From Silence to Speech: SLP Guide to a Non-Invasive Artificial Larynx, AVA Voice
From Silence to Speech: SLP Guide to a Non-Invasive Artificial Larynx, AVA Voice
April 10, 2026
9:00 am to 2:00 pm Pacific Time
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (Tamkin Auditorium)
757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Registration
UC employees
Non-UC employees
Course Description: The course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to understand the fundamentals of AVA Voice™ as a pneumatic artificial larynx for laryngectomees. It will include hands-on demos and clinical applications, including the development of the plan of care. Emphasis will be placed on promoting intelligibility, patient confidence, and long-term success as an alaryngeal voicing option.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this class, the participants will be able to:
- Understand existing alaryngeal voicing options
- Understand the current alaryngeal voicing options and their application to patient candidacy
- Evaluate the mechanics of the AVA Voice™ system and how its components function as an external artificial larynx
- Identify appropriate patients who may be suitable candidates
- Conduct an initial fitting and customize individual patient needs
- Recognize key factors that contribute to success and intelligibility, including the importance of diaphragm-controlled breathing
- Troubleshoot common issues to support patient success and carryover
- Develop patient-specific goals and a plan of care for patients
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 9:00-9:30 | Check-In and Registration; Breakfast provided |
| 9:30-11:30 | Intro: Current voicing solutions for laryngectomees
|
| 11:30-12:00 | Lunch provided |
| 12:00- 2:00 | Clinical application Goals and POC overview Demo patient fitting with Q&A Customizing/Problem-solving common issues Q&A/Debrief |
Instructional Methods: Didactic teaching with lecture and hands-on
Target Audience: Speech-language pathologists
Educational Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None
Completion Requirements: To earn a certificate of completion, participants must:
- Attend the entire duration of the professional development activity.
- Complete the post-course evaluation no later than 48 hours after the class. A link to the evaluation will be emailed to you following the class.
- Achieve a minimum score of 80% on the post-test.
- No partial credit will be awarded.
Cancellation Policy:
Provider Cancelation: The Rehab Education Committee reserves the right to cancel a course due to low enrollment, unforeseen circumstance, or instructor availability. In such cases, participants will be notified via email as soon as possible.
Participant Cancellation: If you are unable to attend, please email [email protected] at least 7 days before the course date.
Complaint Policy: UCLA Rehabilitation Education Committee strive to provide professional development that highlights today’s best practices. If you have complaints, please contact [email protected] no later than a week after the event and the Education Committee will review your concerns and respond to you as soon as possible.
Accommodation Request: For questions and accessibility request, contact Joan Vicente at [email protected] or at 424-440-0369 seven days before the course date.
Content Disclosure: Laronix has developed and patented a licensed technology trademarked as AVA Voice™. Because no other like-kind products are available, this course will cover only information pertaining to the practical and safe use of the above-named product.
Instructor Bios
Dr. Brenda Villegas, EdD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Brenda Villegas, EdD, CCC-SLP is a Clinical Associate Professor in the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, and a senior speech-language pathologist in the head and neck division. She is also the Administrative Director of the USC Head and Neck Center. Her clinical interests include working with patients with head and neck cancer, alaryngeal communication, dysphagia in head and neck cancer, and understanding family caregiver needs. She is the founder of three support groups for head and neck cancer at USC and co-founder of the Interprofessional Dysphagia Rounds and Dysphagia Clinic at USC. She serves on several committees, including District 6 and Medical Speech Pathology for the California Speech Language and Hearing Association (CSHA) and the Survivorship, Supportive Care and Rehabilitation Services for the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS).
Instructor Disclosure: Dr. Brenda Villegas has received a small financial honorarium for her time and expertise. She sits on the clinical advisory board for Laronix, with no monetary benefits.
Kellie McGee, MS CCC/SLP
Kellie McGee, MS CCC/SLP is a clinical educator with Laronix. She has over 20 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist across acute care and outpatient settings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Kellie has dedicated her career to helping patients find their voice—literally. Her journey took an exciting turn when she transitioned to working with Laronix, where she now channels her passion for quality care to impact patients on a broader scale. Her unique blend of clinical expertise and innovative drive continues to shape the future of voice restoration.
Instructor Disclosure: Kellie McGee, Instructor, is employed by Laronix and received remuneration. No relevant other non-financial relationship exists.
