Rethinking AAC and AAC practice
A 4-hour workshop suitable for SLPs, OTs, and school AAC coaches
Whānau and clinical students are also welcome
Presented by : Erin Sheldon and David Niemeijer
Time: 9.30 am – 2.30 pm with 1 hour lunch break. Lunch will be provided
Auckland 24 February 2025
Venue: Jetpark Hotel Auckland Airport, Conference & events centre, 63 Westney Road, Mangere, Auckland 2022
About this event:
This 4-hour workshop will start with a data-informed review of what we can learn from current AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) use in New Zealand and internationally.
Next we will look at the potential of AAC beyond supporting expressive communication. We will show how AAC can be a tool not just for expressive communication, but, equally important, for supporting receptive communication as well as learning and language development. We will look at how we can leverage the inherent properties of well-designed AAC systems to more effectively support language development and education. We will explore the importance of dual-coding and motor-learning and look at how AAC can support teachers and students in the classroom.
We will also reflect on and challenge existing language modelling practices, drawing lessons from early language development and the ways parents speak to very young children. Based on this, we will propose new, updated guidance regarding modelling language and communication.
Finally, we will share how the new Proloquo communication app was designed to overcome many of the limitations of existing AAC systems while promoting communication, thinking, learning, and teaching.
Full disclosure - this presentation is by two representatives from AssistiveWare, which is the company behind Proloquo, Proloquo2Go, Pictello, and other assistive technology options to support communication. However, three-fourth of this workshop is device agnostic and focused on research and AAC
implementation practices rather than on any specific product.