In this episode of Start the Chat, we explore literacy with early childhood education expert Maureen Donnelly, Director at Building Wings – an organisation dedicated to creating engaging instructional materials that support a wide range of learners.

Maureen shares her passion for a supportive, student-centred approach to reading and writing, highlighting how giving learners space to explore and express their ideas fosters meaningful growth towards the most flexible communication possible.

Together, we discuss the science of reading, the importance of phonics, how to recognise and navigate our own biases, and the role of AAC in supporting literacy development.

In this episode, Maureen mentions Camp Alec (www.campalec.com) and the book Comprehensive Literacy for All, by Drs. Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver. 

Stay tuned for part two on literacy next month, where we will hear from someone who uses AAC, on what the journey towards literacy can feel like.