Switching on inclusion: Using Mind Express to support curriculum access

Workshop Overview:

This interactive workshop will explore the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and assistive technology in supporting inclusive education and meaningful participation in mainstream classrooms.

Participants will hear directly from Zac, an AAC user, about his personal journey through inclusive education and how Mind Express has supported his access, communication and participation within the classroom.

The workshop will also provide an opportunity for participants to gain practical, hands-on experience using Linda Burkhart’s Switch on Literacy within Mind Express. Through guided activities, participants will explore how switch access and AAC can be incorporated into literacy and classroom activities to support engagement, participation and learning.

Who Should Attend:

• Speech Therapists

• Occupational Therapists

• Educators

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how assistive technology can support inclusive education, enabling students who use AAC to access, participate and engage more fully in mainstream classroom learning.

• Explore the use of Mind Express and Linda Burkhart’s Switch on Literacy as practical tools to support literacy, communication and classroom participation.

• Apply practical strategies for incorporating switch access and AAC into classroom activities through hands-on experience with Switch on Literacy in Mind Express.

• Recognise the importance of collaboration between AAC users, educators, families and support professionals in creating inclusive and meaningful learning opportunities.

• Reflect on how AAC users' experiences can inform and strengthen inclusive practices in their own educational settings.

Post-event Attendees Will Recieve:

• CPD Certificate

• A copy of the presentation slides

Presenters:

Dr. Amelia Edwards

Amelia is a Practice Lead Childhood Practice and Services at Novita, with over 15 years of experience supporting people with communication disability across a range of settings. Amelia’s area of clinical expertise is supporting children and adults who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Amelia is passionate about ensuring that everyone, regardless of how they communicate, has a voice. Amelia’s expertise is industry recognised and she is proud to be the South Australian representative for Australia’s Group Supporting Communication Inclusion (AGOSCI).

Louise Gasner

With 25 years of experience, Louise Ganser is an Occupational Therapist and Practice Lead who brings deep expertise and passion for environmental modification for all people. Her work focuses on creating person-centred, evidence-based environments that empower children and adults to participate fully in their daily lives, whether that involves redesigning living spaces for accessibility, prescribing adaptive equipment, or collaborating with builders, therapists, and families to develop practical, sustainable solutions.

Louise has a passion for supporting clinicians with assessment, provision, and training in assistive technology, and regularly provides training for therapists and lectures at Universities and Conferences.

Zac

Zac is a 14 year old boy, who attends his local primary school alongside his two brothers. He loves playing basketball and Mario Kart with his friends. Zac has cerebral palsy and communicates using AAC.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday 8th October

• Time: 10.30am -12.30pm

• Location: NovitaTech Retail Store, 31 Manton Street, Hindmarsh SA 5007