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Session Information

Communication Pathway
Room 1.19

AAC and me

Length of presentation is 30 mins (1:50 - 2:20pm)

 AAC and Me is a lived-experience-led session about using AAC in daily life. Fraser will share what AAC looks like beyond the device: the effort, the adaptations, the frustrations, and the moments where communication really works. This session centres the AAC user’s voice and offers honest insight into how AAC supports connection, independence, and participation. 

Presenter(s):
Fraser Somerville

Suitable for:
Primary & Secondary, Special Schools, ASN bases

Dyslexia Pathway
Room 1.21

See yourself on screen: Creating music videos

Length of presentation is 30 mins (1:50 - 2:20pm)

This workshop explores how film and screen approaches can support communication, agency and participation for learners with additional support needs. 

Using a simple music video activity filmed on an iPad, participants will experience how an immediate visual feedback loop can help learners see the impact of their actions in real time. When learners move, gesture, perform or interact with objects in front of the camera, they immediately see the result on screen. This creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship that can support engagement, choice-making and self-expression. 

The session will demonstrate how music, rhythm and movement can provide an accessible entry point into filmmaking for learners who communicate in a wide range of ways. Participants will explore how short music video activities can support sensory engagement, creative expression and collaborative filmmaking in classroom contexts. 

The workshop will include practical demonstrations using simple equipment, such as an iPad and will share examples from classroom practice with learners with complex additional support needs. The session will also be approached collaboratively, creating space for participants to ask questions, share experiences, and explore ideas together. 

Presenter(s):
Kevin McPhee, Westfield Secondary School, Edinburgh

Suitable for:
Primary & Secondary, FE & HE, Special Schools, ASN bases

Complex Needs Pathway
Room 1.37

Empowering inclusive play and communication through AAC; a relational practice based approach at Saltersgate School

Length of presentation is 30 mins (1:50 - 2:20pm)

Children with learning and mobility differences often have limited access and choice in play posing a potential barrier to inclusion. At Saltersgate School, we are committed to enhancing communication through inclusive play. This presentation explores how AAC can be used to enhance access, agency and communication through play. Using a transdisciplinary, enquiry-based approach grounded in relational practice, we focused on recognising and responding to intentional communication—often expressed subtly through facial expressions and eye-movements. By allowing time and space to ‘be with’ each child, we explored music and toys together, uncovering each child’s unique communicative responses and preferences. 

Our journey highlights the importance of listening differently and adapting creatively.   

Today, we showcase how we adapted and rewired our children’s favourite electronic toys for switch activation. We invite reflection on how this approach might be applied more widely to enrich inclusive practice.

Presenter(s):
Rea Gourlay and Keela Marr, Saltersgate, Midlothian

Suitable for:
Primary & Secondary, Special Schools, ASN bases