August 5, 2025 • 31 mins
"Don’t give up and prove everyone wrong" - Kayla Ireland shares how horses, AAC, and a fierce sense of self-advocacy help her chase her dreams and redefine what’s possible for herself and others.
There are intentional silences left in this recording. Normally I edit out long pauses, but when speaking with an AAC user like Kayla, it’s important to honour the natural pace of her communication and make space for her to share in her own way. This different flow of conversation may feel unfamiliar, but it’s valuable to experience and listen to.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Kayla’s journey with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and discovering accessible ways to communicate
• Honest insights into AAC, the importance of communication partners having patience, and the power of listening to lived experience
• Why therapeutic horse riding gives her freedom, confidence, and a sense of joy that medicalised therapies can’t
Watch this chat on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VuyKBLO_iAA
Kindly Neurodivergent with Kay:
Silver Speech Speaking Series:
Rock The World with Kay & Michelle:
Inside Scoop of Living with Cerebral Palsy:
Kayla Interviewing Adina:
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Kayla (00:00):
It is hard to find a therapeutic activity that doesn't
(00:03):
feel like a medical appointment.
Also, I can interact morewith a horse rather than a dog
Adina (00:16):
Welcome to the Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast for adults
who support Neurodivergent children.
I'm Adina from Play.
Learn.
Chat.
I'm an Autistic ADHDer, a speechtherapist, professional educator,
speaker, and I also supportNeurodivergent Business owners in
my other business, NeurodivergentBusiness Coaching and Consulting.
I'm obsessed with creating a worldwhen Neurodivergent people are
(00:37):
understood, , embraced, supported, andcan thrive in a life aligned with our
individual strengths, wants and needs.
I bring a NeurodiversityAffirming approach and indeed a
human affirming approach to thesupport that we all provide for
Neurodivergent kids in our lives.
This podcast is recorded on the Aboriginallands of the Gadigal and Bidjigal people.
(00:59):
Welcome Kayla.
Hi.
So Kayla and I have just been chattingas she is recorded a show for her
YouTube channel, which I'll introducein a moment where she interviewed me
and now it's my turn to interview you.
(01:21):
Let me introduce Kayla ifyou haven't met her yet.
I'm so excited to share with you Kayla'sfabulous story and self and human.
Like what?
Yeah.
I'm so, I'm just so excited for our chats.
We've been waiting and talkingover email for a while and, um.
(01:42):
So KayIa Ireland is the host of KindlyNeurodivergent with Kay, a show that
raises awareness about Neurodivergence.
She's an office manager at SilverSpeech and she co-hosts the inside
scoop of Living with Cerebral Palsy,which highlights CP awareness.
Kayla is also a co-author of Livingwith Cerebral Palsy, A powerful
(02:02):
collection of personal storiesled by Kyle Scott, she co-host.
You do a lot of things.
You do a lot, Kayla.
I love that.
Sounds a bit like me.
She, yeah.
She co-hosts Rock the World with Kayand Michelle, a podcast dedicated
to amplifying voices, breakingbarriers, and celebrating resilience.
(02:22):
And I love it, by the way.
It's fabulous.
So all of the things I mentioned, I'mgoing to make as links in the show
notes and wherever you're watchingor listening, so you can follow
Kay, wherever you, wherever you are.
Um, also, Kayla is a communicationassistant and dedicated member of
many committees for Little Britchestherapeutic riding, where she's an
(02:45):
avid and experienced horseback rider.
She's a college student at communitycollege, and as you can see, and you're
gonna hear and learn, she's a happy,motivated, active, vibrant female
with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
A powerful force advocating forinclusion, representation, and a limitless
potential within each individual.
(03:08):
Welcome.
Oh,
and Kayla shared at the startof her, um, recording with me.
So I'll, I'll share it now.
Unless, do you wanna share, um, yourcommunication prompt around, um,
(03:29):
pausing while you're writing something?
Kayla (03:32):
Before we begin?
I respectfully request that ifyou witness any pauses during this
show, please continue watching.
I'm composing a spontaneous commentor question, someone processing
their thoughts in addition torepeating something that was
unintelligible or misunderstood.
(03:53):
It is natural discourse and wecan choose not to say anything
while this is occurring.
Adina (04:01):
Thank you.
And I love the clarity andself-advocacy of that message.
And I'll share usually.
With my interviews, um, I record andthen I remove the big gaps in words.
You know, if there's a big pause,like if I'm thinking or whatever, I
usually remove word gaps, so someonelistening to my podcast is going
(04:24):
to have a different experience.
This episode, I'm not removing wordgaps because I really want people to
understand that communication withan A a C user is at a different pace.
Kayla (05:04):
Thank you for that choice.
Adina (05:08):
You're welcome.
And so, yeah, anyone listening, ifyou hear a pause, it's not that the
podcast has gone quite, you justwait it out because this is how
our communication is going to go.
So, uh, Kayla, how are you?
How are you?
Body, mind, soul answer, how you choose.
Kayla (05:28):
I'm good today.
Thank you for inviting meon and for the introduction.
I look forward to discussing my journey.
Adina (05:40):
It's, um, yeah, there's, there's so much to chat about.
And you shared with meyour, uh, book chapter.
Was that, can I just check?
Was that the chapter from, uh, thebook Living with Cerebral Palsy?
Mm, yeah.
Yeah.
Cool.
It's, it's a really fantastic, um, readand I actually really wanna read the rest
(06:01):
of that book, so I'm gonna seek it out.
So thank you for that.
And it helped me.
Get really like reallygood background about you.
Can you share with podcast listenersyour journey to where you are now?
Kayla (06:21):
I have spastic quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy.
Cerebral palsy affects allmy motor skills, so I need
physical help doing everything.
I am a power wheelchair user.
However, I can take some independent stepsand small transfers like from my bed to
(06:42):
wheelchair or my wheelchair to the couch.
I use an adaptive joystickto operate my laptop.
In addition to having to be fed,I have a swallowing disorder.
My mealtimes are complicated becauseI have to take small bites and sips,
make sure that food is on my teethand not stuck on the roof of my mouth.
Adina (07:10):
Thank you for sharing that.
And I'll do like a video description.
By the way, anyone can watch this onYouTube because I will put it on YouTube,
but, um, Kayla showed her adaptivejoystick as well to operate the laptop.
So, um, you know, it sounds likeyou've got, would've had a lot of,
uh, journey to finding out all ofthese supports to get you where you
(07:34):
are now, but you are more than just,you know, your diagnoses and the, the
things you use every day to help you.
Also, you have so many special interestsand glimmers, and I'd love to hear what
are your lifelong special interests?
Kayla (08:57):
I like riding quads and snowmobiles, playing games, and
spending time with family and friends.
My favorite subject is math.
I love to be organized.
Adina (09:12):
That's awesome.
I think you and I have alot of, uh, similarities.
I can't see the math thing.
That's not me.
But I love being organized.
I've never ridden a snowmobile.
You do, you ride the cords andsnowmobiles on your property.
That's awesome.
(09:33):
Um, I, I love that you justhave such a, a busy life.
I wonder we didn't, um, preparethis question, but I'm curious,
what are some of your favoritegames that you love to play?
I.
Kayla (10:19):
And part games.
Adina (10:23):
Nice.
Do you know, do you play Uno?
Not usually.
That one was on my mind 'causemy daughter is getting good
(10:46):
at it and she keeps winning.
Kayla (11:08):
Yahtzee, Treble, golf.
Adina (11:13):
I love Yahtzee I haven't played it for ages.
Kayla (11:45):
They have to meet my fine motor skills.
Adina (11:49):
Yeah, for sure.
That would, that would make a difference.
What's doable and what's fun as well.
Thank you for that.
Yeah.
You've reminded me about Yahtzee.
I'm gonna find it.
Thank you.
Let's chat about communication.
Now, a lot of my listenersare speech therapists.
(12:10):
A lot are allied health professionalsor teachers, and also a lot of
parents of neurodivergent kids.
And, um, you know, I, I'm a speechtherapist and, and that's why I think
many of my listeners are as well.
So I think this is useful not just forspeech therapists, but for anyone who
(12:32):
is supporting or connecting with peoplewith diverse communication, um, needs
and, uh, and with a, a c usage as well.
So if that's not a familiar term, a, a cfor listeners, it stands for Augmentative
and Alternative Communication.
And it just talks about, I think peoplesometimes use a, a c. And assume we're
(12:56):
talking about like a device, like aniPad, for example, for communication.
But actually technically the termtalks about any form of communication
that is not speaking, includingsign writing, um, you know, visuals,
anything else, and behaviors as well.
Kayla (13:17):
I was immediately labeled nonverbal.
The speech therapist introducedsign language to jumpstart
my expressive communication.
It was determined that finger spillingwas easier physically for me and
more universal to teach others.
I later learned how to communicatewith the world through an augmentative
(13:40):
and alternative communication device.
Initially, I had a communicationdevice called Dynavox.
It had pre-programmed greatsfilled with picture vocabulary
buttons to formulate sentences anda keyboard with word prediction.
Perfect.
Right.
(14:01):
No.
While it taught me the value of technologyfor activated communication and more
diversity and my vocabulary, I experienceda lot of intense feelings towards
my big, bulky and expensive dynavox.
My biggest complaint was that itconstantly kept freezing, especially
(14:24):
when I had something important to say.
Adina (14:28):
That sounds frustrating.
Thank you for sharing that, andyou reminded me when I was in
university to be a speech therapist.
It was around 2010 and iPadswere probably only just.
I don't actually remember when they,they were first released, but all the AAC
(14:49):
classes I took in university were aboutspecific dedicated devices like Dynavox
and, yeah, very expensive and very oldtechnology that was very slow to update.
Um, I, yeah, that'swhat you've experienced.
(15:11):
So many barriers, you know, and theniPads came out and while they're not
right for everyone and there's manydifferent apps, it was a real shift
in the possibilities for a Yeah.
Girl.
So do you wanna share, um, I guess alittle bit about what, what you're using
(15:31):
now as your main communication channels?
We didn't put this as a question, we kindof went to your history, but I'd love to
hear what's your main way of communicatingthese days or different ways?
Kayla (16:52):
High school.
It was suggested that Ibring in my 9.4 and iPad.
Low and behold, I finallyfound a reliable communication
application called Prolo or two Go.
I actually prefer not to utilize thepre-program grids that automatically
are provided on Prolo or two Go.
(17:14):
I find that it is too limiting andreminds me of the dinosaur I had.
However, I take advantage ofpre-programming my own thoughts for
any presentations, interviews, andor conversations I participate in.
After graduation, I have another AACevaluation where I switched to the device
(17:37):
that I still have now a 12.9 inched Pro.
Adina (17:45):
It's so cool to hear that you found these more
accessible ways of meeting your.
Communication needs.
I love that.
Can you share anything more about likethe frustrations that you've experienced
when the tools that you have tocommunicate aren't matching the things
(18:06):
that you want to share with people?
Kayla (18:10):
I don't like forcing a hierarchy of communication styles.
I don't categorize people asunfamiliar communication partners.
I use whatever comes naturalin the moment, finger spelling,
verbalizing letters and words,body language, or my device.
(18:31):
At times, I preferred signing overusing my device, especially when
it could take longer to find theright picture than to finger spell.
Now that my device is fully text-based,it can still sometimes be quicker
for me to finger spell instead ofpecking out words letter by letter.
(18:51):
Even with predictive text, I sayI'm non-verbal because to me that
means I use non-verbal communication.
I don't fully understand the shiftto calling it non-speaking and
personally I question why my spokenlanguage sometimes gets labeled as
approximations if I have to work sohard to get those out and intelligible.
Adina (19:17):
Thanks for sharing that.
Is there anything else thatyou wanted to add about how can
people best support or communicatewith AAC users in a general way?
Kayla (19:32):
Be patient and look for all ways of communication.
Adina (19:38):
I love that.
Thank you.
That's such an important message.
Kayla (20:10):
If my shirt has lettering on it, I use it.
Adina (20:15):
That's smart.
Like pointing.
Uh, cool.
I love that.
That's such a good idea.
You can wear your AAC or youjust use what you've got anyway.
Even if it's not dedicatedcommunication clothing.
Yeah.
Thanks Kayla.
Very innovative.
Um, and, you know,resourceful, I guess as well.
Kayla (21:54):
Well, if pictures can say a thousand words, then why not?
Adina (22:00):
That's really beautiful.
Thank you.
So, so good to, you know, hear fromyou rather than talking about what
AAC users, like, and your experiencewhere, you know, we all need to listen
more to lived experience, which iswhat I try to share and I'm so, yeah.
(22:21):
Yeah.
No, we're both doing it, aren't we?
In our world?
So thank you for that.
But, and again, you know, you'renot, um, you know, you're not
an AAC user and that's, that'syou, you're many, many things.
And one thing that I know youand I are both passionate about
is horses and horse riding.
I'll admit, it's like a, a lapsedpart of my life, as in, I haven't
(22:45):
done horse riding for years, but nowthat you and I have been emailing
and I'm thinking about it more,I'm like, I need to get back to it.
Can you tell me abouthorse riding in your life?
Kayla (24:05):
Injunction with traditional therapies.
I started participating inalternative therapies, therapeutic
riding and aquatic therapy.
I began therapeutic riding at a localprofessional association of therapeutic
horsemanship certified center.
Therapeutic riding is an activitythat improves physical strength,
(24:27):
facilitates sensory reintegration, andpromotes emotional wellbeing through
use of the horse's movements combinedwith simple exercises and games.
When I started riding, I needed the helpof a leader and two side walkers, one
of which was an occupational therapistassisting me with my poor head, neck
(24:48):
control, and weak core strength.
After 13 years, I transitioned tothe elite discipline of dressage.
It is when the horse and rider performthe test in a 20 meter by 60 meter arena
that is ridden from memory and followsthe prescribed pattern of movements.
(25:10):
Besides giving me the therapeuticbenefits of riding, this challenges
me to learn massage vocabulary andpatterns as well as autonomy, as I
control and equine on my own off lead.
When this amazing program turned 40 yearsold, we celebrated with the horse show.
(25:30):
It was my first opportunity to officiallyride the per dressage test in front
of a judge At that event, I wassurprised by my sister's dance team.
I am always on thesidelines watching them.
So instead I was thesports star of the show.
A reporter interviewed us.
(25:51):
I even received the founder's award.
Writing is still the most beneficial,rewarding, and adventurous
activity I participate in.
Now that I am an adult, I amactive on many committees for this
organization, mostly related tofundraising and communication.
(26:11):
I have helped with public relationsover the internet and in person.
I have spent many hours helping planevents, attaining events, sponsorships,
applying for grants for the organization,and being interviewed by the media.
I am preparing for my secondhorse show in October.
Adina (26:35):
That's awesome.
I hope it goes so well for you.
And I found the article, or maybeone of the articles about, um.
Yeah, about this anniversary event, uh,there was a photo, I'm gonna find it.
I think it's a photo oflittle you on a horse.
So anyone watching YouTube, um, shouldbe able to see this on the screen.
(26:57):
Share?
Is that little Kayla?
Yeah.
That's so cool.
How old were you in thatphoto, do you think?
Uh, three
(27:17):
age three.
Maybe, maybe age three.
You look, I'm just, you know,going by this one little
photo, but you look so happy.
You know, I can, I can feel it.
I can feel it there with you.
Kayla (27:52):
I will be riding in the morning.
Adina (27:55):
That's awesome.
You've really got me thinking aboutgetting back to horse riding and
I will let you know when I do.
So thank you.
And I wonder then what, whatdo you love about horses?
Why do you find this enjoyable?
Horse riding para dressage.
Kayla (28:16):
It is hard to find a therapeutic activity that doesn't
feel like a medical appointment.
Also, I can interact more witha horse rather than a dog.
Adina (28:29):
That's really interesting.
Yeah, I love that point that so muchof the support that we give people
with disabilities, neurodivergentpeople might feel like a medical
appointment, and I'm sure you'vehad too many of those in your life.
So isn't that beautiful?
Can you talk?
Kayla (28:47):
The horse replaces my wheelchair, walker and leg braces
allowing me to be free Also, I amcompletely independently steering.
Adina (28:59):
That's awesome.
So to give you a, a different wayof moving must feel really powerful.
Thank you for sharing that.
I've been wondering about this for myselfand, and for you as well and others, but.
You seem to be following a lotof your dreams and you're doing
(29:20):
a lot of different things.
You know, for work, for study, forInterests, what's enabled you to have
your dreams and make them a reality?
Do you, I dunno if you can say that.
Do you feel that it's more yourmindset, more the support you've
received or something else?
Kayla (29:39):
Both.
I don't let anything stop me.
Adina (29:45):
I love that.
What would you say to younger you if youcould, you can pick the age or whatever.
Kayla (29:57):
Don't give up and prove everyone wrong in your unique way.
They didn't know if I would pee on thepotty or drink through a straw and look
Adina (30:08):
at
Kayla (30:08):
you
Adina (30:08):
now.
Mm. Kayla it is.
Been such a pleasure to chat with you.
Thank you so, so much for comingon and chatting and having me on
your show as well, which I'll belinking in the show notes too.
Um, and thank you for the beautiful,amazing work you are doing in the
(30:29):
world and the advocacy and the fabulousexample of, you know, somebody who is
neurodivergent, disabled and many otherthings and doing many things and support.
Kayla (30:45):
Thank you Adina, for doing this with me.
It was great to be on your show.
Adina (30:54):
So nice to chat and I hope we keep in touch.
I'm definitely gonna let youknow when I get on a horse again.
Kayla (31:01):
yeah.
Adina (31:07):
Thank you for being open to learning and unlearning and to
listening to the perspectives andexperiences of Neurodivergent folks.
If you found this episode helpful,please share it with a friend, share a
screenshot on Instagram, pop a five starrating and a review in your favorite app.
And join me on Instagram and Facebook.
I'm @play.Learn.chat.
Have a beautiful day.
It is hard to find a therapeutic activity that doesn't
(00:03):
feel like a medical appointment.
Also, I can interact morewith a horse rather than a dog
Adina (00:16):
Welcome to the Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast for adults
who support Neurodivergent children.
I'm Adina from Play.
Learn.
Chat.
I'm an Autistic ADHDer, a speechtherapist, professional educator,
speaker, and I also supportNeurodivergent Business owners in
my other business, NeurodivergentBusiness Coaching and Consulting.
I'm obsessed with creating a worldwhen Neurodivergent people are
(00:37):
understood, , embraced, supported, andcan thrive in a life aligned with our
individual strengths, wants and needs.
I bring a NeurodiversityAffirming approach and indeed a
human affirming approach to thesupport that we all provide for
Neurodivergent kids in our lives.
This podcast is recorded on the Aboriginallands of the Gadigal and Bidjigal people.
(00:59):
Welcome Kayla.
Hi.
So Kayla and I have just been chattingas she is recorded a show for her
YouTube channel, which I'll introducein a moment where she interviewed me
and now it's my turn to interview you.
(01:21):
Let me introduce Kayla ifyou haven't met her yet.
I'm so excited to share with you Kayla'sfabulous story and self and human.
Like what?
Yeah.
I'm so, I'm just so excited for our chats.
We've been waiting and talkingover email for a while and, um.
(01:42):
So KayIa Ireland is the host of KindlyNeurodivergent with Kay, a show that
raises awareness about Neurodivergence.
She's an office manager at SilverSpeech and she co-hosts the inside
scoop of Living with Cerebral Palsy,which highlights CP awareness.
Kayla is also a co-author of Livingwith Cerebral Palsy, A powerful
(02:02):
collection of personal storiesled by Kyle Scott, she co-host.
You do a lot of things.
You do a lot, Kayla.
I love that.
Sounds a bit like me.
She, yeah.
She co-hosts Rock the World with Kayand Michelle, a podcast dedicated
to amplifying voices, breakingbarriers, and celebrating resilience.
(02:22):
And I love it, by the way.
It's fabulous.
So all of the things I mentioned, I'mgoing to make as links in the show
notes and wherever you're watchingor listening, so you can follow
Kay, wherever you, wherever you are.
Um, also, Kayla is a communicationassistant and dedicated member of
many committees for Little Britchestherapeutic riding, where she's an
(02:45):
avid and experienced horseback rider.
She's a college student at communitycollege, and as you can see, and you're
gonna hear and learn, she's a happy,motivated, active, vibrant female
with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
A powerful force advocating forinclusion, representation, and a limitless
potential within each individual.
(03:08):
Welcome.
Oh,
and Kayla shared at the startof her, um, recording with me.
So I'll, I'll share it now.
Unless, do you wanna share, um, yourcommunication prompt around, um,
(03:29):
pausing while you're writing something?
Kayla (03:32):
Before we begin?
I respectfully request that ifyou witness any pauses during this
show, please continue watching.
I'm composing a spontaneous commentor question, someone processing
their thoughts in addition torepeating something that was
unintelligible or misunderstood.
(03:53):
It is natural discourse and wecan choose not to say anything
while this is occurring.
Adina (04:01):
Thank you.
And I love the clarity andself-advocacy of that message.
And I'll share usually.
With my interviews, um, I record andthen I remove the big gaps in words.
You know, if there's a big pause,like if I'm thinking or whatever, I
usually remove word gaps, so someonelistening to my podcast is going
(04:24):
to have a different experience.
This episode, I'm not removing wordgaps because I really want people to
understand that communication withan A a C user is at a different pace.
Kayla (05:04):
Thank you for that choice.
Adina (05:08):
You're welcome.
And so, yeah, anyone listening, ifyou hear a pause, it's not that the
podcast has gone quite, you justwait it out because this is how
our communication is going to go.
So, uh, Kayla, how are you?
How are you?
Body, mind, soul answer, how you choose.
Kayla (05:28):
I'm good today.
Thank you for inviting meon and for the introduction.
I look forward to discussing my journey.
Adina (05:40):
It's, um, yeah, there's, there's so much to chat about.
And you shared with meyour, uh, book chapter.
Was that, can I just check?
Was that the chapter from, uh, thebook Living with Cerebral Palsy?
Mm, yeah.
Yeah.
Cool.
It's, it's a really fantastic, um, readand I actually really wanna read the rest
(06:01):
of that book, so I'm gonna seek it out.
So thank you for that.
And it helped me.
Get really like reallygood background about you.
Can you share with podcast listenersyour journey to where you are now?
Kayla (06:21):
I have spastic quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy.
Cerebral palsy affects allmy motor skills, so I need
physical help doing everything.
I am a power wheelchair user.
However, I can take some independent stepsand small transfers like from my bed to
(06:42):
wheelchair or my wheelchair to the couch.
I use an adaptive joystickto operate my laptop.
In addition to having to be fed,I have a swallowing disorder.
My mealtimes are complicated becauseI have to take small bites and sips,
make sure that food is on my teethand not stuck on the roof of my mouth.
Adina (07:10):
Thank you for sharing that.
And I'll do like a video description.
By the way, anyone can watch this onYouTube because I will put it on YouTube,
but, um, Kayla showed her adaptivejoystick as well to operate the laptop.
So, um, you know, it sounds likeyou've got, would've had a lot of,
uh, journey to finding out all ofthese supports to get you where you
(07:34):
are now, but you are more than just,you know, your diagnoses and the, the
things you use every day to help you.
Also, you have so many special interestsand glimmers, and I'd love to hear what
are your lifelong special interests?
Kayla (08:57):
I like riding quads and snowmobiles, playing games, and
spending time with family and friends.
My favorite subject is math.
I love to be organized.
Adina (09:12):
That's awesome.
I think you and I have alot of, uh, similarities.
I can't see the math thing.
That's not me.
But I love being organized.
I've never ridden a snowmobile.
You do, you ride the cords andsnowmobiles on your property.
That's awesome.
(09:33):
Um, I, I love that you justhave such a, a busy life.
I wonder we didn't, um, preparethis question, but I'm curious,
what are some of your favoritegames that you love to play?
I.
Kayla (10:19):
And part games.
Adina (10:23):
Nice.
Do you know, do you play Uno?
Not usually.
That one was on my mind 'causemy daughter is getting good
(10:46):
at it and she keeps winning.
Kayla (11:08):
Yahtzee, Treble, golf.
Adina (11:13):
I love Yahtzee I haven't played it for ages.
Kayla (11:45):
They have to meet my fine motor skills.
Adina (11:49):
Yeah, for sure.
That would, that would make a difference.
What's doable and what's fun as well.
Thank you for that.
Yeah.
You've reminded me about Yahtzee.
I'm gonna find it.
Thank you.
Let's chat about communication.
Now, a lot of my listenersare speech therapists.
(12:10):
A lot are allied health professionalsor teachers, and also a lot of
parents of neurodivergent kids.
And, um, you know, I, I'm a speechtherapist and, and that's why I think
many of my listeners are as well.
So I think this is useful not just forspeech therapists, but for anyone who
(12:32):
is supporting or connecting with peoplewith diverse communication, um, needs
and, uh, and with a, a c usage as well.
So if that's not a familiar term, a, a cfor listeners, it stands for Augmentative
and Alternative Communication.
And it just talks about, I think peoplesometimes use a, a c. And assume we're
(12:56):
talking about like a device, like aniPad, for example, for communication.
But actually technically the termtalks about any form of communication
that is not speaking, includingsign writing, um, you know, visuals,
anything else, and behaviors as well.
Kayla (13:17):
I was immediately labeled nonverbal.
The speech therapist introducedsign language to jumpstart
my expressive communication.
It was determined that finger spillingwas easier physically for me and
more universal to teach others.
I later learned how to communicatewith the world through an augmentative
(13:40):
and alternative communication device.
Initially, I had a communicationdevice called Dynavox.
It had pre-programmed greatsfilled with picture vocabulary
buttons to formulate sentences anda keyboard with word prediction.
Perfect.
Right.
(14:01):
No.
While it taught me the value of technologyfor activated communication and more
diversity and my vocabulary, I experienceda lot of intense feelings towards
my big, bulky and expensive dynavox.
My biggest complaint was that itconstantly kept freezing, especially
(14:24):
when I had something important to say.
Adina (14:28):
That sounds frustrating.
Thank you for sharing that, andyou reminded me when I was in
university to be a speech therapist.
It was around 2010 and iPadswere probably only just.
I don't actually remember when they,they were first released, but all the AAC
(14:49):
classes I took in university were aboutspecific dedicated devices like Dynavox
and, yeah, very expensive and very oldtechnology that was very slow to update.
Um, I, yeah, that'swhat you've experienced.
(15:11):
So many barriers, you know, and theniPads came out and while they're not
right for everyone and there's manydifferent apps, it was a real shift
in the possibilities for a Yeah.
Girl.
So do you wanna share, um, I guess alittle bit about what, what you're using
(15:31):
now as your main communication channels?
We didn't put this as a question, we kindof went to your history, but I'd love to
hear what's your main way of communicatingthese days or different ways?
Kayla (16:52):
High school.
It was suggested that Ibring in my 9.4 and iPad.
Low and behold, I finallyfound a reliable communication
application called Prolo or two Go.
I actually prefer not to utilize thepre-program grids that automatically
are provided on Prolo or two Go.
(17:14):
I find that it is too limiting andreminds me of the dinosaur I had.
However, I take advantage ofpre-programming my own thoughts for
any presentations, interviews, andor conversations I participate in.
After graduation, I have another AACevaluation where I switched to the device
(17:37):
that I still have now a 12.9 inched Pro.
Adina (17:45):
It's so cool to hear that you found these more
accessible ways of meeting your.
Communication needs.
I love that.
Can you share anything more about likethe frustrations that you've experienced
when the tools that you have tocommunicate aren't matching the things
(18:06):
that you want to share with people?
Kayla (18:10):
I don't like forcing a hierarchy of communication styles.
I don't categorize people asunfamiliar communication partners.
I use whatever comes naturalin the moment, finger spelling,
verbalizing letters and words,body language, or my device.
(18:31):
At times, I preferred signing overusing my device, especially when
it could take longer to find theright picture than to finger spell.
Now that my device is fully text-based,it can still sometimes be quicker
for me to finger spell instead ofpecking out words letter by letter.
(18:51):
Even with predictive text, I sayI'm non-verbal because to me that
means I use non-verbal communication.
I don't fully understand the shiftto calling it non-speaking and
personally I question why my spokenlanguage sometimes gets labeled as
approximations if I have to work sohard to get those out and intelligible.
Adina (19:17):
Thanks for sharing that.
Is there anything else thatyou wanted to add about how can
people best support or communicatewith AAC users in a general way?
Kayla (19:32):
Be patient and look for all ways of communication.
Adina (19:38):
I love that.
Thank you.
That's such an important message.
Kayla (20:10):
If my shirt has lettering on it, I use it.
Adina (20:15):
That's smart.
Like pointing.
Uh, cool.
I love that.
That's such a good idea.
You can wear your AAC or youjust use what you've got anyway.
Even if it's not dedicatedcommunication clothing.
Yeah.
Thanks Kayla.
Very innovative.
Um, and, you know,resourceful, I guess as well.
Kayla (21:54):
Well, if pictures can say a thousand words, then why not?
Adina (22:00):
That's really beautiful.
Thank you.
So, so good to, you know, hear fromyou rather than talking about what
AAC users, like, and your experiencewhere, you know, we all need to listen
more to lived experience, which iswhat I try to share and I'm so, yeah.
(22:21):
Yeah.
No, we're both doing it, aren't we?
In our world?
So thank you for that.
But, and again, you know, you'renot, um, you know, you're not
an AAC user and that's, that'syou, you're many, many things.
And one thing that I know youand I are both passionate about
is horses and horse riding.
I'll admit, it's like a, a lapsedpart of my life, as in, I haven't
(22:45):
done horse riding for years, but nowthat you and I have been emailing
and I'm thinking about it more,I'm like, I need to get back to it.
Can you tell me abouthorse riding in your life?
Kayla (24:05):
Injunction with traditional therapies.
I started participating inalternative therapies, therapeutic
riding and aquatic therapy.
I began therapeutic riding at a localprofessional association of therapeutic
horsemanship certified center.
Therapeutic riding is an activitythat improves physical strength,
(24:27):
facilitates sensory reintegration, andpromotes emotional wellbeing through
use of the horse's movements combinedwith simple exercises and games.
When I started riding, I needed the helpof a leader and two side walkers, one
of which was an occupational therapistassisting me with my poor head, neck
(24:48):
control, and weak core strength.
After 13 years, I transitioned tothe elite discipline of dressage.
It is when the horse and rider performthe test in a 20 meter by 60 meter arena
that is ridden from memory and followsthe prescribed pattern of movements.
(25:10):
Besides giving me the therapeuticbenefits of riding, this challenges
me to learn massage vocabulary andpatterns as well as autonomy, as I
control and equine on my own off lead.
When this amazing program turned 40 yearsold, we celebrated with the horse show.
(25:30):
It was my first opportunity to officiallyride the per dressage test in front
of a judge At that event, I wassurprised by my sister's dance team.
I am always on thesidelines watching them.
So instead I was thesports star of the show.
A reporter interviewed us.
(25:51):
I even received the founder's award.
Writing is still the most beneficial,rewarding, and adventurous
activity I participate in.
Now that I am an adult, I amactive on many committees for this
organization, mostly related tofundraising and communication.
(26:11):
I have helped with public relationsover the internet and in person.
I have spent many hours helping planevents, attaining events, sponsorships,
applying for grants for the organization,and being interviewed by the media.
I am preparing for my secondhorse show in October.
Adina (26:35):
That's awesome.
I hope it goes so well for you.
And I found the article, or maybeone of the articles about, um.
Yeah, about this anniversary event, uh,there was a photo, I'm gonna find it.
I think it's a photo oflittle you on a horse.
So anyone watching YouTube, um, shouldbe able to see this on the screen.
(26:57):
Share?
Is that little Kayla?
Yeah.
That's so cool.
How old were you in thatphoto, do you think?
Uh, three
(27:17):
age three.
Maybe, maybe age three.
You look, I'm just, you know,going by this one little
photo, but you look so happy.
You know, I can, I can feel it.
I can feel it there with you.
Kayla (27:52):
I will be riding in the morning.
Adina (27:55):
That's awesome.
You've really got me thinking aboutgetting back to horse riding and
I will let you know when I do.
So thank you.
And I wonder then what, whatdo you love about horses?
Why do you find this enjoyable?
Horse riding para dressage.
Kayla (28:16):
It is hard to find a therapeutic activity that doesn't
feel like a medical appointment.
Also, I can interact more witha horse rather than a dog.
Adina (28:29):
That's really interesting.
Yeah, I love that point that so muchof the support that we give people
with disabilities, neurodivergentpeople might feel like a medical
appointment, and I'm sure you'vehad too many of those in your life.
So isn't that beautiful?
Can you talk?
Kayla (28:47):
The horse replaces my wheelchair, walker and leg braces
allowing me to be free Also, I amcompletely independently steering.
Adina (28:59):
That's awesome.
So to give you a, a different wayof moving must feel really powerful.
Thank you for sharing that.
I've been wondering about this for myselfand, and for you as well and others, but.
You seem to be following a lotof your dreams and you're doing
(29:20):
a lot of different things.
You know, for work, for study, forInterests, what's enabled you to have
your dreams and make them a reality?
Do you, I dunno if you can say that.
Do you feel that it's more yourmindset, more the support you've
received or something else?
Kayla (29:39):
Both.
I don't let anything stop me.
Adina (29:45):
I love that.
What would you say to younger you if youcould, you can pick the age or whatever.
Kayla (29:57):
Don't give up and prove everyone wrong in your unique way.
They didn't know if I would pee on thepotty or drink through a straw and look
Adina (30:08):
at
Kayla (30:08):
you
Adina (30:08):
now.
Mm. Kayla it is.
Been such a pleasure to chat with you.
Thank you so, so much for comingon and chatting and having me on
your show as well, which I'll belinking in the show notes too.
Um, and thank you for the beautiful,amazing work you are doing in the
(30:29):
world and the advocacy and the fabulousexample of, you know, somebody who is
neurodivergent, disabled and many otherthings and doing many things and support.
Kayla (30:45):
Thank you Adina, for doing this with me.
It was great to be on your show.
Adina (30:54):
So nice to chat and I hope we keep in touch.
I'm definitely gonna let youknow when I get on a horse again.
Kayla (31:01):
yeah.
Adina (31:07):
Thank you for being open to learning and unlearning and to
listening to the perspectives andexperiences of Neurodivergent folks.
If you found this episode helpful,please share it with a friend, share a
screenshot on Instagram, pop a five starrating and a review in your favorite app.
And join me on Instagram and Facebook.
I'm @play.Learn.chat.
Have a beautiful day.
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