Speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate students, faculty, families, and children came together for an engaging day of fun at the Communication Carnival 鈥� an event focused on creating a sensory-friendly environment specifically designed for children who benefit from additional language support. The carnival featured adaptive games enhanced with visual supports and low-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, ensuring every child could participate and thrive.
Left to right: Natalie Kozak, Lexis Kreimeier, Olivia Lemert, and Nina Byrne, organizers of the Communication Carnival
The Communication Carnival was organized by USF speech-language pathology graduate students Natalie Kozak, Lexis Kreimeier, Olivia Lemert, and Nina Byrne 鈥� with support from the Graduate National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the undergraduate USF chapter of National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, whose members assisted with activities and event setup.
"It was a fun and inclusive experience for families, filled with meaningful moments and opportunities for connection," Byrne said.
Speech-language pathology graduate students color with children at the Community Carnival.
Stations offered a variety of engaging experiences, including face painting, coloring, story time, sensory play, free play zones, bag toss, ring toss, bowling, and prize giveaways. Everyone joined in for a group freeze dance that incorporated visual supports.
Families had access to valuable communication resources provided by AAC companies such as Tobii Dynavox, along with informational materials for parents seeking to support their child's communication needs. Parents were also able to connect with Aimee Dietz, PhD, CCC-SLP, associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, who specializes in AAC.