Sidney Daswick

Sidney Daswick is a vibrant and enthusiastic AAC user. She utilizes an Accent PRC-Saltillo device with Nuvoice Unity 45 and 60, accessed via two-switch scanning. Sidney splits her time between Day Programs in Scottsdale and Flagstaff, AZ, depending on the season. Beyond her travels, Sidney enjoys cooking and tutoring. She is particularly passionate about her role as an AAC tutor, where she develops and implements lessons for AAC users within the Washington Elementary School District.

Sidney co-hosts Traveling Talker Time AAC with Mary Anne Barno on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, where they share their experiences and connect with the AAC community. She also helps lead the Out and About Community groups in Central Valley, Arizona. Additionally, Sidney and Mary Anne co-host an AAC Book Club on Saturdays throughout the year using the PRC-Saltillo Literacy Planner, and during the summer, they offer a virtual Saturday Coffee Hour. Sidney is dedicated to helping others navigate and enhance their communication tools.

Mary Anne Barno

Mary Anne Barno is an Assistive Technology Specialist with Northern Arizona University's Assistive Technology for Employment and Independence Program (ATEI) and a Speech Language Pathologist, M.S., CF-SLP providing ongoing speech and language services with Therapy One. She earned her Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University and holds an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification from RESNA. With over 13 years of experience supporting individuals with complex communication needs, Mary Anne's career began as a care provider, which gave her a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs across various settings.

Mary Anne has also worked for 7 years in the Washington Elementary School District as both a Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant and an Assistive Technology Specialist. She leads one of the Out & About Community groups for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users in Central Valley, AZ, and co-leads a virtual group with Brandi Wentland. In collaboration with Sidney Daswick, she manages Traveling Talker Time AAC on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, where they connect with others and share valuable information about AAC. Additionally, they host an AAC Book Club on Saturdays during the school year using the PRC-Saltillo Literacy Planner, and a virtual Saturday Coffee Hour during the summer. Driven by a deep passion for helping others, Mary Anne is committed to overcoming barriers and fostering inclusion for all.

Financial Disclosure: Financial Disclosure: Mary Anne is a salaried employee for Northern Arizona University and receives payment for ongoing therapy at Therapy One as an independent contractor.

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