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Gloria Mau serves as the Director, and Casandra Guerrero is a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Diagnostic Center of Northern California (DCN). Unique to California, the DCN is one of three Diagnostic Centers statewide that support school districts and students. Operated under the California Department of Education, DCN is a key resource for supporting special education students with complex needs. The center provides comprehensive assessments, evidence-based interventions, professional development, and technical assistance—all at no cost—designed to enhance educational outcomes. DCN is committed to fostering collaboration between educators and families to ensure the success of students with diverse learning challenges.
Before joining DCN, Casandra worked for 16 years in the public school system as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Program Specialist. She first connected with the Open Access Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Project through a California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA) presentation and was part of the first SELPA to partner with the initiative. Casandra later became a Regional Lead for AAC through Open Access, earning Tier 3 AAC Specialist Certification. At DCN, she continues to collaborate with Open Access AAC Content Lead Jennifer Wright and is currently piloting an AAC Implementation Project in classrooms across Monterey and San Benito counties.
With support from Open Access and DCN, these schools are preparing to host educators statewide, showcasing high-leverage inclusive practices. By opening their doors, showcase sites provide educators the opportunity to observe effective practices in action and adapt them to their unique contexts. At the same time, these sites refine their own inclusionary culture and practices to promote equitable learning for all students. The Open Access Accessibility Showcase Site Project highlights systems, processes, and inclusionary practices that lead to improved outcomes for students with and without disabilities. A key focus is building the capacity of teacher and SLP teams to consistently implement communication strategies for AAC users.
Casandra is enthusiastic about the early successes observed in the classrooms receiving coaching. The AAC Implementation Project emphasizes equipping teachers and SLPs with the tools, strategies, and support needed to use AAC effectively in daily routines. Personalized coaching and hands-on support ensure that AAC systems are seamlessly integrated, empowering students to engage meaningfully in academic, social, and functional activities.
By fostering environments where AAC users are fully included, the project promotes accessibility, independence, and equitable opportunities for success. Through this collaboration, DCN and Open Access are helping districts build sustainable systems that support students with complex communication needs, ensuring they can fully participate and thrive in inclusive settings.
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