Hot Topics at Communication Works South

29 June 2026

What a day we had at Communication Works South on Wednesday 24th June. We want to say a very big thank you to everyone who came, particularly in light of the extreme heatwave we experienced on the day. It goes to show the level of commitment our SEND community has to supporting our children and young people. We’d also like to thank the team at the Charlton Athletic Football Club and the AV team from ML Executives who helped us run the day smoothly.

MC – Khamani Edwards, Student Voice Lead

Student Lead Khamani Edwards opened the day and shared how assistive technology has supported him throughout his education journey. At the age of just 19 he is an inspirational speaker and the CEO of his own business KJ’s Craft Time. He has achieved so much by having such a positive attitude to his learning, taking advice from the professionals that support him, being incredibly determined and having a great sense of humour.

Keynote Speaker – Gregor Gilmour, AT Mentor at ATtherapy

Our amazing keynote speaker was Gregor Gilmour. Gregor told how as a child with cerebral palsy he was dismissed as being someone who would never be educated or given the opportunity to learn.

He told how his parents struggled to get the support he needed. He has managed to overcome so many obstacles and shared how AAC has given him a voice, access to education and a brilliant career as an AT Mentor.

Khamani Edwards opening speech on the main stage

MC Khamani Edwards, opening Communication Works 2026 on the main stage

Gregor Gilmour, Keynote Speaker

Keynote speaker: Gregor Gilmour, AT Mentor, ATTherapy

Seminar Presenters:

We also want to thank our wonderful seminar presenters:

Chantal Bryan OBE and Sarah Giles, Teach Us Too
Laura Brown, Spinning World of Autism
Danielle Moriarty, TA and her wonderful Year 5 pupil from Charlton Manor Primary School who joined CENMAC Advisory Teacher Maureen De Longhi and TA Isabelle Taylor
Abdi Omar, The Limitless Entrepreneur who was joined by AssistiveWare, Jabbla UK, Tobii Dynavox and Smartbox.
Claire Evans, SENCO and Charlotte Paraody, AT Lead from Middle Park Primary School and some of their fabulous pupils who joined CENMAC Advisory Teacher Carly Adkinson
Clare Thorn, Pioneer School
Bob Sagoo, Parent of Harchie
Bradley Dardis, Learning Resources Consultant at LGfL
David Howard, CENMAC
Head of CENMAC Kathryn Stowell and Deputy Head Mary Long gave an update on the DfE’s Assistive Technology Lending Library (ATLL) and were joined by Sara Dale, SEN Advisory Service (SENAS) Manager & Physical/Medical Consultant, Trafford and Alan Davis, Assistive Technology Lead, Lancasterian School, Manchester
Charlie Danger and Luke Thompson, CENMAC

The seminar sessions were recorded, and we will be sharing them soon.

Chantal Bryan and Sarah Giles from Teach Us Too presenting Literacy for All

Chantal Bryan OBE and Sarah Giles from Teach Us Too presenting

The Charlton Manor Primary Seminar Team

Exhibitors

We also want to thank all the technology companies who joined us as exhibitors for the day. It is amazing to see the range of assistive technology that is available and a great opportunity for our visitors to see technology that they might not have seen before. Thank you also to the companies who provided generous raffle prizes which were gratefully received by the winners.

> Find out more about our exhibitors

Student Art Exhibition

We hope you enjoyed the Student Art Exhibition on the way into the Exhibition Hall. We want to thank the students who lent us their amazing artworks for the day.

Student Music Performance

Ewa from Cosmo switches provided us with a musical performance at lunchtime with some of our wonderful students from Charlton Park Academy in St James’s Park Class who really enjoyed performing for our very appreciative crowd.

Alex from Pods with a visitor

Mike from Sensepilot with a visitor

Illustrating Communication Works

The whole day was documented by the fantastic graphic facilitator Pen Mendonca who illustrated key messages from the day. It was lovely to see some of the children being quite fascinated by her drawing and even joining in to help.

We will share more photos and videos with you soon. For now take a look at some of our photos of the day below.

Thanks again for coming!