Sheila Achermann, PhD
Sheila Achermann, PhD, works on expanding access to AAC across Tobii Dynavox's partner markets. Trained in neuroscience with a clinical background, she focuses on how AAC solutions are adopted, supported, and sustained over time. Her work centers on building strong partnerships and aligning clinical practice with local realities to support meaningful communication access across different regions.
MY SESSIONS
Recognizing Overlooked AAC Skills Through Technology-Driven Multimodal Communication
This session explores how multimodal communication has evolved in a digital world and how AAC users naturally integrate everyday technologies into communication, learning, and social connection. Beyond traditional modes such as speech, symbols, gestures, and light-tech tools, communication today also includes digital, visual, and asynchronous forms that shape how meaning is created and shared. Drawing on multimodal literacy frameworks and research on technology-mediated communication, the presentation expands the concept of "multimodal" to include tools such as images, video, text, and messaging across platforms. Using anonymous usage data from Tobii Dynavox devices, combined with expert insight, we highlight how AAC users make frequent use of YouTube, web browsing, and messaging apps, demonstrating skills that extend beyond traditional page sets. These everyday digital behaviours are linked to competencies within the Dynamic AAC Goals Grid-3 (DAGG-3), illustrating progress across communication domains. Attendees will gain practical strategies for recognizing meaningful skills, writing participation-focused goals, and leveraging familiar technologies to support independent and authentic communication.