The power of peers: supporting meaningful social relationships for AAC users

Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Biggs

Workshop overview 

Friendships matter for everyone! But, students who use alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) often face challenges engaging, interacting, and developing authentic relationships with their peers without disabilities.

This online workshop will focus on how schools can promote inclusion and belonging through meaningful peer engagement and relationships. Drawing on research and lived experiences, we will consider the “stuff of friendship” and identify factors that support true connection among AAC users and their peers.

Participants will leave with practical, evidence-based strategies for promoting friendship and inclusion.

Dr. Elizabeth Biggs will be joining us live from the United States. 

Learning objectives 

1. Identify barriers and facilitators to positive interactions and authentic relationships among students who use AAC and their peers

2. Describe practical, evidence-based strategies to promote meaningful engagement, interaction, and relationships among students who use AAC and their peers

3. Apply insights from research and the lived experiences of students who use AAC and their peers to build classroom and school communities that foster friendship and belonging.

Target audience

This workshop is ideal for teachers, speech pathologists, other school staff members, and families who work with school-age students with disabilities who use or would benefit from AAC, across primary and secondary school settings.

Workshop details 

• 2 hour live online workshop, including Q & A

• Slides will be available to participants

• Participants will gain access to electronic resources for implementing intervention strategies, including lesson plans and intervention materials

• Optional post-session content, including a short knowledge check and a unique coded professional development certificate 

• AGOSCI aims to deliver accessible and inclusive learning opportunities, with both in-person and online formats available. Ticket prices will remain the same for both online and in-person sessions, allowing participants to choose the format that best suits their needs and learning preferences. 

Workshop date

Wednesday 16 September 2026 

Perth workshop schedule 

8:30am: arrive from 8:30am

8:50am: AGOSCI introduction

9am: session 1 

10am: break 

10:15am: session 2

11:15am: online event ends, attendees are encouraged to stay and network with fellow attendees and enjoy some light snacks and refreshments

12pm: event ends 

Perth workshop details

• The workshop will be held at Rocky Bay Joondalup Training Room (10 Onslow Place, Joondalup, Perth)
• There is limited two-hour parking available on Onslow Place. There is paid parking available on Clarke Crescent 
• Rocky Bay Joondalup is a 10-minute walk from the Joondalup Train Station
• Light snacks and refreshments will be provided 
• Attendees are also welcome to bring their own food and drink
• Attendees are encouraged to stay and network with fellow attendees after the online event ends
• Please indicate any dietary and/or access requirements on your registration form
• Registrations are limited!

Ticket prices 

Early bird tickets are available until Sunday 19 July @11.59PM AEST or until sold out. 

AGOSCI member: $120 including GST

Standard: $190 including GST

After the early bird period, ticket prices will increase to:

AGOSCI members: $150 including GST

Standard: $220 including GST.

Presenter

Dr. Elizabeth Biggs is an internationally recognised AAC educator, researcher, and speaker. As an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University (United States), Dr. Biggs leads research focused on developing evidence-based practices to promote authentic peer relationships and meaningful language and literacy learning for children and youth who use or could benefit from AAC. She also teaches courses related to inclusion and literacy instruction for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Biggs has published widely, with over 55 research articles and book chapters. She was also the recipient of research awards from TASH and the American Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), and her research has been funded by multiple agencies including the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the United States Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and the Spencer Foundation. As a speaker and teacher, Dr. Biggs is known for her ability to translate cutting-edge research into practical, real-world strategies to improve outcomes for children and youth who use AAC.

Photography

Throughout the workshop your local host may take photos and videos to share with the AGOSCI community. Please let your local host(s) know or email education@agosci.org.au if you do not wish to have your photo taken. 

Disclosure

AGOSCI is grateful to Elizabeth for presenting this workshop to the AGOSCI community. 

AGOSCI is grateful to Rocky Bay for use of their venue and to Carissa (WA AGOSCI representative) for hosting the AGOSCI National Tour 2026 in Perth. 

AGOSCI acknowledges that differing views and opinions may be discussed throughout this workshop 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.