Northeast AAC Summit: Hartford, Connecticut

Collaborative, insightful, impactful. Three words to describe the 8th Northeast AAC Summit, held in Hartford, Connecticut, that put a spotlight on AAC Access at Any Age: Supporting Communication into Adulthood. This one-day learning event showcased the genuine willingness of evaluators, clinicians, and professionals to come together with a shared sense of curiosity and collaboration. This mindset created an environment where diverse perspectives were welcomed and valued, ultimately enriching the conversations and learning for everyone involved.

“There was a strong openness throughout the day, and people were not only eager to learn, but also to ask questions, share experiences, and problem-solve collectively,” said local PRC-Saltillo Consultant for Connecticut Carly Villalobos, M.S., CCC-SLP. “It was especially encouraging to see professionals across disciplines engaging in meaningful dialogue, supporting one another, and demonstrating a commitment to improving outcomes for individuals who use AAC.”

Keynote Speaker: PRC-Saltillo Ambassador Meg Moore

The Hartford gathering featured a PRC-Saltillo AAC Ambassador as a keynote speaker for the first time. Previous Summit attendees have expressed that hearing directly from individuals who use AAC adds a depth and authenticity that cannot be replicated through clinical perspectives alone. Having Meg Moore as our keynote speaker truly brought that feedback to life.

Meg’s presentation was a standout moment of the day, offering a powerful and personal perspective on AAC use across the lifespan. “She provided not only practical insight into AAC system selection, evolving needs, and advocacy, but also an honest look at the emotional realities and long-term impact of AAC,” recalled Carly. “Meg’s ability to connect her lived experience to the work of clinicians in the room made her session especially memorable.”

Special Thanks to Our Host and Speakers

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to NEAT (New England Assistive Technology) for hosting this incredible AAC Summit and for their thoughtful partnership in bringing this event to life. A special thank you to Margie Hislop, Liz O’Brien, and Brielle Fratoni-Jaskiewicz for their outstanding organization, coordination, and leadership throughout the planning process.

We are also deeply grateful to our speakers. Thank you to Kim Winter for her engaging and informative presentation, and to Meg Moore for her powerful and impactful session. Each speaker brought valuable perspectives that enriched the learning experience and inspired reflection and discussion among attendees.

Participant Feedback: What Is the Most Important Thing You Learned?

• “Being proactive about transition planning is really important. I would say thinking ahead 1-2 years is realistic for students in transition programs with significantly high needs.”
• “The value of documenting the device information to enable it to be carried forward throughout the years. And to make changes to devices when the current one is not meeting the users needs.”
• “I loved hearing Kim’s talk and hearing from Meg as an AAC user. It was also helpful to hear about transition planning as I have mostly worked with elementary-aged students so it’s helpful to hear more about what is coming down the road for them.”

Recommendations for Future AAC Growth

AAC work can be complex and having a network of colleagues to problem-solve with, exchange ideas, and offer support is invaluable. Lean on each other as resources. Maintaining the connections made at the Summit and building a trusted community will ultimately lead to better outcomes for the individuals you serve.

Carly noted: “Continue fostering the sense of collaboration that was so evident at this event. It is important to keep the conversations going by continuing to ask questions, share knowledge, and learn from one another’s experiences. Working together across disciplines and settings strengthens our ability to provide effective, person-centered AAC support.”

Save the Date for the Fall 2026 Northeast AAC Summit

Our 9th Northeast AAC Summit will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 in Concord, New Hampshire at the McLane Center at NH Audobon. Hope to see you there!