Call For Nominations For The Annual Prentke Lecture

If you’re looking for something good in the world, consider the Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture – legacy tribute to an altruistic couple that also honors a person who reflects the joy of their life’s work. If you’re looking to do something good, nominate an individual who communicates with AAC for this prestigious award. Nominations are open Wednesday, July 29 through Wednesday, September 23.

The 30th Annual Prentke Lecture 

The annual presentation celebrates the compassionate leadership of Ed Prentke, co-founder of the Prentke Romich Company (now known as PRC-Saltillo), and his wife Esther. Ed and Esther devoted their lives to developing technology that created possibilities for individuals with disabilities.

The previous 29 award recipients have shared inspirational words about the impact of AAC. 2026 award recipient Mateo Moreno shared “Stories from the Kids with a Talking Box: The Vital Role of AAC Users in Educating Peers about AAC and Inclusion.” Mateo, an ambassador for PRC-Saltillo, communicates with a NovaChat® device and a WordPower®108 vocabulary.

View lectures from recent years.

PRC-Saltillo is pleased to sponsor the 30th annual lecture. We eagerly look forward to the inspiring presentation taking place on Saturday, January 23, 2027 during the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference in Orlando. Please note, the recipient may choose to deliver their lecture in-person or virtually via Zoom.

Nominations for the Prentke Lecture

Make your nominations between July 29 and September 23. Consider who you know that meets the following criteria:

• At least 18 years of age who uses AAC as a primary means of communication (nominee may use any type of AAC device)
• Has significant public speaking experience with a variety of audiences and venues
• Has the ability to engage in an interactive question-and-answer session with the audience
• Has the ability to present a professional quality presentation relevant to the field of AAC

Keep in mind that past nominees, but not previous award recipients, may be nominated. Parents may nominate their adult children. You may also choose to nominate yourself.

Prentke Lecture nomination form

Review the nomination form on the ATIA website which requests information about your nominee:

• Personal and professional achievements
• Public speaking experience
• Live, question and answer experience
• Three- to five-minute video answering two provided questions

The award recipient is chosen by the Prentke Lecture committee.

Please join us in spreading the word about this unique opportunity to give the stage to someone that represents the best of the AAC community. For additional information about the nomination process, please click here or email marketing@atia.org.