Welcome

Speech is clearly the most common vehicle for expressing our thoughts, hopes and feelings. For people for whom this is not possible, communication can become very difficult. This is why organizations like the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) exist, to foster the development and social and occupational integration of those who cannot talk or whose communication is impaired. ISAAC’s AAC systems mean that the quality of life of many is improved.

ISAAC, which is celebrating its 25th birthday this year, has summoned us to Montréal for its 13th Biennial Conference under the banner Leading the Way. A unique gathering where AAC systems and the latest developments and breakthroughs in the field are the centerpieces of the program.

On behalf of the Government of Québec, I am pleased to welcome everyone come to share, exchange and learn here at ISAAC’s 13th Biennial Conference. Bravo and thank you for being among those who lead the way to communication.

Have a wonderful conference!

Jean Charest
Prime Minister of Québec

Mayor's Message

I am delighted to welcome to Montréal the participants of this thirteen biennial conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication(ISAAC).

Considered one of North America’s oldest cities and located at the crossroads of American and European influences, in many respects Montréal has an original personality that it has used to create links with all continents. The world’s second-largest French-speaking city, it is cosmopolitan, animated and cultural, with an excellent reputation for artistic and gastronomic creativity. In fact, while Montréal has all of the attributes of a true international metropolis, its best asset is its residents, known for the warmth of their welcome.

Over the past few years, we have been concerned with universal accessibility. We are pleased at the progress made in every area. In 2007 alone, we started a number of projects that affect the accessibility of buildings, urban spaces, services and communications. We have the good fortune of working in close collaboration with our valued partners from special communities, who share our objective to make our city welcoming to the thousands of persons who deal with limitations on a daily basis. You are certain to find in Montréal an environment that will foster your discussions.

My best wishes for success accompany the team in charge of organizing this meeting. An excellent stay to our visitors andHappy Birthdayto ISAAC for its 25 years of existence!

Gérald Tremblay
Mayor of Montréal

Welcome to ISAAC ’08 in Montréal, Canada

On behalf of ISAAC Canada, I would like to invite you to spend some exciting, informative days with us in Montréal at the 13th biennial conference – “Leading the Way”. Canada has been a leader in the field of AAC – from the early days of introducing Blissymbolics as an international AAC method, hosting the site of the ISAAC Secretariat, and currently offering people who use AAC a special conference just for them, the ICE conference, every two years. ISAAC ‘08 will not only be a cutting edge international conference for the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication, but also a celebration. ISAAC has been an organization for 25 years in 2008. Special activities have been planned to mark this milestone. Other social activities include enjoying world-class jazz in Old Montreal and traditional Quebecois culinary delights. This ISAAC conference builds on past conferences in the area of participation by people who use AAC. There will be a town hall meeting for people who use AAC and their families, and there have been over 90 paper submissions in the category of personal experiences. The full day pre-conference workshops and the Research Symposium will offer opportunities to interact with leaders in the clinical and research areas of the field of AAC.

ISAAC members from across Canada are working to make this ISAAC conference the best that Canada has to offer. Come and learn, come and enjoy our multicultural society and join us in “Leading the Way” into the next 25 years of ISAAC!

I look forward to meeting you in Montréal.

Shelley Deegan
President - ISAAC Canada

Welcome to the official website of ISAAC’s 13th biennial conference, to be held in Montréal, Canada in August 2008. Under the theme of “Leading the Way” ISAAC and its members will mark 25 years of leadership in AAC around the world! In 1983, ISAAC officially began with a small group of individuals and has grown into an organization that is recognized internationally for the expertise, dedication, and creativity of its members.
ISAAC’s 25th anniversary in 2008 is cause for celebration.

The field of AAC has changed enormously in the last 25 years, and will continue to evolve in the future. Technological advances and new perspectives on human communication have shaped the evolution of AAC. Individuals who use AAC for their daily communication have increasingly taken on leadership roles. The 2008 conference program will showcase many examples of this leadership, and provide inspiration to others. Papers, presentations, and discussions of research projects, clinical and educational concerns, and issues of interest to individuals who use AAC systems will round out the program.
 
ISAAC 2008 is shaping up to be an exceptional event! In addition to the exciting main conference program, there are many pre-conference workshops on current topics in AAC, and the research symposium following the main conference is a must for AAC researchers.

Montréal is the perfect site for the 2008 conference. A city with a fascinating history and a bright future, Montréal is a lively place to visit, where joie de vivre is everywhere. We are looking forward to welcoming you to ISAAC 2008 in Montréal.

See you there!

Ann Sutton and Jeff Riley, Conference Co-chairs