The month leading up to WOMADelaide and the AGOSCI Conference was a whirlwind of activity, reminiscent of my PhD days. Balancing paper writing, conference committee work, support worker coordination, and AGOSCI Chairperson duties kept me on my toes. But as always, I embraced my motto of "Ride and Enjoy."

WOMADelaide: A Musical Feast

WOMADelaide 2025 was a spectacular four-day celebration of world music and arts. Despite the usual post-festival recovery time, I paced myself to enjoy incredible performances. Highlights included the mesmerizing Mariza and the energetic Goran Bregovic & His Wedding & Funeral Band. The festival's eclectic mix of artists from over 38 countries created a truly global atmosphere in Adelaide's beautiful Botanic Park.

AGOSCI Conference: A Triumph of Inclusion and Innovation

After a brief respite on Tuesday, it was full steam ahead for the AGOSCI Conference. The event, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from March 12th to 15th, 2025, was a resounding success. The theme "All In: Innovate, Interact, Include" perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the gathering.

As AGOSCI Chair, I had several speaking engagements throughout the conference. While I had pre-programmed much of my speech into my AAC device, I often chose to be revoiced by my support workers. This flexibility allowed me to react in the moment, showcasing my leadership and sense of humor.

Reflections on Communication Methods

Interestingly, I received feedback questioning why I didn't use my AAC device more frequently. This highlights a persistent misunderstanding, even within the AAC community, about the multi-modal nature of communication for AAC users. Why should we invest disproportionate time in preparation when others can speak spontaneously? This experience underscores the ongoing need for education and awareness.

An Unexpected Honor: Hosting the Closing Ceremony

In a surprising turn of events, I was asked to host the closing ceremony with minimal preparation time. Unable to pre-program my AAC device, I embraced the challenge. I enlisted a performer friend to add flair to the proceedings and relied on revoicing when necessary. Despite initial nerves, the experience was exhilarating and empowering.

Energized and Inspired

Contrary to my expectations of exhaustion, I felt energized in the days following the conference. The combination of WOMADelaide's vibrant atmosphere and the AGOSCI Conference's inspiring discussions left me invigorated and ready for future challenges.

This experience reinforced the importance of flexibility in communication methods and the power of spontaneity. It also highlighted the ongoing need for understanding and acceptance of diverse communication styles within the AAC community and beyond.

As we look forward to future events, let's continue to embrace innovation, interaction, and inclusion in all aspects of communication and advocacy.