"You don't get me!" - when communication partners don't understand

Presented by Brenton Ponza 

Webinar overview 

AAC Awareness Month is celebrated around the world each October. The goal is to raise awareness of AAC and the different ways in which people communicate. 

ISAAC's 2025 theme for AAC Awareness Month is "Innovation, Inclusion, and Advocacy in AAC". 

In this webinar, Brenton will share personal stories and insights about what it feels like when communication partners don’t truly “get” him - not just his words, but his intentions, needs, and identity. This session will unpack the emotional toll, the confusion, and how trust can be broken or built.

1. Introduction: why this topics matters to Brenton and to the AAC community

2. Story time: when it went wrong - a real life example of a support worker misunderstanding or ignoring Brenton

3. The emotional impact: grief, self-blame, shame, confusion and loss of confidence

4. Why understanding takes effort: communication support strategies that were (and weren't used)

5. Knowing when it's not working: how Brenton recognises when a relationship isn't the right fit

6. What good support looks like: comparing positive and negative examples

7. Takeaways for communication partners: respect, reflection, and relationship-building

8. Q&A/reflection: open space for questions or shared experiences from attendees

Learning outcomes

• An understanding of the emotional toll of being misunderstood

• Signs that a support relationship might not be working

• Practical ideas to become a more respectful, responsive communication partner 

Target audience

Support workers, allied health professionals, families, teachers, education assistants, communication partners and anyone interested in better supporting AAC users and people with disability.

Webinar details 

• This is a LIVE 60 minute webinar, held online via Zoom
• If you have a question for Brenton please ask it in the registration form or email your question to education@agosci.org.au 
• A recording will be available for all attendees. If you do not wish to have your audio or video recorded, please keep your camera off, mic on mute and contribute via the chat box

Webinar date

Thursday 16 October 2025 

Webinar start times

VIC/NSW/ACT/TAS: 3pm

QLD: 2pm

SA: 2:30pm

NT: 1:30pm

WA: 12pm 

Presenter

"If you don’t try everything and give it a go, you’ll never know what life has to offer."

Brenton Ponza is an athlete, disability advocate, presenter, fundraiser, and research advisor with lived experience of cerebral palsy. He communicates using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). In 2024, Brenton was named Boroondara Citizen of the Year, and in 2025 received the Victorian Volunteer Award – Impact Category for his outstanding contributions to the community. Passionate about inclusive sports and accessibility, he has worked with Melbourne University architecture students on accessible design and ACU speech pathology students on AAC awareness. A proud Western Bulldogs supporter and car enthusiast, Brenton continues to use his voice and lived experience to advocate for fairness, equity, and inclusion.

Disclosure

AGOSCI is grateful to Brenton for presenting this webinar and sharing his lived experience with the AGOSCI community. 

AGOSCI acknowledges that differing views and opinions may be discussed throughout this webinar and may not always align with AGOSCI philosophies.

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 May 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
• If the event is cancelled by AGOSCI you will receive 100% refund including the service fee ($0.69 + 0.7% per transaction)

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.