As a new parent of a child with a rare genetic syndrome, I was lost. There was no guide. There was no rulebook. This was not what I had imagined. As I navigated my way through this new reality, I realized something that should have been simple, but was not. A truth that had always been there, but that I had lost sight of for a time - I am not alone. And neither are you. These are the stories of my family, and of families like ours. These are the stories of how we have persevered, cried, bonded, and grown. These are the stories of children who have been told that they cannot, and that have proved the world wrong.
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As a new parent of a child with a rare genetic syndrome, I was lost. There was no guide. There was no rulebook. This was not what I had imagined. As I navigated my way through this new reality, I realized something that should have been simple, but was not. A truth that had always been there, but that I had lost sight of for a time - I am not alone. And neither are you. These are the stories of my family, and of families like ours. These are the stories of how we have persevered, cried, bonded, and grown. These are the stories of children who have been told that they cannot, and that have proved the world wrong.
Smarter Speech: How Q-Voice Is Changing AAC for Families and Therapists with Lana Marcucio
Once Upon A Gene
42 minutes
1 week ago
Smarter Speech: How Q-Voice Is Changing AAC for Families and Therapists with Lana Marcucio
Lana is a mom, software developer, and fierce advocate who created Q-Voice, an AAC system built out of love, frustration, and deep understanding. When her daughter Quinn struggled to connect through traditional speech apps, Lana and her husband decided to build something better—something intuitive, visual, and human.
In this episode, we talk about:
The real-life limitations of traditional AAC systems
How Q-Voice uses GIFs, emojis, and real-world icons to keep learners engaged
Built-in data tracking that actually helps shape speech goals
The AI feature that speeds up sentence formation and keeps communication flowing
Why parent involvement and design simplicity are key to AAC success
Whether you’re a parent, SLP, or educator, this episode is full of hope and practical inspiration for making communication easier—and more fun—for everyone.
Learn more or try Q-Voice: qvoice.app
Follow Lana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigerishmom/
Follow Q-Voice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qvoice.app/
Once Upon A Gene
As a new parent of a child with a rare genetic syndrome, I was lost. There was no guide. There was no rulebook. This was not what I had imagined. As I navigated my way through this new reality, I realized something that should have been simple, but was not. A truth that had always been there, but that I had lost sight of for a time - I am not alone. And neither are you. These are the stories of my family, and of families like ours. These are the stories of how we have persevered, cried, bonded, and grown. These are the stories of children who have been told that they cannot, and that have proved the world wrong.
