Gabriela Rangel

Gabriela Rangel, PhD, is a psychologist with over 17 years of experience in clinical practice, specializing in supporting individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and their communication partners. She works not only with families, schools, and professionals, but also with broader community environments—including public services, hospitality settings, and other institutions—to promote communication access, inclusion, and emotional well-being.

As a trainer and consultant, she supports professionals, families, and interdisciplinary teams in addressing social-emotional, mental health, and behavioral challenges, while also fostering well-being, care, and inclusive systems of support. Her work places a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, mental health care, and the design of emotionally responsive environments for individuals who use AAC.

She is a member of the ISAAC International Research Committee and the North American Alliance for Communication Access, and has taught at universities in both Spain and Mexico. Her current research focuses on mental health, self-determination, advocacy, and social-emotional development in AAC users. She has also contributed to the development of the Early Development of Emotional Competence (EDEC) tool for children with communication challenges as well as the Self-Determination Continuum (SDC), a resource designed to support individuals who use AAC in making choices, setting goals, and actively shaping their own lives.

Disclosures:

Financial:

Gabriela Rangel has received consultancy fees for her involvement in the development of the Self-Determination Continuum presented in this session.

Nonfinancial:

Gabriela Rangel has no nonfinancial disclosures to report.