AGOSCI Parent and Family Session: Sharing and Connection

Webinar overview 

This session is designed to bring parents and families together for support and connection. The aim is to encourage a network for parents and families raising and supporting children, teen, adults with communication support needs. 

To encourage a safe space, these meetings will not be recorded. 

Attendees are encouraged to register in advance to attend the live event. 

AGOSCI will facilitate meeting discussions, with the opportunity for group members to explore topics of interest together and build a support network. 

This meeting will be co-presented by two parents of AAC users. 

Meeting topic

An introduction to our co-presenters, Kylie and Amanda, followed by a discussion on their AAC journey so far and reflections on what they have learnt along the way. 

Target audience

AGOSCI encourages all parents and families of children, teens and adults with communication support needs to join this meeting. 

Workshop details 

• This is a LIVE 60 minute webinar meeting, via Zoom

• This meeting will NOT be recorded

• There will be opportunities for attendees to ask questions to the co-presenters and group

• Open discussion amongst the group is encouraged

Session date

Monday 19th May 2025 7pm - 8pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) 

Timezones (start time)

VIC/NSW/ACT/TAS/QLD: 7pm - 8pm

SA/NT: 6.30pm - 7.30pm 

WA: 5pm - 6pm

AGOSCI host

Jenna O'Brien

Jenna is the Victorian Representative for AGOSCI, where she advocates for individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and supports members across the state.

As a Geelong-based speech pathologist, Jenna specialises in working with children and young people who may not rely solely on speech to communicate. She is passionate about working closely with families, recognising the importance of understanding their unique experiences, and fostering connections with others who share similar journeys. Jenna runs parent training and connection experiences alongside parents of AAC users through Talk My Talk. Jenna loves working with Kylie and Amanda, your two guest speakers for this event! 

Co-presenters

Kylie Barsby

Kylie is a parent of an AAC user. Kylie is a big believer in AAC creating meaningful communication in all its different forms for families. Kylie loves connecting with other families, so much so, she is the co-director of Talk My Talk, a training organisation aiming to support people around an AAC user to be the best communication partners they can be. As an active member in the AAC community, Kylie has presented at several national and international AAC conferences on the importance of therapist - parent relationships and getting it right.

Amanda Lott

Amanda is the parent of an emerging AAC eye gaze user and after years advocating for other people and their families in government and social work roles, is learning about advocating for her son, in particular around communication, with therapy services, and within the community. Amanda has been involved with Talk My Talk in providing a parent perspective within training blocks, and in online panels. Amanda is currently living the real-life juggle of the multifaceted life that can be disability parenting and is excited to share her experiences with the AAC community.

Disclosure

AGOSCI is grateful to Jenna for donating her time to facilitate this parent and family session. Jenna is the AGOSCI Victoria State Representative. Jenna is also a co-director of Talk My Talk. Kylie is a co-director of Talk My Talk and Amanda is a guest speaker at Talk My Talk. Talk My Talk receives no financial gain from this session. 

AGOSCI is an independent body and does not endorse individual products or brands.

AGOSCI acknowledges the presence and contributions of all suppliers and resources available in the Australian and International AAC marketplace.

Registration and Cancellation Policy

Updated February 2025 

Registration is only confirmed upon full payment of fee. Please note total ticket price will include an additional $0.69 + 0.7% per transaction service fee. To access the discounted rate for members you must be logged into your AGOSCI member account prior to registration. 

• 100% refund minus the service fee ($0.69 + 0.7% per transaction) until 60 days before event
• 50% refund minus the service fee ($0.69 + 0.7% per transaction) between 8-59 days before event
• No refunds within 0-7 days before event start date

Applications for registrations are subject to final approval by AGOSCI to ensure fair and equal access to events across organisations. Waitlist registrations will be taken upon all positions being filled.