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10:00 - 10:10
Introduction
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10:10 - 10:50 Plenary talk
prof. Kristine Stadskleiv, PhD // AAC for children with cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor impairments in children. The incidence is about 2 per 1000. Approximately one-third of children with CP have no or very little speech and are in need of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This comprise both children who need AAC due to motor impairments, either as an alternative or a supplement to speech, as well as children who in addition to the motor impairments have severe cognitive impairments. Children with CP can therefore be found in all three AAC user groups: the expressive group, the language support group, and the alternative language group.
In Norway, all children with CP are followed at the pediatric habilitation centers, which have national coverage. With parental consent, information from this follow-up is registered in a national medical quality registry, the Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy (NorCP), which currently comprise 96% of all children with CP in Norway. It the talk, results from the follow-up of children with CP and need for AAC will be presented, as well as a presentation of our newly launched national guidelines on the identification, assessment, and follow-up of communication in children with CP.
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10:50 - 11:20
Anna Krasteva, Biser Borisov. Diana Angelova// TBA
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11:20 - 11:40
Idalie Fernandez // Unlocking Potential: The Economic and Social Impact of High-Tech AAC for Individuals with CP, ASD, and ALS
We will delve into the results from the health economic study that was commissioned by Tobii Dynavox and conducted in Sweden by Augur, an independent company, and Health Economist, John Moshtaghi-Svensson. The study explored the impact of high-tech AAC on individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers as well as the substantial return on investment that these devices offer to society. But this isn’t just about technology—it’s about human potential, societal gains, and driving policy changes to secure the necessary funding to make high-tech AAC accessible for all who need it.
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11:40 - 12:00
Jelena Kondratjeva // AAC Tools for All: Tailoring Communication with TD Snap Aphasia and Express
This session explores how two AAC tools—TD Snap Aphasia and TD Snap Express—can be tailored to support a wide range of communication needs, from aphasia to autism and intellectual disabilities. Each tool meets users where they are, with TD Snap Aphasia offering a streamlined layout for individuals regaining communication skills and compensating for deficits, and TD Snap Express providing a context-based setup that suits users who benefit from quick, theme-based communication in everyday settings.
Success in AAC is unique for every individual. For some, it may be creating a simple sentence; for others, it’s the small act of showing a preference or signaling discomfort. Recognizing these milestones, however subtle or different from initial expectations, is essential for both the AAC user and their support network. Progress is a shared journey—each step, no matter how small, boosts confidence and connection for everyone involved.
Join us to explore how TD Snap solutions can be flexibly applied to celebrate progress at every stage, helping families, caregivers, and professionals create a positive, responsive environment that encourages each AAC user to grow and communicate in their own way.
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12:00 - 12:40
Break
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12:40 - 13:20
prof. Stephen von Tetzchner // Autism Spectrum Disorder and AAC
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13:20 - 13:40
Becky Fry // Holistic considerations for supporting an AAC user journey
Let's talk about how you can support prospective AAC users through their AAC journey in the best way possible. In this talk Becky will explain the main considerations during assessment stages, access method options, content types, and so much more. You can watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/lhcFl8s3h3Y
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13:40 - 14:00
Angela Pencheva // My struggle for a bit of independence
Angela Pencheva will present her new book, “My Struggle for a Bit of Independence”, published by Kibea Publishing House: https://kibea.net/book/3414.
This is Angela’s third published book. She is also the author of the autobiographical book “My Life: To Have a Left Thumb”, as well as the poetry collection “My Confession”.
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14:00 - 14:20
prof. Gloria Soto // Culturally and Linguistically Affirming AAC
Resources for Culturally and Linguistically Affirming AAC -
https://sanfranciscostate1.padlet.org/gsoto37/resources-for-culturally-and-linguistically-affirming-aac-u91z14o134w35jfk
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14:20 - 14:50
Break
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14:50 - 15:10
assoc. prof. Aimee Dietz, PhD // AAC on the Horizon for People with Aphasia
PWA represent a marginalized group in our society; they experience significant healthcare inequities along the rehabilitation path, when compared to their peers without aphasia. The literature is ripe with stroke recovery studies that unequivocally exclude PWA due to their aphasia! Compared to stroke survivors without aphasia, PWA experience more adverse events, longer hospital stays, higher mortality rates, higher rates of depression and social isolation, and lower functional independence. There is a pervasive lack of AAC supports during the early stages of stroke recovery. This is analogous to stroke survivors not receiving a wheelchair, walker, or cane if they need mobility support. This creates a recipe for adverse events during the hospital stays, making successful patient-provider communication and healthcare decision-making impossible for some. Considering these harrowing challenges, this talk will review recent work that disputes the long-held notion that AAC interferes with language recovery in people with chronic aphasia [PWcA] —and that it can be successfully adapted for people with all types of aphasia and for all communication purposes. An overview of steps to move the field forward will be offered, including collaborating with key partners, including stroke survivors, family members, and clinicians.
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15:10 - 15:30
prof. Kerstin Tönsing // AAC for adults with aphasia – does it work?
Post-stroke aphasia can affect a person’s ability to use and understand language, and can have a debilitating effect on everyday interactions, interpersonal relationships and participation in many valued life activities. AAC systems and approaches that require semantic and grammatical skills are often minimally successful to improve communication of a person with aphasia. In this presentation, I will argue to AAC can help persons with aphasia, but that a broad conceptualization of AAC is needed that includes unaided methods and partner support strategies. The goal of AAC intervention should likewise be broadly conceptualized in terms of regaining and maintaining relationships, opportunities for meaningful participation and adaptation to new roles. The pragmatic skills and world knowledge of a person with aphasia typically represent strengths that can be harnessed. The functional classification system by Garrett et al. (2020) will be used as a framework to identify potential intervention strategies for different groups of adults with aphasia.
Reference
Garrett, K. L., Lasker, J. P., & Fischer, J. K. (2020). AAC supports for adults with severe aphasia and/or apraxia. In D. R. Beukelman & J. C. Light (Eds.), Supporting Children and Adults with Complex Communication Needs (Fifth, pp. 553–603). Paul H. Brooks Publishing.
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15:30 - 15:50
Pavlina Deskova & Kristina Davcheva // AAC - An Innovative Approach to Communication in the Education and Support of Children with Multiple Disabilities
We present several case studies on the use of AAC in the education, communication enhancement, and interaction of students with multiple disabilities with their environment and others. We share success stories, strategies, and best practices, demonstrating how AAC can be personalized to meet the needs and abilities of each student at the center.
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15:50 - 16:10
Sarah Cretcher & prof. Mary Alt // Using AAC with Late Talking Toddlers
We will present data on several cases of AAC use with late talking toddlers. While the
literature often does not consider late talking toddlers as obvious candidates for AAC, we have found
that, in the right circumstances, AAC can have quick positive outcomes on communication, both spoken
and aided. We used AAC with late talkers following a failed spoken language intervention. We will share
our rationale, our approach, and the findings from several children.
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16:10 - 16:30
Break
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16:30 - 17:10 Plenary Talk
assoc. prof. Amy Nordness, PhD // AAC Supports Across Progression for Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
The communication needs of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) change over time with the progression of the disease. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and should be considered from the beginning of care and should be monitored and adjusted regularly. This presentation will discuss evidence-based standards of care to support optimal implementation of AAC from onset of first symptoms to end of life in order to maximize independence at each level. Low-tech and high-tech AAC supports, including off the shelf and dedicated systems, to consider across the continuum will be reviewed.
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17:10 - 18:00
Discussion: AAC for diverse communication abilities
Български
