Reimagining Communication Practice Through Virtual Reality With VIZQ
Shannon welcomes Benjamin Albaum (CEO/Founder) and John Mina (CIO/Founder) of VIZQ to discuss their revolutionary speech therapy technology.Key Topics:The Generalization Problem: John explains how students master skills in therapy but struggle to transfer them to real-world settings—the core problem Viscu aims to solve.What is VIZQ?: A VR-based digital extension of speech therapy that collects real-time data and personalizes treatment, creating continuity of care between therapy, home, and school.Speech Therapy Scope: John clarifies that SLPs work on far more than lisps—including speech sounds, fluency, voice, and the critical area of language (expressive, receptive, and pragmatic/social skills).Why Toothbrushing?: The team chose this as their first activity because it incorporates receptive language, cognition, sequencing, and behavior—all foundational skills wrapped in one essential daily task.Research-Based Approach: VIZQ uses systematic prompting and evidence-based special education practices, making it adaptable for any learner, not just those with disabilities.Real Results: Deployed in 10+ Kentucky schools across 5 counties, students are requesting to use VIZQ, cheering each other on, and—most importantly—10 of 11 kids in a study showed independent toothbrushing at 1 and 3-month follow-ups.Future Vision: Expanding to life skills like laundry and coffee-making that double as job skills, with the ultimate goal of creating "a therapist in your pocket" for lifelong independence.
