An
international conference focusing on how people with a range of cognitive,
linguistic, and physical impairments interact will be held in Newcastle, UK,
this year.
The
Atypical Interaction Conference (AIC) will be held at the Newcastle University,
27-29 June, and explore the themes of activity,
inclusivity, and creativity.
The AIC2022 is held every
three years and is attended by experts on dementia, autism, aphasia,
schizophrenia, visual- and speech-impairments and more.
The
event has previously been held in Helsinki, Denmark, and Sheffield.
Researchers have switched their attention to real-life communications involving people living with dementia
The
conference will showcase the Interaction, Dementia and Engagement in the Arts
for Lifelong Learning (IDEAL) project which brings together researchers at
Newcastle University, creative ageing charity Equal Arts and Sunderland Culture.
This
project identifies communication strategies used to enable people living with
dementia to take part in creative activities and achieve agency, autonomy, and
social connectivity.
Dr
Chris Leyland from Newcastle University said: "Newcastle University is
delighted to be hosting AIC2022. The university is becoming globally renowned
for its research on social interactions in second language settings, and now a
team of researchers have switched their attention to real-life communications
involving people living with dementia.
"The
AIC will host world-leading researchers investigating effective communications
involving people with dementia, aphasia, autism and more. This conference will
focus on creative activities and opportunities for inclusivity and
engagement."
Paul Szomoru, director of Business events at NewcastleGateshead
Convention Bureau, said: "It
is fantastic to see this international conference coming to Newcastle. Atypical
Interaction Conference 2022 will be bringing some of the world's leading
researchers here to learn, collaborate and see first-hand why Newcastle
University is a leading light in the important area
of dementia-research. We
hope the attendees have a rewarding and memorable time here."
The
conference will include four keynote speakers to lead the discussion.
Professor
Gitte Rasmussen from the University of Southern Denmark specialises in interactions
involving persons with linguistic, cognitive and physical impairments. She will
share her findings on the ways robot technology can be drawn upon by young
adults with impairments to participate in sports activities.
Dr
Ali Reza Majlesi from Stockholm University, Sweden, conducts research on social
interaction in both every day and institutional settings with participants with
various cognitive and communicative abilities. His focus is on communication
with people with dementia, which is conducted at the Center for Dementia
Research (CEDER) at Linköping University, Sweden.
Professor
Camilla Lindholm from Tampere University, Finland, examines institutional
interactions involving people with communication impairments including
dementia. Her talk will examine creativity and engagement in multi-party
interaction involving people living with dementia.
Dr
Suzanne Beeke is an Associate Professor at University College London. Her
research focuses on communication disabilities such as post-stroke aphasia, traumatic
brain injury and dementia, and she explores their impact on everyday
conversations in the home and on healthcare interactions.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
