49: Every voice matters: AAC, authentic communication and choosing your own language with Kayla Ireland

What does communication look like when we stop expecting it to happen in one particular way?

In this episode, Laetitia is joined by Kayla Ireland, an AAC user, disability advocate, podcast host and co-author who uses her platforms to amplify lived experience and challenge perceptions around disability and communication.

Kayla shares how she went from being interviewed as a podcast guest to running and co-hosting three shows of her own all through her iPad. Together, Kayla and Laetitia explore how she prepares interviews using Proloquo2Go, what makes someone a supportive communication partner, and why patience and flexibility matter more than expecting one particular communication style.

They also have an important conversation about language, identity and autonomy. Their conversation is a reminder that neuroaffirming practice includes listening to how people describe their own lived experience rather than deciding for them.

✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 7 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇

🧠 Why there’s no one “right” way to communicate

🧠 What makes someone a good communication partner

🧠 How Kayla prepares and hosts three shows using AAC

🧠 Why Kayla chooses the term “non-verbal” for herself

🧠 Why communication doesn’t need to be polished to be meaningful

💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support.

🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today

ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Kayla Ireland is an AAC user, podcast host and disability advocate with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Using her iPad, she hosts Kindly Neurodivergent with Kay, co-hosts Rock the World with Kay and Michelle, and co-founded The Inside Scoop of Living with Cerebral Palsy with Marci Silver and Catrina James.

She is also office manager at Silver Speech, a communication assistant at Little Britches Therapeutic Riding, and a co-author of Living with Cerebral Palsy. An experienced therapeutic rider, Kayla now focuses on para dressage with her pony, Lucy.

Kayla’s podcasting journey began as a guest during the pandemic and grew into co-hosting, hosting her own show and booking guests. She recently interviewed Laetitia for Caregiving: The Lived Experience of the Invisible Load — and in this episode, they turn the conversation around.

The Inside Scoop of Living with CP

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsidescoopoflivingwithcp

📸 Instagram: @theinsidescoopoflivingwithcp | @silver_speechservices

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinsidescoopoflivingwith5847

📧 Email: theinsidescoopoflivingwithcp@gmail.com

Kindly Neurodivergent with Kay

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557110001400

📸 Instagram: @kindlyneurodivergentwithkay

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kindlyneurodivergentwithkay

📧 Email: kindlyneurodivergentwithkay@gmail.com

Rock The World with Kay and Michelle

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571583441350

📸 Instagram: @rocktheworldwithkm

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kaymichelle-l5r

📧 Email: rocktheworldwithkm@gmail.com

📖 Living with Cerebral Palsy - https://www.amazon.com/Living-Cerebral-Palsy-Kyle-Scott/dp/1738873404

ABOUT THE HOST 👇

Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.

She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.

Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.

Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.