K-12 Panel 5: Presumed Incompetent: Proven Successful

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Presumed Incompetent: Proven Successful

Moderator: Beth Grady, M.D.

Objectives:

• Learn ways that educators, clinicians, and families can rethink their expectations, adopt inclusive practices, and push for systemic change in how non-speaking students are supported.

• List ways to foster greater understanding of the emotional, cognitive, and social experiences of non-speaking individuals, emphasizing the need for respectful, person-centered support.

   

Janani Anand, Student, Tools for Transition and Work program at Foothill College

Hi, my name is Janani Anand. I am 18 years old and a recent graduate of IHS in Fremont, currently enrolled in the Tools for Transition and Work program at Foothill college in Los Altos California. I’m looking forward to this program guiding me in exploring educational opportunities for my future. I am passionate about assistive technology tools for individuals like me, with varied access needs. I believe in my goals and dreams and in our ability to be successful, given opportunities. As a student who faces communication challenges and uses a speech generative device, I have experienced progress in the educational system, yet I always remain committed to advocating for further progress.

Kanaka Kannan, Parent

Kanaka Kannan is a dedicated parent and advocate driven by her personal journey in special education. As the mother of a teenager with a disability, she understands the complexities and challenges families face. This experience fuels her passion for building strong communities and supporting students with high expectations for their educational outcomes. Kanaka has presented at numerous conferences and panels on topics including inclusive education and parent advocacy. Until recently, she served as the Director of Evaluation and Learning at Family Resource Navigators (FRN), where she provided leadership in designing protocols to ensure data integrity and quality. She has stepped back from her role to support her daughter's transition to post-secondary education.

Krystle Wright MS CCC, SLP/AT, Something to Say

Krystle is a speech language pathologist and assistive technology specialist with experience working with pediatrics and adults. Krystle believes in a holistic approach to treating a client and involving family as much as possible. Krystle dedicated to furthering her knowledge and regularly attends conferences to continue her education. She values evidence based practice and utilizing the best therapeutic strategies to meet the needs of her clients. Krystle is very passionate about serving individuals with Complex Communication Needs (CCN).

Edlyn V. Peña, Professor of Educational Leadership; Director of Autism and Communication Center, California Lutheran University

Dr. Edlyn Peña is a Professor of the Education Leadership doctoral program at Cal Lutheran. She is an award-winning researcher who studies ways to support inclusion and communication access for autistic students in the preschool through higher education pipeline. Her edited books, “Communication Alternatives in Autism” (2019) and "Leaders Around Me" (2019), feature prominent autistic individuals who advocate for communication and inclusion rights. As a scholar and Director of the Autism and Communication Center (ACC), Dr. Peña’s service to the autism community has reached international audiences. She leads and offers workshops, professional development, camps, and recreation opportunities for the autism community. In 2025, Dr. Peña became the founding CEO of the Dream Community Center, an inclusive recreation and learning center for neurodivergent teens and adults.

Diego Peña, Advocate

Diego Peña is a 17-year-old neurodivergent advocate who uses text-based communication to engage with the world. A rising senior at Rancho Campana High School in Camarillo, Diego is passionate about promoting access, inclusion, and understanding for nonspeaking autistic individuals. At just 9 years old, he authored Anatomy of Autism: A Pocketguide for Parents, Educators, and Students, one of the first published books by a nonspeaking autistic advocate. His work has reached a global audience, informing educators, caregivers, and allies about the importance of communication access. Diego regularly speaks at schools, universities, and conferences across the country, sharing his lived experiences and insights to inspire change.

Amanda Johnson

Amanda Johnson brings a wealth of experience working with children, adolescents, and teenagers with ASD, accumulating over 17 years in the field since 2006. In 2014, Amanda was introduced to an incredible young boy, Diego Pena, who taught her always to presume competence and facilitated a professional paradigm shift that has influenced her work since. Amanda continues supporting individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and believes everyone has the right to find their voice. When Amanda is not fiercely advocating for the children and families she supports, she is a proud mom to her two children, Lily and Owen, who inspire her to be better every day.