ATconference.ca - Partnering With Families to Build Accessible Joyful Play Across Environment

The Original Canadian AT Conference Returns

NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe

February 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026 - 9am-3pm (EST)

Partnering With Families to Build Accessible, Joyful Play Across Environments

Presenter: Heather Roach, MAT | Owner, AAC Experience, LLC | Certified PODD Trainer AAC & Educational Consultant | Parent of a Complex Communicator

Scheduled: Day Three - Friday, February 6, 2026 - 12:30pm to 1:15pm Eastern

This session focuses on partnering with families to make play meaningful, accessible, and joyful for children with complex communication needs. Participants will explore ways to expand play across home and school environments, adapt materials for inclusion, and use AAC tools to support communication and social engagement. Emphasis is placed on honoring each child’s sensory, motor, and emotional needs while fostering connection, turn-taking, and peer interaction. Attendees will gain practical ideas to work alongside families, strengthen collaboration, and create play experiences that support communication, learning, and connection across all environments.

Key Takeaways

Participants will understand ways families and practitioners can work together to create accessible, joyful play experiences that support connection and communication for children with complex needs.
Participants will be able to identify strategies to adapt play materials and environments to include children of varying abilities, while supporting peer interaction and social engagement.
Participants will recognize how honoring each child’s unique sensory, motor, and emotional profile during play can strengthen relationships, confidence, and communication across settings.

Hi, I’m Heather Roach. I am a Certified PODD trainer and special education teacher specializing in AAC and curriculum accommodations for students with complex learning needs. I’m also a parent of two wonderful children, including a 10-year-old with Rett syndrome who uses AAC, so I know both sides of the IEP table firsthand.

I support families and school teams in building meaningful, inclusive communication through AAC and collaborative teaching. My work focuses on creating practical, respectful, and sustainable communication systems and learning environments that connect communication with movement, daily living, and academics, so every student can participate fully. When families and professionals work as true partners, communication and learning become smoother and more meaningful. I love seeing teams gain confidence, families feel supported, and students have the tools to be heard, understood, and included in every part of their day.

As one of only twelve certified PODD trainers in the United States, I conduct assessments, provide training, and consult with teams of educators, therapists, and families. PODD (Pragmatically Organized Dynamic Displays) is a robust AAC system available in both printed books and electronic page sets, with options for eye gaze, color coding, and partner-assisted scanning. I am available for webinars, in-person training, and consulting.

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