Speaking Engagements

Speaking Engagements •

RETHINK . RELEARN . REIMAGINE

CONTACT KARINA

Published Papers

Saechao, K., Privette, C., & Kim, J. (2025). Translanguaging in AACtion: An expansive approach to multimodal communication with AAC users. [invited manuscript]. SIG 01 Perspectives on Language, Learning, and Education. 10(1), 74-87. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_PERSP-23-00298

Privette, C. & Saechao, K. (2024). Black languaging IS Translanguaging: We not just talking bout it, we bout it bout it! [invited manuscript]. SIG 01 Perspectives on Language, Learning, and Education. 10(1), 64-73. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_PERSP-23-00297

CONTACT KARINA

Karina in Action

Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP, ATACP (she/her) is an engaging and dynamic national speaker, award-winning author, and trainer. Karina draws on her extensive training, knowledge, and skills in AAC, multimodal communication, language, and literacy to deliver her presentations. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist and 6th year Ph.D. student, Karina knows how essential it is to integrate the latest research into her clinical practice. She centers the integration of research; observational data; clinical expertise; and client, caregiver, and educator perspectives as a core component of her presentations and trainings. Karina’s goal is for attendees to walk away with new and refreshed knowledge and tips that empower practitioners, educatorsm and families, and that can be applied “on Monday.”

Karina has presented on topics including AAC/multimodal communication, assistive technology for learning, supporting African American English-speaking children, neurodiversity affirming care, translanguaging, ethics, supporting culturally and linguistically diverse children, and more! Karina’s work has been shared at the ASHA Convention, K(ansas)SHA Convention, M(issouri)SHA Convention, Symposium for Research on Child Language Disorders, Learn Play Thrive, Bright Ideas Media, and many more

Selected Invited Presentations

Saechao, K. (2024, January 5). AAC 101: Introduction to AAC & AT Implementation at SPL. Created  and Implemented In-Person Training for Spirited Play Labs.

Saechao, K. (2024, February 10). AAC for All: Strategizing Through Barriers to Accessing AAC and  Literacy in Systemically Marginalized Communities. Web-based presentation for Learn Play Thrive Neurodiversity Summit.

Saechao, K. (2023, September). Does everyone have a voice? Ensuring equitable AACcess  to the Black diaspora. Web-based presentation Bright Ideas Media.

Saechao, K.  & De Leon, M. (2023, September). AAC Across the Black and Latino Diasporas:  Rethinking AAC Participation and Services in Bidialectal and Bilingual Individuals. Web-based presentation Bright Ideas Media.

Saechao, K.  (2022). Phantom Representation: Power, Prejudice, and Intersectionality in CSD. Web-based presentation for Culturally Responsive Education Diversity & Inclusion Training Institute   (CREDIT).               

UPCOMING Speaking Engagements

UPCOMING Speaking Engagements •

Kansas Speech - Language - Hearing (KSHA) Association Convention

September 29, 2025. That’s Outside of my Scope of Practice: Guidance on Ethical Decision Making for Students from Marginalized Backgrounds. In-Person

September 30, 2025. Translanguaging in AACtion: Reimagining Multimodal Communication in Pediatric AAC Users. In-Person

Inclusive Theatre Festival by SeeSaw Theatre - Northwestern University

November 1, 2025. Community is Care: Exploring Neuroaffirming Languaging Practices to Support Inclusion in the Theater Space. In-Person

Talking AAC Conference

November 5, 2025. Neurodiversity Affirming AAC for All?: Historical Contexts, Current Practices, and Future Possibilities. In-Person

November 7, 2025. You, Me, & My AAC: Reimagining Equitable AAC Service Delivery in Multiply Marginalized Communities. In-Person

American Speech - Language - Hearing (ASHA) Association Convention

November 20, 2025. Black Language and Disability: Redressing Anti-Blackness through Affirming Communication Practices. In-Person