IV Live 2024
Schedule-at-a-Glance
*Schedule is subject to change and all times are Eastern Standard Time

 

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OPENING DAY - Thursday, October 17, 2024

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4:30 pm - 5:00 pm

REGISTRATION OPENS (📍Grand Ballroom Foyer)

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5:00 pm - 7:00 pm  

VENDOR EXHIBITS (📍Sky View) 

• Discover innovative products / services, and engage with representatives.  

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5:00 pm - 6:00 pm 

VIP HAPPY HOUR (📍Sky View )

• LIVE Saxophone Performance by Billboard Charting Artist Ellis Hamilton 

• Networking and socializing for AAC users and ticket holders.

• Complimentary drink(s) and heavy hors d’oeuvres                                            

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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Happy Hour & Networking Reception (📍Sky View) 

• LIVE Saxophone Performance by Billboard Charting Artist Ellis Hamilton 

• ​A one-hour event, the perfect opportunity to network and socialize in a relaxed, elegant setting.

• Complimentary drink(s) and heavy hors d’oeuvres     ​​

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7:00 pm - 9:00 pm    

ImpAACt Voices Live AAC Hangout and Celebration (📍Grand Ballroom, Salons A, B and C)
 

WELCOME

• Hear from industry pioneers Lance McLemore and Chris Klein, author of My Big Toe: A Story of Perseverance

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Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tracy L. Rackensperger

Presentation Title: Employment as a Pivotal Path for Building Positive Futures 

Description: "Everyone Can Work," Dr. Rackensperger emphasizes the importance of expecting AAC users to create their own income, challenging society’s common label of "unemployable." While many AAC users and their families worry about losing vital government benefits, Dr. Rackensperger argues that employment is the essential path for building positive futures for us! The keynote will share her personal employment journey, explore where we have been regarding AAC users in the workforce, and outline how we can build a brighter future together.

                                     

Q&A

CLOSING REMARKS

End of Day 1 and Open Up for Networking and Drinks

VENDOR EXHIBITS

• Discover new products / services, and engage with representatives.
   

DAY 2 - Friday, October 18, 2024
 

8:00 am - 8:30 am

REGISTRATION OPENS (📍Grand Ballroom Foyer)

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8:00 am - 9:00 am

BREAKFAST & CONNECT (📍Grand Ballroom Foyer)

• Start your day with a continental breakfast and the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and continue conversations from the night before as you fuel up for the day ahead.

VENDOR EXHIBITS (📍Grand Ballroom Foyer)

• Discover new products / services, and engage with representatives.

 

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9:00 am  - 10:00 am    

MORNING SESSIONS  (📍Grand Ballroom, Salons A, B and C)

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Welcome

Speaker #1: Dr. Yoosun Chung
Presentation Title: Respecting Diverse AAC in Action: Personal Stories and Educational Pathways in Assistive Technology

Description: Discover the real-world impact of AAC through Dr. Chung's personal experiences. This session highlights the importance of respecting and supporting diverse communication methods. Learn how you can contribute to the field through George Mason University’s Assistive Technology Master's and Certificate programs, designed to prepare future leaders in inclusive practices and empower individuals with disAbilities.

 
Speaker #2: India Ochs
Presentation Title: Your Perspective, Your Future
Description: What we see depends on what we are looking for. This session will provide perspective on perspective, and why that matters.                                                 

         

Q&A
TABLE DISCUSSION - Chat & Connect

• Connect and network with fellow attendees while conversing about the presented topics. ​​

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10:00 am - 10:30 am  

MID-MORNING NETWORKING BREAK (📍Grand Ballroom Foyer)

• Complimentary drinks

VENDOR EXHIBITS (📍Grand Ballroom Foyer)

• Discover new products / services, and engage with representatives.

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10:30 am - 12:00 am    

MID-MORNING SESSIONS (Grand Ballroom, Salons A, B and C)

 

Keynote Speaker: Bob Williams
Presentation Title: See Us. Hear Us. (Documentary Screening)

Description: Join renowned disability rights advocate Bob Williams for a screening of See Us. Hear Us., a powerful short documentary from Communication FIRST, that highlights the experiences of non-speaking individuals who use AAC. Bob’s personal story takes center stage in this film, challenging misconceptions and promoting inclusion. After the screening, Bob will lead an interactive Q&A, offering attendees the opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversation. 

Q&A

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12:00 pm - 1:30 pm    

NETWORKING LUNCH

• A relaxed sit-down buffet designed for networking and building connections.

VENDOR EXHIBITS (📍Grand Ballroom Foyer) 

• Discover new products and services, and engage with representatives.

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1:30 pm - 2:45 pm      

​AFTERNOON SESSIONS (📍Grand Ballroom, Salons A, B and C)

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WELCOME BACK

Speaker #3: Stephanie Fassov
Presentation Title: Mental Health in the AAC Community
Description: This session explores the unique mental health challenges faced by AAC communicators, with a focus on the impact of minority stress. Stephanie will discuss how this stress affects overall well-being and offer practical strategies to mitigate its effects while promoting confidence, connectedness, and resilience in the AAC community. 

Speaker #4: Chris Klein
Presentation Title: A Different Definition of Vocation

Description: We have defined vocation as a simple job and profession. "I am a doctor. I am a lawyer. I am a teacher." These labels become a part of our identity and prestige. What happens if we define vocation differently? What happens to each of our identities when we view vocation differently? Chris will explore vocation from a fresh perspective and explore how this shift should change how we view both vocation, and our vocation. 

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Q&A​

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TABLE DISCUSSION - Chat & Connect (📍Grand Ballroom, Salons A, B and C

• Connect and network with fellow attendees while conversing about the presented topics 

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2:45 pm - 4:00 pm      

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION (📍Grand Ballroom, Salons A, B and C)​​

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4:00 pm - 5:00 pm      

FINAL REMARKS (📍Grand Ballroom, Salons A, B and C)

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END OF IV LIVE 2024 and FINAL DESSERT & CONNECTIONS

• Enjoy a sweet treat and one last opportunity to connect with fellow attendees before the event ends.

 

VENDOR EXHIBITS (📍Grand Ballroom Foyer)

• Discover new products / services, and engage with representatives.

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5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

BREAK

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6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

GROUP EVENT (📍Meet-Up To Be Announced)

• Dinner and Sightseeing: Have dinner as a group and head into D.C. by metro to explore the monuments

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