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Yay Language!™ is spearheading radical change in the educational experiences of linguistically marginalized children by empowering parents, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and schools to RETHINK, RELEARN, and REIMAGINE everything they know about language and learning in children with disabilities.

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Meet the Voice of Yay Language!™

Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP, ATACP - Child Language Expert, Researcher Practitioner, Speech Therapist at Yay Language!

Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP, ATACP

Child Language Expert, Researcher-Practitioner, Speech Therapist

Welcome to Yay Language!™ I am Karina Saechao, an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist, AAC and Assistive Technology Specialist, and a child language expert who studies linguistics and child psychology at the doctoral level. I also have a certificate in Leadership, Cross-Cultural Competency, and Racial Understanding.

Yay Language! brings together my knowledge and work as a clinician, language researcher, scholar, and education activist to empower people to rethink, relearn, and reimagine everything they know about how we acquire and use language. I integrate current research and theories with my knowledge as a clinical practitioner to provide cutting-edge training, professional development, and fun merch!

After 10 years in the field, I have seen many clinicians default to the medical model of diagnosing and treating language disorders, all too often characterizing language differences as disorders. This outdated model of assessment and treatment does not leave room for the wide diversity of language experiences shaped by each child’s experiences and culture.

As educators and clinicians, we have a duty to create spaces where all children’s voices will be heard, prioritized, and centered. Further, it’s time to rethink and reshape the educational experiences of linguistically diverse children so their voices are not marginalized.

Yay Language!™ is a space for all languages and languagers.

Professional Development, Trainings, and Lectures

Is your school or organization interested in learning more about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), assistive technology, literacy, or supporting language development and understanding in children with language-based disabilities? I offer three ways to guide your staff and team in rethinking, relearning, and reimagining how we acquire and use language to engage with others, participate in education, and join in recreation and play.

I offer live and in-person trainings and lectures, webinars and online training, seminars, in-services, and round table discussions. 

All trainings and lectures are tailored to the organization requesting it.

Reach out to discuss your program’s needs and goals.

Previous Trainings & Lectures Have Included:

  • Augmentative & Alternative Communication:

    • Supporting AAC users

    • Conducting Equitable AAC Evaluations

    • Incorporating AAC throughout the School Day

    • AAC in the IEP: Ensuring Compliance Districtwide

    • Supporting Literacy with Children Who Use AAC

  • Language:

    • Bidialectal Language Assessments

    • Rethinking Everything You Know about Language Acquisition & Use

  • Creating and Sustaining Inclusive Educational Practices in the Classroom

  • Assessing African-American English-Speaking Students

Child with language differences being instructed by a teacher trained in language learning for linguistically marginalized children

how you can work with Yay Language!™

parent coaching

I offer one-on-one coaching sessions via Zoom. During our time together, you can ask questions and receive guidance on how to best support and advocate for your child’s education and language development.

Click here to book.

professional cOACHING For Speech Therapists & Related Professionals

I offer coaching sessions to speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, and other school-based professionals about implementing and supporting equitable language, AAC, and assistive technology practices with fidelity at school.

Click here to book.

Educational Consulting for Schools

I support school districts by providing in-services, training, and consultation to school-based professionals on supporting AAC in the classroom, including incorporating AAC into the IEP and supporting language and literacy development for nonspeaking students.

Contact Karina

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Yay Language! RETHINK • RELEARN • REIMAGINE T-Shirt is now available! Grab yours today.

  • Karina trains and offers explanations to parents in a very professional and simple way for them to understand."

    "I really appreciate all of the support that Karina gives to me and my students when I need guidance or another speech therapist to discuss a case. Karina provides an in-depth assessment to all my kids, and she likes to collaborate with teachers and parents. Karina trains and offers explanations to parents in a very professional and simple way for them to understand." ~ Francisca, M.A-SLP

  • Karina easily connects to students and staff and is able to provide feedback to help others grow and reach their goals...

    "I have worked with Karina Saechao for the last five years in coordinating services for multiple Special Day Class students using assistive technology in my classroom. She is an asset as a team member. She brings with her a professionalism and a collaborative style that is rare and valuable. Karina not only listens to concerns and/or ideas but integrates them into services and treatment plans and uses these skills with team members and families. Karina's energy is positive, encouraging, and engaging. Karina easily connects to students and staff and is able to provide feedback to help others grow and reach their goals while seeing their potential. It has been an absolute joy working with Karina Saechao." ~ Christina, Ph.D., Special Education Teacher

  • I appreciate Karina's insight and expertise on the topic of AAC.

    "I appreciate Karina's insight and expertise on the topic of AAC. She was helpful throughout our experience working together and provided helpful information on each student using an AAC device. She included me during AAC assessments, which I appreciated!" ~ Julianna, CF-SLP

The Yay! LANGUAGE Blog

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The Yay! LANGUAGE Blog •

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