Our Work in Conversation Evolves — Just Like We Do

"Different does not mean deficient. It simply means different." - Janice E. Hale, Black Children: Their Roots, Culture, and Learning Styles, 1982

Three years ago, I spent part of my summer revisiting Conversation Paths Pack Expanded Version (CPPEV) — this time through the lenses of neurodiversity and self-advocacy.

I knew the changes I was making were good and right: adjustments in vocabulary, shifts in framework, and updates that reflected my growing understanding of the limits of the medical model, the impact of ableism, and the needs and rights of neurodiverse individuals. 🧠💪🏼 Each change moved CPPEV one step closer to being more inclusive, affirming, and respectful of individual choices and differences.

Like all social learning materials, CPPEV isn’t right for everyone. But it continues to be a tool that helps weave students’ interests and passions into meaningful conversation work 🧶 — supporting both self-advocacy and the social connection skills that can reduce isolation in adulthood (Roux, et al, 2015.*)

So, what changed in CPPEV 2.0?

Quite a bit! Back in 2022, I modified the language and definitions in all four rubrics to make them more diversity-affirming and strength-based. 💪🏼 I also added a new focus on self-advocacy to the Interactive Conversation rubric — after all, advocating for ourselves often (though not always) begins in conversation. 💬

🆕 New Paths were created (because conversations don’t always require questions), and the Path cue cards were expanded. Nearly all the narration was re-recorded to reflect my evolving thinking at that time about assessing, setting goals for, and supporting conversation.

🎙️ The Assessment deck gained an hour of updated narration, additional learning links, and an expanded bibliography. And yes — the original Paths, tutorials, and animated video recommendations for CRT remained right where they were.

In times of rapid change, it’s essential that we keep re-evaluating the materials we use and the assumptions behind them. Will there be future revisions as I continue to learn, rethink, and evolve? 🤔 I certainly hope so.

If you haven’t explored CPPEV 2.0 yet, I’d love for you to take a look. You can see how it brings conversations to life — and maybe spark a few ideas for your own work. ✨

And a little bonus: next month’s Office Hours will be open to anyone who has purchased CPPEV — a great chance to share ideas, ask questions, and connect about how you’re using it.

Let’s keep the conversations going!