Express Speech & Augmentative Communication Services

07/02/2026

An important resource to share- Project Lifesaver is available through county Sheriff Departments. My deepest sympathies to the family of the child lost this week, his teachers, SLPs, and school community who are heartbroken from this tragedy. Sharing this to help spread awareness of this program to help protect others.

Project Lifesaver®: Bringing Loved Ones Home Safely

For many families of Autistic individuals or those living with cognitive differences, wandering (also called elopement) is a real safety concern. A child or adult can become disoriented or leave a safe environment in just moments.

Project Lifesaver® is a life-saving program that provides a personalized radio transmitter worn on the wrist or ankle. If a participant goes missing, specially trained law enforcement officers use radio tracking equipment to locate them quickly—often in far less time than traditional search methods.

Why is this important?
✅ Faster search and rescue response
✅ Reduces the risk of injury or tragedy
✅ Provides peace of mind for families and caregivers
✅ Supports the safety and independence of participants

Many sheriff’s offices and law enforcement agencies across New York participate in Project Lifesaver. Contact your local sheriff’s office to find out if the program is available in your county and learn about eligibility and enrollment. If your county does not currently offer the program, ask about other local wandering prevention resources.

At Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, we believe safety is essential to living fully. We’re committed to connecting individuals and families with resources that promote safety, inclusion, and independence.

Need help finding a Project Lifesaver program or other safety resources? Contact Autism Society Greater Hudson Region—we’re here to help. See the comments for a links to the Project Lifesaver Programs in the 21 Counties we serve.

01/21/2026

12/30/2025

Bring On The SpectrumBOTS is helping increase awareness through this community workshop from the Epilepsy Foundation, learn how to recognizing seizures and what you can do to help- open to the public, important for family members, teachers, and community members to learn how to respond and help.

Community invite …. limited slots …. In partnership with Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York

https://www.bringonthespectrum.org/parent-workshop

11/11/2025

SLP's -Don't miss it! Kelly Fagan MS CCC-SLP will present "Embracing Neurodiversity: Fostering Communication and Connection in Autism" this Wednesday evening 6-8pm. ASHA CEU's available, hosted by CASHA- to register (free for CASHA members!) https://joincashany.org/upcoming-events-2/ Capital Area Speech Language and Hearing Association - CASHA

11/06/2025

Looking forward to this evenings first "20 Somethings" meet up at Bring on the Spectrum. Our first meet up gets us thinking about making a first impression and taking care of yourself so you feel and look good. Meeting and mingling with others in the fun space that is Bring On The Spectrum with the students from SHSA at UAlbany joining us. Meet ups will occur Nov-Dec, register to join for one or all https://www.bringonthespectrum.org/20somethings

11/04/2025

Looking forward to a fun get together for 20 Somethings group at Bring on the Spectrum! First of 4 meet ups will start this Thursday! Share with those who are looking to develop friendships. (Approved with AIM and Wildwood, you do not need to be in a program to attend)

Navigating adulthood is hard! Bring on the Spectrum is hosting the "20 Somethings" series facilitated by Kelly Fagan MS CCC-SLP- topics include 1. First Impressions 2. Conversation Starters - getting across that first hurdle, 3. The social of social media & texting, 4. Building friendships before relationships. All sessions will have fun meaningful interactive activities with peers, support communication skills and support participants interests and self advocacy. Please share! The program has been pre-approved by AIM & Wildwood -see website to register https://www.bringonthespectrum.org/20somethings

10/27/2025

Navigating adulthood is hard! Bring on the Spectrum is hosting the "20 Somethings" series facilitated by Kelly Fagan MS CCC-SLP- topics include 1. First Impressions 2. Conversation Starters - getting across that first hurdle, 3. The social of social media & texting, 4. Building friendships before relationships. All sessions will have fun meaningful interactive activities with peers, support communication skills and support participants interests and self advocacy. Please share! The program has been pre-approved by AIM & Wildwood -see website to register https://www.bringonthespectrum.org/20somethings

10/20/2025

At the Northeast AAC Summit one of the topics discussed in "Creative Solutions through AAC Mentorship" by Kelly Fagan & Alyssa Malone was Solutions Focused Therapy and it's applications to AAC. Check out this blog post for info on the first step discussed and how it can help you meet individuals/ students, parents, or teams where they are.

By Kelly Fagan, MS CCC-SLP At the recent Northeast AAC Summit held at University of Albany, Alyssa Malone MS Ed, CCC-SLP and I spoke about "Creative Solutions Through AAC Mentorship." Alyssa was one of the mentee's from the AACcess Program I developed at the College of Saint Rose. Through mentorship...

10/03/2025

What a great opportunity for high school sophmores, juniors, or seniors who are thinking of careers in health care or education! Oct 13, 3-5pm come join me at Bring on the Spectrum to hear from an SLP (that's me!), OT & PT about careers, then observe as children participate in activities led by each professional, and wrap up the program by meeting with college representatives to hear about admissions and programs in SLP/OT/PT. It is a fantastic program! share & spread the word to high school students