Conference Programme

Delegates will be able to choose from a large number of presentations in the conference programme. It will be a great opportunity to hear about, and be part of, the latest developments in the field of AAC.

Sessions

All sessions are categorised into three 'levels' as a guide to the type and nature of the presentation:

• Introductory sessions assume no previous knowledge of AAC

• General sessions assume participants have a knowledge of AAC, probably gained over several years, and the sessions may have more discussion time than an Introductory session

• Specialist sessions assume even greater knowledge and, in some cases, will be more participatory in nature

We have based our topic areas on the three aspects of evidence-based practice, which constitute improved outcomes for all. These aspects are:

• Best Research Evidence (from independent organisations such as education, social or health services and universities)

• Clinical & Professional Experience (presented by health or education professionals or those working for other organisations for AAC users)

• Personal Stories & Preferences (would include personal experience stories, single case studies and examples of AAC in the wider community).

In addition to platform presentations there will be poster sessions on the Monday & Tuesday and also some more participatory events.

Conference Theme

We are pleased to announce this year’s conference theme is 'Sustainability'!

Communication Matters aims to become more environmentally friendly and support the University of Leeds sustainability commitments including tackling the climate crisis by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, removing single use plastic in line with the #2023PlasticFree pledge and being a positive partner in the community.

Along this theme, the fancy dress on Monday night will be ‘Preloved’, in an effort to reduce, reuse, recycle and say no to fast fashion. It is preferable if your outfit has been used before, it can be anything you like, and we would encourage you to donate it to a charity shop or pass it on afterwards. You could buy an outfit from a charity shop, or you could consider a ‘swish’ where you swap clothes with someone else, or even hold your own swishing (clothes-swapping) party! Please consider taking your outfit back to the charity shop after the conference to reduce waste and allow the charity to benefit again.

Please Tweet us @Comm_Matters and tell us what you’ll be wearing, or which charity shop you've bought your outfit from and remember to tag the other charity too. We can't wait to hear from you and see what everyone wears! #CM2022conf

Annual Meeting of Associate Members

Associate Members of Communication Matters can attend the 2022 Annual Meeting of Associate Members on Sunday 11th September at 16.30. Non-members are welcome to attend as observers but they cannot vote on resolutions or speak to the meeting.

Programme

A Draft Timetable for the CM2022 Conference is now available. Please note this is still only a draft and is subject to change. Download Draft Timetable v6 (PDF).

You will be provided with a printed programme when you register in Leeds. The printed programme will include some general conference information and a copy of the final timetable. The Book of Abstracts will be made available online only to download as a PDF the week before the conference. Download Book of Abstracts (PDF).

Registration opens at 13.00 on the Sunday. Following the Annual Meeting, the exhibition opens with a welcome drinks reception at 17.30 with conference supper from 19.00 and entertainment.

Monday morning starts with a welcome talk at 9.00 and the keynote presentation shortly afterwards. Parallel sessions run from 10.30 - 17.00 with plenty of refreshment breaks and lunch where you can view the posters. The drinks reception (arrive in your fancy dress!) starts at 18.30, before a beautiful 3-course conference dinner from 19.30, with entertainment until late.

Tuesday sees parallel sessions running from 9.00, again with plenty of refreshment breaks and lunch (where you can view the posters) and the plenary presentation starts at 14.15 with the final farewell at 15.30.

For Presenting Authors

We recommend that presenting authors view our Top Tips for Presenting Video by our patron, Martin Pistorius.

If you are presenting a Platform, Poster, Workshop, or Lightning Talk, please Download Guidelines.