    Despite our progress, significant gaps remain in educational technology. Perhaps most glaring is that most EdTech is designed for an “average” student who doesn’t actually exist. We’re still missing robust, accessible design principles that center students with disabilities from the beginning—not as an afterthought.

    To address this challenge, I’ve been seeking partnerships with industry to ensure diverse perspectives are included in the design process itself. Another critical gap lies in professional learning. We can have the most innovative tools, but if educators don’t understand how to implement them effectively with an equity lens, we’re missing the opportunity.

    The promise of educational technology has never been about the newest features—it’s about creating pathways for every learner to express their unique brilliance and participate fully in both education and community.
    Kim Zajac, MA CCC-SLP/A

    AI: Bridge or Barrier?

    AI has real potential as an equalizer in education, but like any tool, it’s all in how we implement it. For students with language learning disabilities, AI tools have created bridges to understanding complex language conventions that previously seemed completely inaccessible.

    However, AI isn’t inherently equitable—it reflects both the data it’s trained on and the intentions of its designers. The true equalizing potential emerges when AI handles the mechanical barriers that have traditionally excluded certain students, freeing them to focus on higher-order thinking, creativity, and authentic expression.

    Beyond Device Bans

    The conversation around student wellbeing often leads to discussions about technology restrictions in schools. Yet these blanket approaches miss important nuances, particularly for students who rely on technology for access. For some of my students, supportive technology is absolutely essential for their academic success and emotional wellbeing.

    A key distinction worth making is between consumption and creation. When students primarily consume content through devices, negative impacts are more common. But when they create, connect, and actively engage—technology becomes empowering.

    Rather than focusing solely on restrictions, we need to equip students with skills for intentional and ethical technology use. The most successful approaches maintain clear frameworks for when and how technologies are used, while preserving flexibility for students who need these tools as accessibility supports.

    Technology isn’t just about completing assignments—it’s about unlocking new ways of thinking, creating, and connecting.
    Kim Zajac, MA CCC-SLP/A

    Extending Impact Beyond Classrooms

    Technology shouldn’t just be an in-school tool—it needs to bridge between school, home, and the broader world students will navigate. What I’ve found most impactful is teaching students to be their own advocates. When students discover tools that help them decode figurative language in social interactions, the impact extends far beyond any classroom assignment.

    Schools must also better include families in understanding these tools and more explicitly connect technology skills to future opportunities. Technology isn’t just about completing assignments—it’s about unlocking new ways of thinking, creating, and connecting.

    A Vision of Democratized Access

    What began as a journey to seek solutions for students with language learning disabilities has evolved into a deeper understanding of how technology can democratize access for all learners.

    When implemented thoughtfully, with intentional focus on removing barriers, technology becomes more than just a tool—it becomes a bridge to full participation in learning and life. This approach requires centering diverse learners in the design process, providing robust professional learning for educators, and embracing technology as a means to both academic and social inclusion.

    The promise of educational technology has never been about the newest features—it’s about creating pathways for every learner to express their unique brilliance and participate fully in both education and community. When we keep this vision at the center of our work, technology truly becomes transformational.

    Kim Zajac, is a certified SLP and Audiologist in Massachusetts. She is an ASCD/ISTE Community Leader, Educator Mentor for the Vital Prize Challenge, an Adobe Creative Educator Leader and Magic School Ambassador. Kim is a virtual practicum instructor at Speech@Emerson and is Co-Founder of EdCampSoutheasternMA. She is an FETC Featured Speaker and has presented at ASU GSV AIRShow, SXSWEDU, ISTE, MassCUE, & NYC Schools Tech Summit. Kim specializes in creating programs and sharing learning strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. She is passionate about establishing equitable access and inclusion for ALL students.  You can connect with Kim here on K12 Leaders,  LinkTree, LinkedIn or at Kimzajac1@gmail.com