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SPA 2025: Connecting, Learning, and Celebrating AAC Together 

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What an incredible few days we had at the Speech Pathology Australia National Conference in Adelaide 13th – 15th June 2025!  

The energy, enthusiasm, and passion for AAC that we experienced throughout the event was truly inspiring. From meaningful conversations to hands-on demonstrations, SPA 2025 reminded us why we love being part of this amazing community. 

The Buzz Around Our Booth 

The level of interest in AAC was phenomenal this year. We had constant traffic through our booth, with attendees eager to explore our devices and learn more about communication solutions. It was wonderful to see so many people discovering the possibilities that AAC can offer. 

Our tote bags were such a hit that we completely ran out! We’ve clearly struck a chord with our conference merchandise, and we’re already working on getting more ready for future events.

Thank you to everyone who grabbed one – we loved seeing them around the conference. 

Hands-On Learning and Discovery 

One of the highlights was watching people experience our devices firsthand. From trying out the latest features on our devices (including our brand new NovaRugged™!) to exploring different vocabulary options, attendees were genuinely engaged and curious. 

We also had some special guests at our booth – our AAC Barbie dolls demonstrated how AAC can be part of everyday play and life, showing that communication devices belong in all environments and activities. It was heartwarming to see children and adults alike connecting with this representation. 

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Leanna’s Standout Presentation 

We’re incredibly proud to share that feedback from conference attendees highlighted that our very own Leanna Fox’s presentations were a conference highlight!  

Her expertise and passion for AAC truly shone through, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the positive response she received. It’s wonderful when our team’s knowledge and dedication are recognised by the broader AAC community. 

Leanna’s presentations included:  

📣 Presentation 1: Unlocking communication potential 

  • Insights from a panel of experts 
  • Answers to the group’s most pressing AAC questions 
  • Real-world strategies for successful implementation 

🙋 Presentation 2: How do I choose an AAC device? 

  • Hot tips from Charlene Cullen and Leanna Fox 
  • Practical decision-making frameworks for device selection 
  • Resources to support confident AAC recommendations 

If you missed SPA 2025, but would like to see the presentation slides, email our team at: info@liberator.net.au. We’ll happily send you a copy! 

Building Community Connections 

Beyond the official presentations and demonstrations, some of our favourite moments happened in the conversations between sessions. Whether it was troubleshooting a technical question, discussing implementation strategies, or simply sharing success stories, these connections remind us why we do what we do. 

Looking Forward 

SPA 2025 energised our team and gave us so many ideas for how we can continue to improve our support, training, and resources. The enthusiasm we saw for AAC innovation, the thoughtful questions about accessibility, and the genuine excitement about new possibilities all inspire us to keep pushing forward. 

Thank You, Adelaide! 

To everyone who stopped by our booth, attended presentations, asked questions, or simply shared a smile and a chat – thank you! Your engagement and passion make events like SPA 2025 truly special. 

We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to connect with our community in person. Until then, we’ll be working hard to bring you the innovations, support, and resources that matter most to your AAC journey. 

Were you at SPA 2025? We’d love to hear about your experience!

Complete our feedback survey here or get in touch with our team to continue the conversation. 

Your AAC device is an important part of everyday life, supporting conversations, learning, and connection with others. And, just like any piece of technology you rely on, it performs best when it’s well looked after! In this blog, we’ll share our top AAC device maintenance tips – including practical care, maintenance, and tech advice to help ensure your device stays reliable, responsive, and ready when you need it!

Here are our top tips for your AAC device maintenance.

#1: Clean Your Device Regularly

Let’s face it – devices get dirty. Whether you’re at school, work, or just having dinner, your device comes along for the ride. Give it some cleaning attention regularly to keep it working well.

For light cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth on the touchscreen. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp, lint-free cloth, then dry the screen with another soft cloth. You can find more detailed cleaning tips in your device manual.

Good to know: Keyguards can go in the dishwasher!

#2: Look After Your Battery

Your device comes with a specific charger – always use that one. Try to charge your battery before it drops to 0%. Charging when your battery is above 10% can extend its life significantly. For best results, charge your device upright at room temperature on a hard surface.

Tip: Turn off your device for faster charging.

#3: Use Sleep Mode and Shut Down Wisely

We encourage keeping your device with you and ready to use for conversations throughout the day. However, there are smart times to use sleep mode or shut down completely.

Set your auto-sleep to five minutes or less. Use sleep mode when you won’t be using your device for short periods, like during swimming.

Remember that sleep mode uses about 2% of battery per hour. Consider turning off your device completely during longer breaks, like overnight.

#4: Avoid Overheating

Like most technology, your device works best when it’s not too hot. Take breaks from heat and avoid charging if your device feels warm. Move to shade or air conditioning rather than trying to cool it with water.

Tip: Keep a low-tech communication board handy for water activities.

#5: Keep Your Software Updated

Software updates bring new features and vocabulary to improve your communication experience. Connect to WiFi and follow the prompts in your settings menu to get these improvements. Updates also help your device run more smoothly overall.

Tip: Plug in your device during updates to protect your battery.

#6: Protect Your Screen

Your screen is essential for accessing all your communication options. Protect it from scratches, moisture, and spills with a screen protector. This also reduces glare and reflections, making it easier to see your buttons.

Visit our online store to see screen protector options for your device.

#7: Consider a Protective Case

Your device is built to be durable and handle daily life. (If you haven’t already), you might try an extra protective case designed specifically for your device model. These cases provide additional security for active use at home and out in the community.

#8: Review Your Access Needs

People change, and your needs change too. It might be time to check that you’re still accessing your device in the most comfortable and efficient way possible.

Connect with your support team (or ours!) to consider adjustments like:

  • Repositioning your device
  • Adjusting your wheelchair setup
  • Trying new vocabulary settings
  • Recalibrating eye gaze (if applicable)
  • Using a keyguard for more accurate selection

Our local consultants are happy to discuss access questions to help you communicate at your best.

#9: When Technical Issues Arise

If you’re experiencing glitches, try restarting your device first – this solves most technical problems.

If you’re still having trouble after a restart, our support team is here to help. Contact us by phone, email, or through our website, and we’ll work together to get your AAC device maintenance issue resolved – and your device running smoothly again.


Need a little support with your AAC device maintenance?

Our team is here to help you make the most of your communication device. Whether you need help with AAC device maintenance or want to explore new ways to optimise your AAC setup, we’re just a call or click away.

Contact us:

 

 

What's Next?

Connect with your local consultant to discover your AAC options!

AAC Consultant Lilla
AAC Consultant Delara
AAC Consultant Morgan