AugmentAbility Speech Therapy PLLC

07/22/2026

With respect and dignity!

I am often asked how I talk to the disabled teens and adults I work with. It’s simple, with respect and dignity while always presuming competence.
I might: simplify my vocabulary, use shorter sentences, and pause between sentences to allow for processing time
I will not: use baby talk, talk about them - not with them

07/16/2026

American Sign Language is its own complex language. It is not a word for word translation of spoken English. I’ve enjoyed learning ASL and look forward to learning even more about the language and the culture.

06/10/2026

What I wear to work as a speech language pathologist working with teens and adults who have moderate to high support needs.
Yes, I am wearing the same shirt I wore in my last video, but it’s a great shirt!

10/21/2025

AAC Myths Busted!

https://youtu.be/MUChcyDSUVY

https://www.youtube.com/.Pardos/featured?sub_confirmation=1

Five myths about augmentative and alternative communication in speech therapy. Learn what is true and what is false, you might be surprised! References below...

10/15/2025

Does that AAC App have the words AAC in it?

Do the AAC applications on my iPad have the word AAC preprogrammed? Let's see! ...

10/12/2025

Oh wow, is Dr. P an influencer now? No, just an SLP who wants to share knowledge about AAC and disability advocacy. Follow Dr. Pardos' YouTube channel for videos on AAC, advocacy, and more!

Welcome to AugmentAbility Speech Therapy, where Dr. Pardos shares practical, evidence-based, and disability-affirming content about speech therapy, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), teaching and learning, advocacy, and disability awareness. Whether you’re a parent, educator, therap...

09/23/2025

New Logo time! Keeping the concept of growth from the previous logo and giving it an upgrade! ✨

09/23/2025

🚨ADCOVACY ALERT🚨

"Medicare coverage for audiology and speech-language pathology services delivered via telehealth should remain protected. On March 14, Congress passed, and the President signed, a law that provides a short-term extension of authority for audiologists and SLPs to bill telehealth services under Medicare Part B through September 30, 2025. Without further congressional action by the end of September, Medicare beneficiaries will no longer be covered for audiology and SLP telehealth services. It’s critical that Congress provide certainty to patients by passing H.R. 1614, bipartisan legislation that would make audiologists and speech-language pathologists' ability to deliver telehealth services permanent under Medicare Part B.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) used this authority provided by Congress to cover key audiology and speech-language pathology telehealth services during the COVID-19 public health emergency, and beyond.

Permanent coverage of telehealth services will continue to enhance access to hearing, balance, speech, language, swallowing, and cognition related health care services for those in rural and medically underserved areas."

Congress has until March 31 to extend vital telehealth coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. It’s critical that Congress act to ensure patients maintain access to the same level of telehealth services they have had since 2020.

06/24/2025

Happy Pride From Dr. Pardos at AugmentAbility Speech Therapy!

Most LGBTQ+ people aren't comfortable talking about their identity to their healthcare providers. Here are some things providers can do to make q***r clients feel safe!

❤️ Inclusive intake paperwork: Use terms like guardian or parent instead of mother and father
🧡 Include your pronouns on your website and when you introduce yourself
💛 Provide a place for your clients to share their pronouns and or/gender - but don't make it required
💚Use terms like AFAB/AMAB (assigned female/male at birth) instead of man/woman, girl/boy when taking about norms
🩵Ask what name your client wants to be called - it might be different from what is on their insurance information
💜 Treat your LGBTQ+ clients with care and respect

What steps do you take to make sure your LGBTQ+ clients feel safe? Comment below with what you do and tag someone who might have some good idea too!