Help Jacqui Attend International Speech-Language Therapy Conference

Kia ora,

My name is Jacqui and I’m currently in my 4th and final year of a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy. I live and study in Auckland at Massey University, however I grew up in Tauranga (where my family still lives) and am currently on placement at Whakatane hospital, so I have a strong connection to the Bay of Plenty.

I have been fortunate enough to be selected as a volunteer for a renowned international conference in the Gold Coast at the end of July. This particular conference is about an area of speech-language therapy called augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

AAC is best explained by referencing the late Stephen Hawking. For physical reasons he could not speak, however he was a beyond brilliant man and had thoughts which he needed to share with the world. He overcame his speech difficulties by using a computer to communicate rather than talking himself. This computer is an example of an AAC device. AAC is essentially a mode of communication, other than speech, which individuals use to interact with others and express themselves.

This is an area of speech-language therapy which I am particularly interested in and I’m so excited to be attending this conference! With technology advancing so rapidly, AAC is becoming more and more common. This conference will provide me with skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people with communication difficulties. Absolutely everyone deserves to have a voice; even if they can't talk.

This opportunity was just too valuable to pass up, however, I am now faced with covering the cost of travel and accommodation myself. As a uni student cash flow is limited, so I'm on a fundraising adventure.

If you are in a position where you are able to donate, I would be extremely grateful! This opportunity means so much to me and I am so appreciative to be in this position. Not only can I help individuals with communication difficulties directly, but I can also pass what I learn onto other speech-language therapy students so together we can effect significant change!

Thank you for taking the time to read about my passion, and my journey. I hope that at the very least each of you have learnt something new about speech-language therapy!

Warmly,

Jacqui

P.S - For those of you interested this is the conference I will be attending; https://www.isaac-online.org/english/conference-2018/