PANDA AAC Camp
PANDA (Promoting and Advancing) AAC Camp is designed specifically for children with disabilities whose primary mode of communication is AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). Presented in collaboration with BC Association for Advancing Communications (BCAAC) our goal is to improve AAC education, communication, and literacy. Training will be provided for students, families, and educators, and will include hands-on application for speech-generating devices. Volunteer hours credit is available.
While parents are working with professionals to learn about speech-generating devices and other ways of supporting their children, the campers will enjoy a wide variety of activities ranging from storytelling to arts and crafts to drama.
Camp Logistics:
Date(s): Tuesday, July 23 - Friday, July 26, 2024
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm
Format: In-person at UBC
Audience: Children ages 5-14 with a speech-generating device (SGD)
Cost: $150 per camper
Contact: Edith Lando VLC
Register by: April 30, 2024
Leaders’ Training: Monday, July 22 (9:00am - 5:00pm)
Meet Your Instructors:
Joe Kwan
Joe is the father of two wonderful boys. His eldest son is minimally-verbal and proficient in using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to communicate his thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Joe serves on the Board of a large non-profit organization that promotes community living and inclusion, and is passionate in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within communities. Joe is a lifelong learner and recently completed his third Master’s degree (UBC’s Master of Educational Technology Program). He is the co-founder of BC Association for Advancing Communications (BCAAC) and a current member of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC).
Joyce Lo
Joyce is a graduate of the Master of Educational Technology program at the University of British Columbia. She is a K-12 educator and also a mother to two boys, one of whom has complex communication needs. Joyce is interested in educating people more about ableism, disability, and the use of technology. She is the co-founder for BC Association for Advancing Communications (BCAAC), a member of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC), and an advocate for disabled children. Joyce is passionate to work with children with all abilities. She believes it is important to provide children with opportunities to develop literacy skills, connect and communicate with others, and be able to participate meaningfully in society.