CHAT – Express Myself – December 2024

CHAT – Express Myself – How AT supports communication @SJOG

Date: Thursday, 5th December 2024
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: Tessa House, Tallaght
Hosted by: St John of God Liffey Services
In Partnership with: FreedomTech
Sponsored by: Sight and Sound Technology

Opening & Overview:

The CHAT (Community Hub for Accessible Technology) event, “Express Myself: Assistive Technology for Communication” was a dynamic and engaging gathering of assistive technology users, practitioners, and advocates. With over 50 attendees, the event emphasised the power of communication-focused AT in enhancing independence and inclusion.

CHAT Express Myself contributors:

CHAT Banner with logos of all the organisations and companies at the CHAT event including Enable Ireland Sight and sound, Rehab, An Cosan, As I Am, Digi Academy, WHO, AT Passport, An Cosan, Switchify App

Sarah welcomed attendees and explained CHAT’s role as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and solutions in the assistive technology. It was great to see some new faces in the audience. She was joined by Christina Cannon, an AAC advocate and AT user, David Mc Cord of St John of God Liffey Services, who 0pened the CHAT and emphasised the importance of community partnerships in driving AT innovation.

In her opening, Christina highlighted how this CHAT session was designed to inform and empower attendees. It was an opportunity to explore current AT tools, understand access pathways, and discuss the future of inclusive communication technology.

Keynote & Introduction:

Introduction by: Eoin McGirr

Eoin McGirr, an AAC user and award-winning developer of Switchify, set an inspiring tone by sharing his personal journey with Cerebral Palsy and how it led him to create accessible software solutions. His message focused on AAC’s power and the role of user-driven development in shaping better technology.

Session Highlights:

Access to AT for Communication

Presenter: Christina Canon (SJOG)
Christina explained the referral and funding pathways for AT access in Ireland, detailing how organisations like the HSE, Department of Education, and Department of Social Protection play roles in assessments and funding. She addressed key barriers adults face, including financial and technical challenges, and pointed to resources available for overcoming these obstacles.

A lifespan infographic from the Community Hub for Accessible Technology (CHAT) titled "Access to Assistive Technology for Communication." It shows eight black human figures representing different life stages: Infancy, Toddler, Preschool, Primary, Secondary, College, Work, Any Age, and Older Age. Blue icons (e.g., toys, instruments, canes, wheelchairs) highlight communication or support needs at each stage. Beneath each figure is a white bubble explaining the assistive technology access point: Infancy & Toddler: Referral to Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNT) by GP or hospital. Preschool: Support through HSE CDNT and AIMS. Primary & Secondary School: Assistive Technology Grant via SENO to NCSE. College: Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) via the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Work: Work and Access Programme via Dept of Social Protection. Any Age: HSE Aids and Appliances Scheme. Older Age: Inpatient hospital AT covered short-term; long-term AT funded through HSE schemes or non-profits.

WHO ATC-C Assessment in Ireland

Presenter: Emma Smith
Emma updated Ireland’s progress in the WHO ATC-C Assessment, highlighting recent actions taken to improve assistive technology infrastructure and sharing the next steps in building more robust support systems aligned with international standards.

 

Panel Discussion: AT Supporting Communication

Chair: Juliann Bergin
Panellists: Anne Marie McDonnell (Rehab), Polly Walsh (SJOG), Fiona O’Mahony (AsIAm)

Key themes included:

  • Current AT projects from the panellists’ organisations.
  • Enablers like policy support, community engagement, and dedicated resources.
  • Challenges such as fragmented services and a lack of AT awareness.
  • Their wishes for 2025 included universal access, better training, and policy improvements.


Supporting Digital Literacy in Communication AT

Presenters:

Esther Murphy (Digi Academy)
Digi Academy is an accessible digital education platform. It was co-designed with people with accessibility needs to ensure it is inclusive to everyone.
Digi Academy – Home Page

 

SJOG SAID Project DigiCoaches – Patrick, Sarah, and Klara

They presented practical initiatives for enhancing digital literacy among AT users and professionals, underlining how essential ongoing training is to maximising AT’s potential.

Said Project | School Assistance – Inclusive & Digital

Exploring the Future of AT for Communication

Participants explored:

  • Emerging AT tools include AI-powered aids and wearable devices.
  • Future needs, particularly around simplified user interfaces and inclusive design.
  • Feedback was gathered on gaps in the current AT and priorities for future development.

Interactive Demonstrations & Networking:

The session closed with a hands-on demo area showcasing a range of communication AT tools. Attendees had the chance to try devices, speak directly with AT providers, and form new collaborations for future projects.

Key Outcomes:

  • Improved understanding of access pathways for communication AT in Ireland.
  • Strong focus on inclusive design and user-led innovation.
  • Reinforced need for digital literacy programs to support effective AT use.
  • Clear community commitment to addressing barriers and advocating for systemic improvements.

Summary: 

This CHAT event brought together over 50 people who were passionate about a collaborative community dedicated to advancing communication through assistive technology. Attendees left with practical knowledge, new connections, and a shared commitment to improving accessibility, digital literacy, and user-led innovation in the AT field. The event fostered a spirit of inclusion, creativity, and shared learning, setting a strong foundation for future gatherings and continued advocacy for more inclusive communication solutions.