Our Mission
The CACT aims to provide specialized assessment and therapy for culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with complex communication disorders who benefit from assistive technology. We are dedicated to enhancing the functional capabilities of our patients, fostering independence, and promoting active participation in academic, professional, and community activities. Our specialized clinic, housed at Long Island University, Brooklyn is committed to providing tailored treatment programs that combine traditional methods and cutting-edge technology, ensuring a holistic approach to improving the lives of pediatric and adult patients. Through a collaborative model, we provide training to family members, school staff, and the broader community on the effective use of methods, materials, and assistive technology. Our dedication extends to advancing knowledge through research activities, furthering the understanding and implementation of assistive technology to support inclusivity for all communicators. At the CACT Clinic, we strive to be a leading force in the field of assistive technology, making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Our Goals
- Improve the lives of individuals with complex communication needs by providing therapy that infuses assistive technology and strategies to improve their quality of life.
- Train and provide hands-on opportunities for graduate students to infuse assistive technology such as AAC to support culturally and linguistically diverse patients with complex communication disorders from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Develop clinical opportunities to increase clinical competence and readiness so graduate students can work with culturally and linguistically diverse patients.
Diana Sánchez (she/her) is a bilingual speech-language pathologist in New York State. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology, awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Ms. Sánchez is the director of the Center for Accessible Communication Through Technology (CACT) specialty clinic.
Ms. Sánchez has worked with children and adults with complex communication challenges for over 15 years. She proudly has worked alongside teachers, administrators, parents, and other service providers within the New York City public schools. Her extensive experience stems from the various learning opportunities provided by the educational leaders of the Department of Education. Additionally, Ms. Sánchez is Prompt (Level 1), Orton-Gillingham, and Courageous Conversation® trained. Ms. Sánchez holds an advanced certificate in autism from Brooklyn College, New York, and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration.
Ms. Sánchez has always enjoyed using technology to support students within the academic setting. She infused project-based learning within her therapy sessions while working within an educational setting allowing students to increase their knowledge of technology while also meeting their speech and language goals. Students with various challenges engaged in collaborative projects that were steered by research investigations on student-driven topics. Ms. Sánchez uses various assistive technology tools to support people with reading, writing, and communication deficits. She provides implementation training for parents, patients, students, and educators, allowing the generalization of communication tools to support personal, academic, and professional goals.
Furthermore, her unwavering commitment to research, innovative thinking, and her passion for mentoring have enriched her career as an adjunct professor. She has also actively contributed as an ASHA mentor for the Student to Empowered Professional (S.T.E.P.) program and mentored speech-language pathologists during their clinical fellowship.
