CENMAC’s annual event Communication Works was held at the Charlton Athletic Football Club on Thursday 22nd May 2025.
Below are recordings of the keynote speeches and some of the seminars. Please scroll down the page to watch them.
Abdi Omar’s Keynote speech – Transforming lives
The day kicked off with a powerful speech from Abdi Omar, CENMAC’s AAC Consultant and CEO of The Limitless Minds Group UK
Abdi has taken on a crucial role in a project at Charlton Park Academy trialling Proloquo Classroom app. All the teachers, TAs, and students are being taught to use this power-based device, in a whole-school approach. Abdi talked about this rewarding experience during his keynote speech:
“Working with CENMAC has been more than a job. It’s been a journey. I’ve seen students transform. I’ve seen families gain hope and I’ve also seen something that is just as important – teachers and staff beginning to believe. Because if AAC is going to work in schools it can’t just be a student thing. It has to be a whole school thing. Everyone from the classroom assistant to the Headteacher has to understand it, respect it and know how to use it.” Abdi Omar
Keynote Speaker & MC Khamani Edwards
Khamani has been a CENMAC student since reception class right through to his Film & TV course at college. We have watched him develop into such a charismatic and positive young person. We are all very proud of him.
In his keynote speech Khamani said “Assistive tech hasn’t just supported me in class, it has unlocked opportunities, it helped me chase my dreams, finish my education, and build a business.”
We asked Khamani to tell us how he felt following the event “Communication Works South was such a full-circle moment for me. To return – not just as MC for the third year, but also as a keynote speaker – at the end of my education journey, after completing my two-year Film and TV college course, meant so much. From sharing my journey living with dystonia to building KJ’s Craft Time – an inclusive craft business that champions creativity for all children – it was surreal standing on stage, surrounded by educators, students, and innovators who truly believe in the power of assistive technology. I’m so grateful to CENMAC for their support over the years, and for giving me both the confidence and the tools to share my story on that stage.” — Khamani Edwards
Empowering Access: Using Head Tracking & Facial Gestures for Computer Control
Presenters: Mike Hazlewood, CEO & Co-Founder, Sensepilot and Abdi Omar, AAC Consultant
Sensepilot is a new computer access method that enables users to control their
computer using head tracking and facial gestures—all with a standard webcam.
In this presentation Mike Hazlewood, Co-Founder & CEO of Sensepilot introduces the product and demonstrate how it could be a useful tool in SEND settings. AAC Consultant Abdi Omar will demonstrate the product alongside a Charlton Park Academy student.
Raising Aspirations with Assistive Technology – A Parent’s Perspective
Presenters: CENMAC Advisory Teachers Ber Allee and Carly Adkinson with parents of CENMAC students Lucy Fisher and Lucinda Tam
In this discussion two parents of CENMAC students share how their children have been supported with assistive technology. Find out how they feel about the support that they have
received, the different types of technology that have been used and how their children have responded.
Dive into Accessible Reading
Presenters: CENMAC Deputy Head and QTVI, Mary Long with Kim Piff, Marketing & Communication Manager at Dolphin Computer Access
Student Presenter: Jesse from Dulwich College
In this seminar Mary, Kim and student Jesse speak about the benefits of using Dolphin EasyReader software for those with a vision impairment. Mary speaks about a recent piece of action research completed in conjunction with the University of Derby and Dolphin, and her findings.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking for Dictation and Full Computer Control
Presenters: Carly Adkinson, CENMAC Advisory Teacher and Joe Herbert, CENMAC Specialist TA
Student Presenter: Luke from St Mary Magdalene C of E All Through Secondary School
In this session see how Dragon NaturallySpeaking has supported student Luke. Find out why
the voice recognition software was chosen, and how it has helped Luke to better access his curriculum and
subject exams
AAC a Universal Approach at Charlton Park Academy
Presenters: Kathryn Stowell, Head of CENMAC, Claire Hennings, Specialist TA, Abdi Omar, AAC Consultant with Teachers Amber Moore, Sarah Ball, Emma Elliott & Adam Waterman and students from Charlton Park Academy
Charlton Park Academy has been involved in a whole school trial of Proloquo Classroom over the past year. After success of using a universal approach to AAC within four trial classes the school has now provided Proloquo Classroom app across the whole academy.
Hear how this has been implemented and from the students and staff about the impact this has had and some of the surprising outcomes.
Even Pinker – 1 Year On
Presenters: Maureen De Longhi, CENMAC Advisory Teacher
Student Presenter: Ruth from Future Academies Pimlico
In this presentation Maureen talks about the assistive technologies used to support secondary student Ruth. Ruth has a real flair for writing and has written a book called ‘I Feel Pink Today’ and poems to help people understand how she feels as a young person with cerebral palsy. She is also writing her first play!
Over the past year there have been changes to the devices and software that Ruth uses to access the curriculum due to changes in her academic needs.
Show me, Guide me, Watch me: Modelling AAC with users across all ages
Presenters: Maria Vonica, AAC Training Coordinator and Kirsten Gottschalk, Solutions Consultant at Tobii Dynavox
In this 30 minute session presenters Maria Vonica, AAC Training Coordinator at and Kirsten Gottschalk, Solutions Consultant from Tobii Dynavox discuss the benefits of modelling AAC, how to model to build language and communication, and how we can adapt our techniques to suit users across varying ages. If you missed their session at Communication Works on Thursday 22nd May 2025, this is another opportunity to hear their presentation.
Empowering voices through the implementation of Grid – Clockhouse Greenland’s AAC Journey
Presenters: Faye Howlett, SEND Provision Teacher, Clockhouse School with an introduction by Jenny Zentner, CENMAC Advisory Speech and Language Therapist
In this 30 minute session discover how Clockhouse School has developed a SEND provision that promotes autonomy through both paper-based and powered AAC tools. This session shares the school’s journey in creating a communication-rich environment where every learner is supported to express their thoughts, needs and ideas. Learn about the strategies, challenges, and positive outcomes that have shaped their inclusive approach. If you missed this case study at CENMAC’s annual event Communication Works this is another opportunity to hear it.
Exploring with Explorer: Embedding TD Snap within the curriculum
Presenter: Claire McReynolds, SEND Lecturer, New City College – Havering with an introduction by Jenny Zentner, CENMAC Advisory Speech and Language Therapist
In this 30 minute webinar SEND Lecturer Claire McReynolds presents her case study on taking a universal approach to high tech AAC within an FE environment. She follows the journey of Explorer and discusses the progress and challenges faced along the way. If you missed Claire McReynolds seminar session at our annual event Communication Works, this is another opportunity to hear it.
Choosing a Switch Development Pathway
Presenters: Charlie Danger and Luke Thompson, Occupational Therapists and Assistive Technology Specialists
In this seminar at Communication Works Charlie and Luke share approaches to switch development pathways at home and in the classroom.
> Watch Choosing a Switch Development Pathway
You can also find out more about switches with the following resources developed by Charlie in conjunction with Ace Centre and Luke Thompson’s company Jaio:
Accessible Learning for all: Universal Design for Learning in 2025 and beyond
Presenter: Bob Usher Content Manager, LGfL and Daniel Davies, Woodland Academy Trust
Company: LGfL & EdTech Hubs Programme
In this seminar session Bob and Daniel offer insights, experiences and good practice from across the LGfL community and the EdTech Hubs programme, watch how we are using technology to remove barriers to learning, engage and inspire all learners, and give them a voice.