Beginning a new chapter: 2nd Regional African AAC Conference Birchwood Hotel and O. R. Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, South Africa. 1- 4 August 2011

The Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, together with INTERFACE* with the support of ISAAC (The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication) held the 2nd regional African AAC Conference from 1-4 August 2011, in Boksburg, South Africa.

The Main Conference: 2nd-4th August, 2011

Conference Openings Music:[Click here to view and listen to the Opening music video]

Opening Message   :Message from Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria:
                                      Prof Cheryl  De la Rey
                                     [Click here to view and listen to the video message]
Opening Message : Message from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
                                     [Click here to view and listen to the video message] 

The main conference consisted of 3 strands. These represent the different contexts in which AAC intervention takes place and highlight the relevant stakeholders involved in the process of AAC intervention, research and service delivery.

AAC in education (Powerpoint presentation below)

This strand focused on issues around the inclusion of individuals who would benefit from using AAC strategies to enhance their communication and academic learning. Topics included effective school-based interventions; how to accommodate children with communication challenges in the classroom (including children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and children with multiple disabilities); the assessment and management of challenging behaviour and the use of specific intervention strategies within classroom and playground contexts.

• A comparison of a response modes in a test of mathematics in learners with severe physical impairments.pdf presented by Nolette Maré
• Beginning a new chapter two decades of AAC service delivery in South Africa.pdf by Prof Juan Bornman 
• Book adaptations for AAC users.pdf presented by Ensa Johnson, Priscilla Kershaw, Conny Simelane and Mirinda van der Merwe
• Success is a journey, not a destination A 3 year case study of the journey of a young.pdf presented by Dr Margie Lilienfeld
• Support for cronically ill learners.pdf
• Ukhetho Transition Planning.pdf presented by Lauren Butler 
• What does it takes to be a leader in promoting the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication.pdf presented by Prof Erna Alant
• Young South African children recognition of graphic symbols depicting emotions.pdf  presented by H.M. De klerk

 AAC in health (Powerpoint presentation below)
This strand focused on issues around the provision of services to individuals and their families. Topics included early childhood intervention; AAC in acute care settings; early identification; screening and assessment of at-risk children; clinical decision making and the effectiveness of current service delivery models.

• A Caregiver-Child Early Intervention program for children with or at risk for communication problem.pdf presented by Sadna Balton (Phd) 
• Ethical decision making .pdf presented by Prof Kitty Uys and Dr Michal Harty
• Gadgets for independent living.pdf 
• ICF a common language in team collaboration.pdf  presented by Professor Eva Björck-Åkesson
• Postural needs for effective communication.pdf presented by Ruth Stubbs
• Mom what does wait mean.pdf presented by Tammy Greyling 
• Should toddler with severe disabilities read and write.pdf presented by Danita Nel 
• Visual search within two organisational strategies.pdf presented by Marina Herold(PhD)  

AAC for empowerment (Powerpoint presentations below)
This strand  focused on issues directly relating to individuals who use AAC. Topics included advocacy and empowerment; employment; self-determination; personal narratives and the use of AAC technology.

• Empowerment of Youth with Disability.pdf presented by Lebogang Sehako and Rachel Moseane
• Parents and Professionals as Partners in the Implementation of AAC.pdf presented by Desirae Pillay
• Participation in Family Activities for Children with Multiple Disabilities.pdf presented by Prof Mats Granlund
• PIXON A simple engaging approach that keeps potential alive.pdf  presented by Maureen Casey
• Reducing the risk of becoming a victim of crime in South Africa.pdf presented by Prof Diane Bryen, Prof Juan Bornman and Priscilla Kershaw 
• A picture speaks a thousand words.pdf presented by Alecia Samuels