Keynote Speaker – Gregor Gilmour
Keynote Speaker – Gregor Gilmour
Keynote speaker for Communication Works South 2026 is Gregor Gilmour. Gregor is Co-Manager of the mentoring service ATtherapy(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab). Gregor is one in a team of innovative AT mentors who use AAC and support other AAC users in their journeys to be confident, independent communicators. Gregor has athetoid cerebral palsy and has used a communication aid since he was 6 years old. Gregor uses his own lived experience to help others. The position gives him a real sense of purpose as he watches the skills and confidence of his mentees grow.
Gregor has also been a role model for the service 1voice(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab), a fantastic charity that organises social events for individuals and families who use AAC. They provide social connection and networking for AAC users and their families at any stage of their communication journey.
In his spare time Gregor plays Boccia, attends music concerts, theatre and festivals. He enjoys meals at the pub and spending time with his family and friends. He’s a huge supporter of Manchester City and likes to attend all home games!
We can’t wait to hear about Gregor’s communication journey and his valuable role as an AAC mentor.
Seminar Presenters
Laura Brown, Seminar Presenter
Laura Brown – Spinning World of Autism
Laura Brown parent of Ethan, an autistic 6 year old, who is non-speaking & a proud AAC user will be giving a special seminar. AAC advocacy is now at the heart of all Laura does to fight for her son, but also for all individuals who would benefit from access to an AAC device. Based on their positive AAC lived experience as a family, Laura is now a proud AAC advocate sharing their story across the UK as a confident speaker & in various media outlets. Highlights have included speaking at the Houses of Parliament for the APPG for Assistive Technology, being Keynote Speaker at Communication Works North, an ITV news feature showing Ethan’s AAC use in action, frequent radio interviews & writing an article for The National Autistic Society all about how her family have introduced & embraced AAC.
Chantal Bryan OBE and Sarah Giles, Seminar Presenters
Chantal Bryan OBE & Sarah Giles – Teach Us Too
Chantal Bryan OBE is a founder of Teach Us Too and a passionate advocate for inclusive literacy. Inspired by her experience teaching her son Jonathan to read and write outside of special school, the charity was established to champion the right of all children, including those with complex needs, to be taught literacy in their school setting. Chantal leads the organisation’s strategic vision and partnerships, amplifying voices often overlooked and calling for change in education policy and practice.
Sarah Giles is a qualified primary school teacher and experienced SENCO who worked as Jonathan Bryan’s home education tutor throughout his Key Stage 2 education. Since its inception, Sarah has led the educational work of Teach Us Too, developing and championing inclusive, literacy-rich educational approaches for pupils with complex communication and learning needs, with a particular focus on meaningful access to reading and writing.
Chantal Bryan OBE and Sarah Giles, Seminar Presenters
Khamani Edwards – CENMAC Student Voice Lead & CEO KJ’s Craft Time
Khamani is currently working one day per week at CENMAC where he champions the voices of children and young people with SEND via the newly created CENMAC Changemakers Collective. Khamani was supported by CENMAC throughout his education and is a shining example of the positive impact that assistive technology can have. During the COVID lockdown, Khamani’s own love of craft gave him the idea to start his own business, KJ’s Craft Time. He now runs his successful business as well as being an amazing guest speaker at many different events. He has an infectious personality and we are looking forward to having him back as MC as well as a seminar presenter.
Bob & Harchie Sagoo, Seminar Presenters
Bob & Harchie Sagoo – The Harchie Way
“Just Because I Can’t Talk, Doesn’t Mean I Don’t Understand” is a posthumous session about an amazing young man called Harchie, co-presented by his Dad Bob.
Harchie share’s his insights on his AT/AAC journey, his thoughts for the future, and what innovations he would like to see, all narrated by him, via his eyegaze communication device.
Bob will also give a parent’s perspective and also how Harchie’s legacy continues through his foundation The Harchie Way.
Sadly, Harchie passed away unexpectedly just before Christmas 2024.
Clare Thorn, Seminar Presenter
Clare Thorn – Teacher at Pioneer School
With over 20 years of teaching experience at Pioneer School in Essex, Clare specialises in supporting pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). As an AT Scholar for 2025, Clare is passionate about harnessing the power of Generative AI to create truly inclusive, sensory-rich learning environments. Clare’s work focuses on bridging communication gaps by merging high-tech tools with deeply personalised, student-centred content.
Innovation in AI and AAC
The Pioneer team was invited to deliver live lessons at the Bett Show, demonstrating how technology provides a voice for learners with complex needs. Their presentations included:
● BETT 2025: Sensory Stories
● BETT 2026: Food Technology Lesson
In her classroom Clare strives to ensure students see themselves reflected in their world. Clare uses Gemini AI to author bespoke social stories featuring wheelchair and AAC users. To boost engagement, Clare creates AI avatars of herself—such as appearing as the Easter Bunny—to model signing and AAC use, which her students find particularly funny.
More speakers for Communication Works 2026 will be announced soon! So follow us on our social channels to find out more:
Communication Works South – Charlton, Greater London
Date: Wednesday 24th June 2026
Time: 9.15am to 4.00pm
Venue: Charlton Athletic Football Club, North Stand, The Valley, Floyd Road, London SE7 8BL