Member Article

The lasting legacy of the conference

How many times have you left an insightful conference brimming with new ideas and new contacts? Acting as the perfect platform for keynote speakers, researchers, academics and delegates across a variety of fields, conferences create an exciting open space to generate the discussion of new processes and improvements across a variety of sectors. A successful conference is crucial in creating a space for like-minded people to network and build new relationships whilst also enabling industries to make huge advances.

Laith Ritchie, a 16-year-old augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) user, is the perfect example of a successful outcome from a Communication Matters conference, an annual event which is held at The University of Leeds and supported by MEETinLEEDS. Not only has his attendance at the conference led him to huge personal achievements, but his dedication to the sector has also enabled him to make a positive impact on AAC parents, carers and users of AAC equipment.

Last year, Laith attended the Communication Matters conference, the UK’s leading AAC event, where he was able to take part in a unique forum with an array of representatives across multiple disciplines, including AAC users, parents, personal assistants, professionals and more. One year later, Laith achieved the Rising Star Award at Communication Matters’ very first awards ceremony in October, highlighting his huge achievements within the sector over the past 12 months, which all stemmed from inspiration which came from his time at the Communication Matters conference last year.

Laith Ritchie talks about his journey, and the important legacy left by conferences, below.

What inspired you to get involved within the AAC sector? “I was first inspired to get involved when I attended the 2018 Communication Matters conference. It was really interesting to hear from the many different people who presented at the conference, as it broadened my horizons on what I could do to support AAC. Afterwards, I immediately registered my interest and applied for a job as an AAC mentor. One month later, I had an interview with AT Mentors and was thrilled to have been offered the job on a voluntary basis, before achieving a permanent position in April this year - all thanks to the conference I attended last year!”

What have you learned since becoming an AT Mentor? “Since becoming a mentor I have learnt an incredible amount, including how other AAC users need support to learn how to use the technology. I love my job a huge amount and it’s great to be able to deliver training to parents, carers and schools who are new to supporting an AAC user.”

Why is AAC important to you? “I’ve always felt that AAC is such a vast and important area that affects so many people’s lives, which is why I was so keen to contribute. AAC enables me to achieve things that I would not normally be able to do, due to my speech impediment. If more individuals like me had a chance to access AAC, the dreams of many would become a reality. As part of my work I see so much potential and with AAC they can achieve anything that they want!”

How did you feel after winning the Rising Star Award? “Achieving the AAC Rising Star Award was such a wonderful moment within my career, and it’s fantastic to see that my hard work is being recognised by so many people within the sector. The awards were a fantastic way to celebrate all those within the AAC sector, and they act as great motivation to continue the hard work!”

Communication disability in the UK affects millions of people. Up to 20% of the UK’s population experience communication difficulty at some point in their lives, and more than 10% of all children have a long-term communication need. Laith’s involvement in AAC has generated further support in such an important sector that relies heavily on volunteers.

Laith’s contribution to the AAC community is the result of a successful conference, but it doesn’t need to end there. By ensuring that your conference is well-supported and organised, you too can inspire fantastic results within your industry.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Savage .