Amy Roman has devoted her career to developing and implementing communication solutions for people with ALS. As a Speech Language Pathologist, Amy specializes in augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) and provides strategies, tools and technology to keep people connected to the individuals, and participating in the communities and interests that make their lives rich.

Since 2000, Amy has been a member of the multidisciplinary care team at The Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center in San Francisco which is an ALS Association Certified Center of Excellence. The California Speech and Hearing Association awarded the AAC Program she developed at the Norris Center “Program of the Year” in 2010. Amy has also run the AAC Program for The ALS Association Golden West Chapter for since 2000.  The Golden West Chapter’s lending library and training center provide evaluations, demonstrations, and loans of innovative communication technology to people throughout California. The program also provides educational webinars and specialized training for families living with ALS and the dedicated professionals who support them.

Amy has developed the AlphaCore communication pages to meet the unique needs of people with ALS and other literate adults who use speech generating devices (SGDs). AlphaCore speeds the pace of communication while reducing the physical effort required to construct messages.   AlphaCore also helps transition a user through different access methods as physical abilities change.   AlphaCore maintains consistency for the user while providing the features required with different access methods.  Amy developed AlphaCore with the input of people with ALS, their families, friends and speech therapists so it contains the language and tools required by the adult population.   AlphaCore is a free addition to SGDs that run Grid 3  and  Grid for iPad communication software.  It will soon be available also on Mind Express software in multiple languages.

Her website AmyandpALS.com provides suggestions and advice from The Norris Center’s team of experts on many of the challenges faced by people living with ALS.  

Amy Roman’s Background and Credentials

  • Licensed by California Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Board (Lic. No11696)
  • Certified by American Speech and Hearing Association
  • Masters of Science in Communicative Disorders at San Francisco State University.
  • Member of the United States Society for Augmentative/Alternative Communication
  • Member of the International Society for Augmentative/Alternative Communication
  • Published Author and Popular Presenter