A Visionary Leader Transforming the Field of Special Education
Meet Barbara Fernandes, a transformative force in the world of speech-language pathology. As a Brazilian-American immigrant who founded two groundbreaking companies, Smarty Ears and Smarty Symbols, Barbara has dedicated her life to revolutionizing the way we approach communication disorders. With over seventy successful product launches, including mobile applications, innovative technologies, and the most inclusive symbol library in the field, she has turned obstacles into opportunities. Her journey from limited English skills to becoming an award-winning entrepreneur and best-selling author embodies her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and empowering others. Join us as we explore Barbara’s visionary leadership and enduring legacy, making waves in an industry and touching the lives of countless individuals around the globe.
Barbara Fernandes is a visionary leader. Her vision for Smarty Ears is bold and bright: to continually break down communication barriers and foster a world where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves. Her leadership challenges norms, empowers voices, and proves that empathy and excellence can coexist at the helm of a successful company.
Barbara Fernandes stands as a beacon of innovation and advocacy in the fields of speech and communication.
As the founder and CEO of Smarty Ears, Barbara Fernandes is a name synonymous with innovation, leadership, and impact within the sphere of speech and communication disorders. Her journey at the helm of Smarty Ears spans over a decade, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to transforming lives through technology.
Barbara’s work has seamlessly translated complex science into user-friendly and powerful technology, opening new doors for individuals with communication disorders. Since founding Smarty Ears in 2009, with an investment of US$4,000 (That’s right!), she has launched over 70 iOS apps on the App Store, all designed with a singular focus on helping children and adults overcome communication barriers.
Barbara’s innovative drive earned her SBIR grant by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in 2019, further solidifying her position as a leader and pioneer in her field.
Barbara’s relentless quest for innovation has given birth to Smarty Ears Online, a ground-breaking platform that acts as a comprehensive source for literacy, language, speech, and communication support. This online platform is a culmination of Barbara’s deep insights into the challenges faced by professionals and individuals with communication disorders.
Her vision has not only shaped the trajectory of Smarty Ears but has also inspired an entire industry to embrace and adopt mobile technologies.
Barbara’s vision went beyond technology; it extended into the realm of representation. Driven by her passion and guided by her background in photography, Barbara founded Smarty Symbols in 2014. Armed with a talented team of illustrators, she set out on a mission to create a symbol library that celebrated individuality and inclusion. Her innovative “Character of Choice” feature was born – a groundbreaking concept that allowed users to personalize visual supports with characters representing various skin tones and diverse backgrounds.
Creating thousands of symbols is no small feat, but Barbara’s dedication and unwavering commitment propelled her forward. Over the years, Smarty Symbols evolved into a comprehensive, web-based platform, offering a vast library of over 30,000 symbols and empowering educators, SLPs, and families worldwide to effortlessly create personalized visual support materials.
Barbara Fernandes, the brilliant mind behind transformative advancements in speech therapy technology, emerged as a true thought leader known in the field as “GeekSLP.” With unparalleled expertise, Barbara’s influence extended far beyond her innovative products, making her a sought-after speaker and educator who redefined the landscape of speech therapy. Barber filled rooms with hundreds of educators around the world.
Barbara’s journey into the world of public speaking and educational engagements was marked by a commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of speech therapy. Her reputation as “GeekSLP” wasn’t just a title; it was a testament to her deep understanding of how technology could revolutionize the field. This title became synonymous with her passion for pushing boundaries and embracing the digital frontier.
Barbara’s influence wasn’t confined to the United States. Her impact transcended borders, as she delivered keynote addresses and presentations to diverse audiences. From being a guest speaker at the Canadian Association Convention for Speech Therapy to addressing speech language pathologists in Brazil, Barbara’s voice was a unifying force, bridging continents through the language of innovation.
Barbara Fernandes’ legacy wasn’t just about creating innovative products; it was about reshaping the conversation around speech therapy. As “GeekSLP,” she led the charge in using technology to amplify the impact of speech therapy, forever earning her a place as a true visionary and influencer in the field.
Empowering Speech-Language Pathology Through Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing In-Person and Virtual Assessments and Interventions, American Speech and Hearing Convention, 2023 (Boston)
Understanding and Setting Up the iPad as a Therapy Tool, 2017 (Sacramento)
Using the iPad to Create Printable Material, Assistive Technology Industry Association, 2016 (Orlando)
What’s new for articulation therapy on the iPad?, Asha Convention, 2015
Assessing and Treating Bilingual Children on the iPad, Asha Convention 2015
Efficient Caseload Management Across Apps, TSHA 2014
How to Implement and Fund Public Display Communication Board in the Playground and Beyond, TSHA 2024
AAC in our Neighborhoods: Planning and Execution of Community Based AAC Displays, ASHA 2023 (New Orleans)
Do You Want to be Your Own Boss? Impact Driven Entrepreneurship and Innovation for SLPs, TSHA 2024
Developing a New Speech Perception in Noise training for Autism, TSHA 2020 (Houston)
From Surviving to Thriving as a Minority SLP, Asha 2022 (New Orleans)
Barbara invites you into both her professional world and personal life, providing a rare glimpse into the passion and dedication that drives her groundbreaking work. From designing over sixty mobile applications and the comprehensive symbol library, Smarty Symbols, to receiving a prestigious NIH research grant, Barbara's impact is felt across the industry. But who is Barbara when the work is done? She rides motorcycles and makes wine from home grown grapes.
This video also uncovers the human side of this award-winning Brazilian-American Speech-Language Pathologist, revealing her journey, her inspirations, and the spirit that continues to shape the world of special education.
In the pages of her book, Barbara shared her autobiographical accounts as an adult immigrant navigating the complexities of the US while learning both English and Spanish. Her journey was one of determination, facing isolation, microaggressions, and her own inner battles. From these struggles emerged a narrative of triumph, as Barbara rose to become a titan within the SLP field.
Barbara Fernandes, the visionary force behind groundbreaking advancements in the field of speech-language pathology, found herself drawn to a new challenge: writing a book that would light the way for minority women facing hurdles in their profession. Her book, "Sis, you got this. From Surviving to Thriving as a Minority Speech-Language Pathologist," wasn't just a collection of words; it was a beacon of hope and inspiration.
But Barbara's story wasn't a solo endeavor. The book beautifully weaved in the experiences of her colleagues—Black and Brown, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant individuals—whose stories echoed her own. Together, they shared relatable challenges and persistent determination, creating a chorus of voices that resonated with countless others facing similar struggles.
Her book was more than a resource; it was a source of connection, validation, and strength for individuals who shared similar paths. Barbara Fernandes had taken her journey from striving to thriving and turned it into a gift that would continue to inspire and guide generations to come.
As an Amazon best-selling author, Barbara had not only transformed her own narrative but had provided a roadmap for others to do the same.
The impact of Barbara's book reverberated far beyond its pages. It was a catalyst for important conversations, pushing the field forward in ways previously unexplored. Thought-provoking questions challenged the status quo and inspired readers to envision a more inclusive, equitable future for speech-language pathology.
Apparently, she didn’t think so!
Barbara Fernandes’ commitment to inclusivity extended beyond the realm of speech therapy and technology. Her vision encompassed making public spaces more welcoming and accessible through the innovative creation of playground communication boards.
Recognizing that communication challenges could isolate individuals in public settings, Barbara’s passion led her to address this issue head-on. Through her company, Smarty Symbols, she embarked on a mission to design and manufacture custom playground communication boards. These boards were more than just practical tools; they were symbols of inclusivity, turning play areas into spaces where every child could engage and communicate.
With these communication boards, children with speech and communication disorders had a means to express themselves, engage with their peers, and participate in the joy of play. These boards bridged the gap between children with diverse communication abilities, fostering understanding, empathy, and a sense of unity among all children.
Through her work in speech therapy technology and her advocacy for inclusivity in public spaces, Barbara Fernandes carved a legacy that touched countless lives. Her impact was felt not only in the field of speech therapy but in the hearts of individuals and families who experienced the power of her innovations firsthand.
In the dynamic landscape of research and innovation, receiving an SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a mark of unparalleled recognition and distinction. Barbara Fernandes, achieved this extraordinary feat through her groundbreaking project, “Listening 2 Faces.”
Barbara’s success in securing an SBIR Phase I Award for her transformative research speaks volumes about the caliber of her work and its potential to revolutionize communication for children with developmental disabilities.
“Listening 2 Faces” isn’t just a project; it’s a visionary solution to a crucial challenge. For children facing difficulties in understanding speech amidst noise, this innovation holds the promise of a brighter future.
The grant aimed to develop an adaptive listening training system in the form of an iPad app, designed to alleviate the struggles children with developmental disabilities, including autism (ASD) and hearing loss, face when comprehending speech in noise.
Barbara Fernandes, alongside co-investigators Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Irwin, built upon previous research to create the groundbreaking prototype of Listening 2 Faces.
Barbara’s dedication to this transformative project was palpable. She acknowledged the immense effort required to create an app like Listening 2 Faces, emphasizing the potential it held to significantly impact children’s lives
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