The Original Canadian AT Conference Returns
The Original Canadian AT Conference Returns
NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe
NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe
February 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026 - 9am-3pm (EST)
February 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026 - 9am-3pm (EST)
Your identity is a key piece in how you communicate, whether that includes your unique voice, tone, pacing, word choices including slang, regional dialect, humor, or cultural references. A big part of your identity is formed by how you speak and what you say. It’s the same for an AAC user, but often we spend all our time only concerned about making sure the user’s basic needs and wants are met. When we consider the user's communication style, humor, age, interests, preferences, and cultural/social identities, acceptance improves with both the user and their family. This session will explore the various aspects of the AAC user's identity, providing examples and illustrating how to integrate them into the device.
Participants will identify nine ways to implement identity-focused AAC.
Participants will explore examples that demonstrate the integration of these nine identify-focused components.
Heather Rushmore Maydak began her career as an SLP assistant for individuals with severe and profound disabilities before earning a master's degree in Rehabilitation Science and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. After her role as an assistive technology specialist at two UCP facilities, she transitioned to the University of Washington's Center for Technology and Disability Studies. In this role, she performed outpatient computer access assessments and provided training for rehabilitation therapists. Moving to North Carolina provided the chance to teach undergraduate and graduate students at East Carolina University's Special Education Department. In addition, Heather directed the AT lab and created an online graduate certificate program. A RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional, she also serves as an instructor for the Fundamentals Course, guiding professionals toward ATP certification. Heather currently serves as director of assistive technology at Westminster Technologies, conducting AT assessments for schools and developing and delivering professional development programs.