How it all began
Our History
Beth Waite-Lafever and Beth Browning, speech-language pathologists specializing in AAC, created the concept of the Indiana AAC Summit over dinner one night in 2013. The first annual conference was held in 2015. And the rest is, well, history.
Previous Conferences
2023
2023
2023
Indiana AAC Summit 2023 continued our traditions of local Speakers and multiple sessions for Attendees, including topics such as improving services to individuals who are deaf/blind and creating new opportunities for
AAC device users who are beyond school age.
2022
2023
2023
We Are Back!
Indiana AAC Summit 2022 was a great success and we enjoyed seeing everyone in person again. With excellent presenters and Attendees from all over the state, the Summit is back!
2021
2023
2021
Refresh Renew Reflect
Feeling Zoomed out? Tired of staring at a screen? So are we! It's still hard to plan in-person events; let's take a year off to recharge. There will be no conference this year. Follow us on Facebook for details for next year's conference.
2020
2020
2021
Due to 2020's unusual circumstances, we have decided to offer online trainings for FREE.
2019
2020
2019
For the Indiana AAC Summit's five-year anniversary, we sponsored an internationally-known speaker in a very large venue, heard from local presenters, and had cake.
2018
2020
2019
Our 2018 conference expanded our breakout sessions and included discussion panels.
2017
2017
2017
A larger venue in 2017 for more Attendees allowed all-group trainings as well as breakout sessions.
2016
2017
2017
The second Indiana AAC Summit, with even more Attendees, 18 different breakout sessions, and T-shirts!
2015
2017
2015
Our first Indiana AAC Summit, with far more Attendees than expected!
Past keynote speakers
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite
In celebration of our five-year anniversary, Dr. Caroline Musselwhite provided an all-day session entitled "AAC All Day Long! Scaffolding Conversation, Academics, and Interaction – Apps Included!".
Greg Buse
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite
Greg shared information about his life and experiences using his AAC device. He is a power-soccer player who enjoys sports, computer games, and racing.
Michael Ely
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite
Mindy Thomas
Michael has an Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems and is an advocate for people with disabilities. He told us what it was like growing up with AAC.
Mindy Thomas
Martin Pistorius
Mindy Thomas
Mindy is a business owner, wife, and mother. She shared with us her experiences using a variety of AAC systems. Her unique perspective on parenting using an AAC system provided new insight for everyone.
Martin Pistorius
Martin Pistorius
Martin Pistorius
Martin is an internationally-known author and speaker who uses AAC. He shared with us his journey of rehabilitation after becoming very ill and losing his ability to communicate. His book, "Ghost Boy", recounts his struggle to communicate and regain control of his life through AAC.