National Recognitions
Author and Developer
Phyl is the author and creator and of T.H.E. P.A.C.T.™, an acronym that stands for "Technology Helps Easy & Practical Adapted Curriculum Teaching™" – which is a systematic, language-based framework that offers a four-step, color-coded method of building comprehension and improving expression for an individual with a disability and/or complex communication needs.
T.H.E. P.A.C.T.™ includes two receptive language teaching modules - referred to as "Learn About™" and "Read About™" – followed by two expressive language instructional modules – referred to as "Write About™" and "Talk About™." Phyl's framework highlights the importance of the use of consistent instructional activities and predictable materials, as well as multimodal supports (including, but not limited to, visual, auditory, tactile, and technology supports) to address an individual's curriculum and related service goals (such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy goals) in the least restrictive environment, where the result is that "the team knows what to teach, in what format to teach it, and what they will use to teach it."
Phyl has developed a resource collection for T.H.E. P.A.C.T.™ containing a multimedia system with a corresponding organizational workbook software tool, an evolving low-technology and high technology product line, and a book series.
National Trainer, Presenter, and Consultant
Phyl provides customized consultation to facilitate the set up and implementation of T.H.E. P.A.C.T.™ framework with team members serving individuals with varying disabilities on a national basis. She regularly teaches trainings and course series related to T.H.E. P.A.C.T.™ on a national basis.
In addition, Phyl's work is nationally recognized on a regular basis at national conferences and conventions in the areas of adapted curriculum, augmentative communication, collaborative team building, and specialized software. Phyl provides educational sessions, hands-on labs, and pre-conference workshops at a variety of national conference venues in additional to giving keynote addresses.
Collaboration with Companies,
Manufacturers, & Software Developers
Phyl has, for years, donated time to collaborate with leading companies in the field of assistive technology. Examples of this collaboration include:
Participating in beta testing groups for new software and supports
Attending, by invitation, focus groups to provide feedback to manufacturers on specific industry topics
Having input in the development and creation of new tools in the field of assistive technology with developers
Phyl continues to enjoy and expand her relationships with various companies, manufacturers, and software developers in her ongoing work. She strongly believes that this collaboration is an important part of her role in bringing a national perspective to her skill-building trainings and customized consultations with teams serving individuals with varying disabilities.