Just A.S.K. 7th Annual Aphasia Conference
Turning the Page on Aphasia: A Conference on Reading, Recovery, and Renewal

Every Saturday of June 2025 
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. EST

This virtual webinar series will be hosted on Zoom.

Register Here: Just ASK Aphasia Registration

Description

This free webinar series is organized & funded by JustASK Aphasia, Stroke, Knowledge, a non-profit organization established in 2019 to provide individuals, caregivers, and stakeholders a way to connect, support, and share resources. 

This conference is dedicated to exploring the challenges and opportunities of reading with aphasia, providing practical tools, expert insights, and inspiring stories of resilience. Featuring guest speakers covering a range of topics—including reading strategies, assistive technology, navigating legal documents and planning, and reclaiming your personal narrative—this event empowers individuals with aphasia, their families, and professionals to turn the page toward greater independence and confidence. The conference will include 4 sessions dedicated to different topics, each running virtually from 9am – 11am ET every Saturday in the month of June.

Conference Learner Outcomes

As a result of this conference, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify 3 technology supports for improving independence with reading and/or writing for persons with aphasia. Conference attendees will be able to apply these technology tools to modify functional reading tasks they encounter in their daily lives in order to make their environment and written communication more accessible.
2. Describe 3 important aspects of estate planning for a loved one living with aphasia and summarize concepts such as power of attorney and guardianship.
3. Explain the power of storytelling as a method of healing and renegotiating identity after a stroke or brain injury.
   
   

Schedule of Presentations:

June 7: Discovering the Next Chapter through Technology

Presenters:

• Brooke Lang is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist who works in the Pittsburgh area, specializing in the treatment of aphasia and apraxia of speech. Previously, she worked at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System providing intensive therapy through the PIRATE program as well as working as a part-time research assistant. She now provides speech therapy services through her private practice, Intensive Reconnective Aphasia Therapy, and co-hosts the monthly “Technology and Supports for Aphasia” group through the National Aphasia Association.
• Bryn Bowles is an aneurysm survivor and aphasia advocate. Previously working as a critical care nurse in Anchorage, Alaska, she experienced an AVM while out jogging that resulted in hemiplegia, aphasia, and apraxia of speech. Dedicating her time on her recovery and helping others, Bryn has embraced her new role as an aphasia advocate as she hosts several online groups, is a Peer Ally through the National Aphasia Synergy peer befriending program, and co-hosts the “Technology and Supports for Aphasia” group through the National Aphasia Association with Brooke. Bryn creates and shares videos about technology, tips, and all things aphasia hosted at “Bryn’s Corner” through Intensive Reconnective Aphasia Therapy.

Presentation Overview:

In this session, Bryn will share about her personal experience living with aphasia and apraxia of speech and demonstrate ways to use technology to support daily tasks and functional communication. Bryn and Brooke will highlight various accessibility tools and applications to show the many options available and how to personalize them to best fit personal needs. This session is designed for people with aphasia to learn about new tools they can directly apply to improve their independence with functional reading and writing activities.

Time Ordered Agenda:

9:00-9:10 Introduction to the topic and presenters
9:10-10:45 Presentation
10:45-11:00 Questions/Answers and further resources

Disclosures:

The presenters have no financial or non-financial disclosures to make.

June 14: How Technology Can Help with Reading

Presenter:

• Sarah E. Wallace, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA-Fellow, is a Professor within the Department of Communication Science & Disorders in the School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. She is the Director of the Master’s Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology and leads the Communication and Cognition Lab at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Wallace is an ASHA-Fellow and renowned in her research dedicated to reading supports for people with aphasia.

Presentation Overview:

In this session, Sarah will discuss how aphasia impacts reading and what we know about treatment for reading with aphasia, as well how to modify functional, real-life materials to make them easier or more accessible for people with aphasia to read and comprehend with provided examples. She will also share about current research related to technology and reading and present key information for both persons with aphasia and their care partners.

Time Ordered Agenda:

9:00-9:10 Introduction to the topic and presenters
9:10-10:45 Presentation
10:45-11:00 Questions/Answers and further resources

Disclosures:

The presenter has no financial or non-financial disclosures to make.

June 21: Understanding Estate Planning & Probate

Presenter:

• Christine D’Orsi Fitta, Esq. is a licensed attorney for the Sheehan & Associates Law firm. She is licensed in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island and specializes in providing personalized, expertise services and ongoing support for creating and managing estate planning.

Presentation Overview:

In this session, Christine will guide a discussion about the importance of estate planning and probate. She will guide the process of creating and managing an estate plan as it relates to care giving and future plans for a loved one with aphasia, including topics such as wills & trusts, power of attorney, guardianship, medical directives, probate and more. This session is ideal for caregivers and families of loved one’s with aphasia.

Time Ordered Agenda:

9:00-9:10 Introduction to the topic and presenters
9:10-10:45 Presentation
10:45-11:00 Questions/Answers and further resources

Disclosures:

The presenter has no financial or non-financial disclosures to make.

June 28: Turning to a New Page with Aphasia: Finding Power in My Story

Presenters:

• Katie Strong, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor at Central Michigan University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders where she leads the Strong Story Lab. Her research explores how identity changes after having aphasia as she trains clinicians to support their clients with aphasia in exploring and sharing their stories. She is a Tavistock Trust for Aphasia Distinguished Scholar and facilitates several groups through Virtual Connections for Aphasia and the Lansing Area Aphasia Support Group.
• Bruce Farrell, MS, was a former Proposal and Presentation Guru at Plante & Moran and Board Member for the national Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). He is a traumatic brain injury survivor living with aphasia and talking about it! Bruce is a talented musician and continues to be a presentation expert, as he continues to be the guest speaker for various settings including talks for graduate students within Speech Pathology Masters programs to headlining at this year’s APMP annual conference. Bruce chooses to share his story of the struggle he experienced after his bike accident and the hope of healing and recovery.
• Coleman Watson, Esq. is a licensed attorney and stroke survivor. While specializing in intellectual property, patents, trademarks, and technology issues, Coleman also has broad experience defending civil rights of prisoners pro bono. During his recovery, he set a mission to meet others living with aphasia and to share about his personal experience, leading to his creation of his documentary, păh. Since finishing his film, he has returned to work as an attorney, leading advocacy efforts for personal accommodations and communication rights as he works within the courtroom.

Presentation Overview:

In this session, Dr. Katie Strong will lead a discussion about how to reconstruct identity through storytelling as she invites powerful storytellers Bruce and Coleman to share about their personal experiences living with aphasia. Bruce and Coleman will offer their insight and expertise about the struggles and highlights of their journey with aphasia and how they have changed and maintained their identities.

Time Ordered Agenda:

1:00-1:10 Introduction to the topic and presenters
1:10-2:45 Presentation
2:45-3:00 Questions/Answers and further resources

Disclosures:

The presenters have no financial or non-financial disclosures to make.

Up to 0.8 ASHA CEUs are available for those who attend all 4 sessions of the event. Participants may earn partial credit of .2 ASHA CEUs for each individual session. Note: you must be registered with the ASHA CE Registry in order to earn and track ASHA CEU’s.

 
School-Age Stuttering in the Neurodiversity Era
Presented by Nina Reeves, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF

Saturday, June 21, 2025 
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Members: $10

Non-Members: $60

Description

As our understanding of the diversity of our students with communication challenges grows, SLPs need to know how to assess their own biases and a framework for to help their students communicate freely and effectively. This session will help SLPs more mindful of how they talk about stuttering and the messages they (may unintentionally) send in therapy, how to set stutter-affirming goals, and consider 5 steps toward neurodiversity affirming practices.

Learner Objectives

1. Identify 3 “old school” messages of stuttering therapy
2. Identify 4 considerations of the experience of stuttering that inform goal choice 
3. List 5 aspects of stutter-affirming therapy practices

Time Ordered Agenda

10:00-10:15    Putting the past behind us
10:15-11:00    The ICF and goal-choice 
11:00-11:45    What do we do now?
11:45-12:00    Enhancing therapy outcomes through resources

About the Presenter

 Nina Reeves, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF is a board-certified specialist in fluency differences, and co-owner of Stuttering Therapy Resources. She specializes in stuttering therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults. Nina is an author of practical clinical materials and presenter of professional development workshops for speech-language pathologists. She also has decades of experience in the stuttering support community. For her contributions as a career-long public school SLP, Nina has received the ASH-F Van Hattum Award, the ASHA Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to public schools and was named a Fellow of the Association by ASHA.

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded.

Financial Disclosure

• Speaker is receiving an honorarium for this webinar.
• Speaker is the co-owner of Stuttering Therapy Resources.

Non-Financial Disclosure

• There are no non-financial disclosures.

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities:

We want to provide the best learning experience for everyone. In compliance of the ADA, should you require any accommodation to fully participate in this training, please contact theoffice@mshahearsay.org or call 781-314-9517.

Satisfactory Completion Requirements for ASHA CEU’s

ASHA CEU’s will be awarded after active attendance at the entire presentation documented by log in/log out times, submission of a completed evaluation and submission of a completed assessment of learning. There is no partial credit. A link to the Assessment and Evaluation will be sent out following the program. 

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs. 

This program has been approved for ASHA CEUs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

Unbiased Speech Language Assessment of Bilingual Students 

July 1-31, 2025

Members: $10

Non-Members: $60

Program materials will be distributed via email the first business day of July.

Description

This presentation will give you an overview of who the bilingual student who is learning English in Boston Public Schools (or any other urban district) is; stages of second language acquisition; useful information to help you determine if the student presents with a language disorder or a language difference; and basic considerations when assessing a bilingual student who is learning English.

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the typical bilingual student
• List the stages of second language acquisition 
• Develop a process for determining who should NOT be referred for a speech-language evaluation
• Name important considerations when assessing a bilingual student
  

Agenda

10 minutes: Introduction and Video Reflection
10 minutes: Cultural Competence/Bilingualism
20 minutes: Stages of Second Language Acquisition
20 minutes: Important Considerations When Assessing a Bilingual Student
40 minutes: Case Studies
15 minutes: Quick Recommendations for Bilingual Evaluations
5 minutes: Questions/Evaluations

About the Presenter

Rebeca Rivera Rivera, MS, CCC-SLP is a Bilingual (Spanish-English) Speech-Language Pathologist working for the Boston Public Schools since 1990. She also worked for 4 years as an Evaluation Team Facilitator for the District coordinating and leading the eligibility meetings for special education. Currently in addition to working with students, she is also the Bilingual Liaison for the Related Services Department. As a dual-language learner herself, Ms. Rivera Rivera is passionate about improving the related services for this population, particularly in the area of fair and valid evaluations. To this aim she has created Professional Development for Related Service Providers, Teachers and Interpreters, and procedures on when and how to request interpreters for an evaluation within the Related Services Department. Ms. Rivera Rivera is also a lecturer for Boston University and Emerson College, presenting seminars on Best Practices for Working with Bilingual Students.

A native from Puerto Rico she acquired her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus and a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from the same University, Rio Piedras Campus.

Disclosure Statements

Financial disclosure: Rebecca Rivera Rivera receives a salary from the Boston Public schools. She receives speaking fees for lecturing at Boston University and Emerson College. She is receiving an honorarium for this presentation.

Non-financial disclosure: Rebecca is a member of MSHA and a member of ASHA.

Discrimination Policy: 
MSHA does not discriminate against students, parents, employees or the general public on the basis of race, color, sex, homeless status, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age. MSHA is also committed to maintaining an educational environment free of harassment. Harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, homeless status, age or disability is prohibited. In addition to the protected classes identified above, as to employment practices, MSHA also does not discriminate based on genetic information, ancestry or status as a veteran.

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities:
We want to provide the best learning experience for everyone. In compliance of the ADA, should you require any accommodation to fully participate in this training, please contact theoffice@mshahearsay.org or call 781-314-9517.

Continuing Education Credits:
Satisfactory Completion Requirements for ASHA CEU’s

ASHA CEU’s will be awarded after viewing of the entire presentation and submission of a completed evaluation and an assessment of learning. There is no partial credit. A link to the assessment and evaluation will be sent out following the program.

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please consider partnering with us for this worthwhile experience. If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

School Based Medicaid Program for SLP’s

August 1-31, 2025

Members: $10

Non-Members: $60

Program materials will be distributed via email the first business day of August.

Description
Representatives from MassHealth’s School Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) and UMass Chan Medical School’s Center for School Based Claiming, will provide an overview of program requirements and respond to questions.

Presenters
Margot Tracy
Emily Hall

Learner Outcomes
The participants will be able to:
1. List expectations of an SLP participating in SBMP
2. Describe Direct Service Claiming (DSC)
3. List and apply reimbursable services and requirements to SLP, including
- Medical Necessity
- ICD Diagnosis and/or Signs and Symptoms Codes
4. Describe Plan of Care - Medicaid Service Authorization
5. List minimum Service Documentation elements
6. Find resources for additional information and training on the SBMP website

Agenda

5 minutes: Introductions, Agenda Overview, Housekeeping
5 minutes: What is expected of an SLP participating in SBMP?
10 minutes: What is Direct Service Claiming (DSC)?
25 minutes: Reimbursable Services & Requirements
- Medical Necessity
- ICD Diagnosis and/or Signs and Symptoms Codes
10 minutes: Plan of Care – Medicaid Service Authorization
15 minutes: Service Documentation
10 minutes: Interim Claims & Billing Forms
10 minutes: Random Moment Time Study Tips for Direct Service Practitioners
30 minutes: Q&A

Margot Tracy is the manager for the MassHealth School Based Medicaid Program (SBMP). She has Prior to her role in SBMP, she worked in the Executive Office of Health and Human Services under the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI). She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health..

Emily Hall - As director of School-Based Medicaid Programs at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Ms. Hall has worked in and managed the administration of school-based Medicaid programs for Massachusetts for the past 15 years. She has experience in a variety of school-based Medicaid reimbursement methodologies with particular expertise in cost-based reimbursement. Prior to coming to UMass Chan, Ms. Hall had over 20 years of experience in the health insurance industry, as well as in health care delivery systems and hospitals and in Medicare managed care program administration. Ms. Hall earned her Master of Business Administration from Suffolk University and her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy and Economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Disclosure Statements

Margot Tracy
Financial: Margot receives a salary as an employee of the State of Massachusetts as the manager of the Mass Health School Based Medicaid Program.
Non-financial: No non-financial relationships exist.

Emily Hall
Financial: No financial disclosure exists.
Non-financial: Emily is volunteering her time for this presentation.

Discrimination Policy: 
MSHA does not discriminate against students, parents, employees or the general public on the basis of race, color, sex, homeless status, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age. MSHA is also committed to maintaining an educational environment free of harassment. Harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, homeless status, age or disability is prohibited. In addition to the protected classes identified above, as to employment practices, MSHA also does not discriminate based on genetic information, ancestry or status as a veteran.

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities:
We want to provide the best learning experience for everyone. In compliance of the ADA, should you require any accommodation to fully participate in this training, please contact theoffice@mshahearsay.org or call 781-314-9517.

Continuing Education Credits:
Satisfactory Completion Requirements for ASHA CEU’s

ASHA CEU’s will be awarded after viewing of the entire presentation and submission of a completed evaluation and an assessment of learning. There is no partial credit. A link to the assessment and evaluation will be sent out following the program.

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please consider partnering with us for this worthwhile experience. If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

Trauma Informed Rapport Building for School SLPs

November 1-30, 2025

Members: $10

Non-Members: $60

Program materials will be distributed via email the first business day of November.

Description

During this webinar, clinicians will learn the tenets of trauma-informed care and the impact that systemic exclusion has on minoritized populations. We'll discuss holistic, client-centered approaches when working with students and families from all backgrounds. Clinicians will come away more confident in their abilities to meet the needs of their diverse caseloads while also developing an understanding of how to reduce disparities by making small adjustments to their own practices.

Note: Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities: We want to provide the best learning experience for everyone. In compliance of the ADA, should you require any accommodation to fully participate in this training, please contact theoffice@mshahearsay.org or call 781-314-9517.

Presenter

AC Goldberg (he/him) PhD, CCC/SLP

Learner Objectives

1.  Participants will define terminology related to gender, neurotype and intersectionality

2.  Participants will identify areas of DEI education relevant to their school practice

3.  Participants will distinguish the tenets of trauma-informed care

4.  Participants will devise ways to foster trusting relationships with populations who have experienced institutional trauma

Time Ordered Agenda

5 Minutes: Introduction

15 Minutes: Concepts and Terminology

15 Minutes: Identity and Trauma, Unpacking Loaded Clinical Experiences

15 Minutes: Sensitivity to Backgrounds and Lived Experience, Identifying Bias in Practice

15 Minutes: Addressing Bias and Looking Ahead

40 Minutes: Scenarios Workshop

15 Minutes: Questions, Conclusion, and Resources

About the Presenter

AC Goldberg (he/him) PhD CCC/SLP is a physically disabled, intersex/transgender Professor, DEIB Consultant/SLP whose mission is to cultivate affirming spaces for everybody. He teaches at Northeastern University, where he runs a gender-affirming voice clinic and leads courses in DEI and transgender health. AC's consulting centers empathy, humanity and intersectional cultural responsiveness. His continuing education nonprofit, The CREDIT Institute, is dedicated to advancing equity in higher education and healthcare.

Financial Disclosure

• Assistant Clinical Professor at Northeastern University
• Founder/Director, the CREDIT Institute 501(C)(3)
• Founder, Transplaining LLC
• Contractor with Prismatic Speech Services
• MSHA member receiving an honorarium for this webinar

Non-financial Disclosure

AC is a founding member of the Trans Voice Initiative. He serves on the community advisory board overseeing research out of Boston University about the effects of exogenous testosterone therapy on communication in AFAB speakers. He’s also on the editorial board of the Journal of Communication Disorders.

Continuing Education Credits:
Satisfactory Completion Requirements for ASHA CEU’s

ASHA CEU’s will be awarded after viewing of the entire presentation and submission of a completed evaluation and an assessment of learning. There is no partial credit. A link to the assessment and evaluation will be sent out following the program.

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

This program also qualifies for ASHA's DEI CEU requirements.

Stuttering vs Cluttering

December 1-31, 2025

Members: $10

Non-Members: $60

Program materials will be distributed via email the first business day of December.

Description

Speech fluency refers to the physical characteristics of human speech, including speech continuity, speech rate, and amount of effort in speaking. There are normal variations in the level of fluency of each speaker, however, when the daily life of the individual is negatively impacted by the speech fluency concern, an SLP may be involved in the assessment and clinical treatment of the disorder.

Presenters
Lourdes Ramos-Heinrichs, SLP, CCC-SLP

Learner Outcomes

The participants will be able to:
1. Describe the differential diagnosis of stuttering
2. Describe the differential diagnosis of cluttering
3. Develop and implement treatment plans for stuttering
4. Develop and implement treatment plans for cluttering

Agenda

20 minutes: Overview and Background
10 minutes: Questions and Audience Participation

20 minutes: Power Point presentation on Stuttering and examples

10 minutes: Questions and audience participation

25 minutes: Power Point presentation on Cluttering and examples

5 minutes: Questions and audience participation 

10 minutes: Case Study Small Group Discussion

10 minutes: Information Sharing from Small Group Discussions

10 minutes: Conclusion, questions, and Wrap-Up

About the Presenter

Lourdes Ramos-Heinrichs, SLP, CCC-SLP is a lifetime member of the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders. She has taught graduate courses in Fluency and Fluency Disorders, supervised stuttering clinics, and headed a fluency cohort in the Boston Public schools for the last 20 years. She has also presented seminars in fluency disorders in national and international conventions, and has addressed diagnostic and clinical aspects of stuttering in various publications.

Disclosure Statements

Lourdes Ramos-Heinrichs, SLP, CCC-SLP
Financial: Lourdes is receiving an honorarium for this presentation.

Non-financial: Lourdes is a member of ASHA. She is a lifetime member of the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders. Lourdes heads the fluency cohort for the Boston Public Schools. She directs the clinical component of Camp Words Unspoken.

Discrimination Policy: 
MSHA does not discriminate against students, parents, employees or the general public on the basis of race, color, sex, homeless status, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age. MSHA is also committed to maintaining an educational environment free of harassment. Harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, homeless status, age or disability is prohibited. In addition to the protected classes identified above, as to employment practices, MSHA also does not discriminate based on genetic information, ancestry or status as a veteran.

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities:
We want to provide the best learning experience for everyone. In compliance of the ADA, should you require any accommodation to fully participate in this training, please contact theoffice@mshahearsay.org or call 781-314-9517.

Continuing Education Credits:
Satisfactory Completion Requirements for ASHA CEU’s

ASHA CEU’s will be awarded after viewing of the entire presentation and submission of a completed evaluation and an assessment of learning. There is no partial credit. A link to the assessment and evaluation will be sent out following the program.

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please consider partnering with us for this worthwhile experience. If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.