Advocating for Every Voice: Rachel Madel’s Mission to Make AAC Inclusive and Impactful
This July, we’re proud to spotlight, Rachel Madel M.A.,CCC-SLP, an LA-based speech-language pathologist dedicated to coaching parents and professionals on incorporating technology to best support speech and language development. Rachel presents both nationally and abroad on the use of augmentative alternative communication (AAC) and coaches parents, clinicians and teachers on integrating assistive technology in classrooms and at home to support communication. She is dedicated to educating and empowering parents, professionals and individuals, as she co-hosts a weekly podcast called “Talking With Tech” and creates educational resources, therapy materials and courses to provide support for all. With a wealth of knowledge and a heart for advocacy, Rachel is helping to shift the narrative— unlocking voices, potential, and brighter futures for the individuals and families she serves.
What advice would you give to an SLP who’s just getting started with AAC?
Start where you are. You don’t need to be an AAC expert or have all the answers to begin supporting an individual’s communication journey. What matters most is your willingness to show up with curiosity, humility, and consistency. Focus on building connection first. That means modeling just a few core words during familiar activities, celebrating any attempts at communication, and remember that it’s totally fine for you to be learning alongside of your clients.
AAC isn’t about getting it right the first time—it’s about showing up again and again with the belief that every individual has something to say. You’re not alone in this. There’s a whole community of us who have felt unsure, overwhelmed, and stuck—and who found our way forward slowly but surely over time!
What does true empowerment look like for AAC users, and how can we support their ability to speak up for their needs, preferences, and boundaries?
Empowerment looks like choice. It looks like agency. It looks like an individual using AAC to say “no,” “stop,” “I don’t like that” or “this is boring.” True empowerment is not just about giving an individual access to language—it’s about giving them access to autonomy.
To support that, we have to model language that goes beyond labeling and requesting. We need to model words/phrases that let individuals express their boundaries, share their opinions, and truly express themselves. We need to honor what they say, even when it’s unexpected or inconvenient. And we need to create language-rich environments where AAC users aren’t demanded to communicate but rather are invited to share.
How does self-advocacy shape the long-term success and independence of AAC users?
Self-advocacy is the key to long-term success—not just in school, but in life. When AAC users learn to speak up for what they need, express when something isn’t working, or advocate for their preferences, they begin to build a foundation of self-trust. They start to understand that their thoughts matter. That they are allowed to say no. That their perspective is valid.
This skill becomes especially important as individuals grow older and navigate more complex environments—middle school, high school, group settings, and eventually adult life. It’s not enough for individuals to simply follow directions or answer questions. They need to know how to ask for help, communicate when something is wrong, and make decisions about their own lives.
What’s one myth about speech-language pathology that you wish more people understood—especially when it comes to AAC?
The myth that if an individual has verbal speech, they don’t need AAC is one of the most limiting and harmful misunderstandings in our field. Just because an individual can say some words doesn’t mean they have reliable, functional communication across settings, partners, and emotional states. Verbal speech can fluctuate. It can disappear under stress, fatigue, or sensory overwhelm. And when that happens, AAC can serve as a consistent, empowering tool that ensures the individual still has access to language. AAC isn’t just reserved for individuals who are completely non-speaking. It’s for any individual who needs support making their voice heard—especially when verbal speech isn’t reliable.
What is one thing you’ve learned since becoming a speech language pathologist that you wish all people knew?
That communication is about so much more than words. Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve witnessed in therapy didn’t involve full sentences or polished phrases—they came from a glance, a gesture, a single button press that said “mad” or “go away.”
What I wish more people knew is that every individual is already communicating. Our job isn’t to wait for perfect language to appear—it’s to meet individuals where they are and help them build from there. Every eye gaze, every attempt, every approximation is a window into what they are thinking.
When we slow down, tune in and get curious with our observations, we begin to see communication not as data to be collected, but instead as nurturing a connection. And that shift—one of presence, patience, and deep respect—can literally change everything.
