Rethinking AAC and AAC practice - Dunedin 28 Feb 2025
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
Location and date:
Dunedin 28 February 2025
Venue: To be confirmed
Times:
- 9.30am - 2.30pm
- 1 hour lunch break
Lunch will be provided.
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.
About the presenters:

Minimum numbers:
Events require a minimum number of participants to proceed. We'll confirm 2 weeks before the date of each event and offer the option to attend at a different location or full refund of your ticket if we do not have sufficient numbers. Please keep this in mind when booking any travel and accommodations.
Who can attend?
This workshop is designed for professionals with medium to advanced AAC knowledge. That said, AAC users, family members, and others with strong AAC knowledge are very welcome too. Most of the content is geared towards supporting AAC users who are still developing language (vocabulary, syntax, and grammar), irrespective of their age.
Cost:
- $120.00 for ATANZ members
- $145.00 for non-members (remember membership is $110)
- $50.00 Whānau of an AAC user
- $50.00 Clinical students (OT, SLT, student teachers, etc).
Registrations close 17 February or when sold out – places are limited!
Ensure you log in with your ATANZ membership to access the member discount rates!
Questions:
Please contact us with any questions at
Event Properties
Event Date | 28-02-2025 9:30 am |
Event End Date | 28-02-2025 2:30 pm |
Cut off date | 17-02-2025 5:00 pm |
Capacity | 30 |
Registered | 9 |
Available place | 21 |
Individual Price | Varies by ticket type |
Location | To be confirmed |