2004 Annual Report

We started off the year with the First Regional African AAC Conference in February, which was a most successful and inspiring event for all involved. Two hundred and sixty people participated in the conferences, sixty of whom were from overseas. In addition, we were most honoured to welcome the executive committee of the International Society for AAC (ISAAC) at the conference. Their support assisted in making this a most memorable event for us all. The contribution made by the CAAC in promoting issues related to disability in the country was recognised with two awards this year: - 25 May 2004. The National Science and Technology Forum Award for: best corporate over the past 10 years. This was awarded for the sustained contribution of the CAAC towards training and promotion of AAC within the country - On the 31 August 2004, the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (CAAC) also received an award for: Excellence in Innovation and Sustainability: Social at the 2004 Innovation Award Ceremony incorporating the T-systems: Age of Innovation and Sustainability Awards (AIS) and the Standard Bank CPSI Public Sector Innovation Awards.

Two CAAC staff members, Shakila Dada (who also graduated with her PhD in AAC this year) and Juan Bornman were fortunate enough to spend prolonged periods in Sweden working with Prof Mats Granlund and his students in the CHILD programme at Mälardalen University, as part of the three year collaboration between the CAAC and Mälardalen University. Munyane Mophosho left the service of the University in January and we were fortunate to appoint Gloria Madiba as part of the CAAC staff. The high number of enrolled students who completed their degrees and passed their studies once again reflects the commitment of the CAAC staff to attract and support quality students to the courses offered. We are indeed grateful for another year full of opportunities and growth in the CAAC!