2017 Annual Report

I would like to invite you, by means of this Annual Report, which uses the 2017‐2021 UP Strategic Plan as a broad roadmap, to take that first step and join the 2017 journey of the Centre for AAC. This Annual Report is a key tool for sharing the journey through data points that provide insight into our recent progress with regards to research, teaching and learning, and community engagement projects, designed to impact on the economic and social development of persons with disabilities – especially those with significant communication disabilities. The information presented here is not merely a glimpse into our 2017 trajectory, however; it is also a testament to a longstanding commitment to our core values: respect, diversity, teamwork, and integrity. Wherever improvements have occurred, they are due to the commitment of great people, and it is rewarding to see that many of the names in this Annual Report have not changed since the previous year, showing a high degree of continuity and stability in terms of our key initiatives, despite a period of change in the broader academic landscape. I thank my outstanding colleagues at the Centre, our committed students and loyal alumni, the generous local and international partners in academia, government, the private sector, and non‐profit organisations, as well as our Advisory Board and the management and executive of the University, specifically our Dean, Prof Vasu Reddy, and the deputy deans, Prof Hennie Stander and Prof Maxi Schoeman – a truly dependable force. Together, they enable fact‐based leadership, which is becoming increasingly important to the future of tertiary education.