Highlights and Reflections from our ASL & Technology Conference 2025

Posted by Robert Stewart on the 13th August, 2025

Innovation Meets Inclusion: Highlights and Reflections from our ASL & Technology Hybrid Conference 2025. 

What happens when technology, accessibility, and human connection meet in a single  event?

On 11th June 2025, something very special happened - at CALL Scotland, Moray House, University of Edinburgh we hosted our first-ever hybrid ASL & Technology Conference, and it was a brilliant day from start to finish. Whether you joined us in person in Edinburgh or tuned in from home or school, the buzz was real! We had inspiring talks, live tech demos, and so many ideas bouncing around on how to make learning more accessible for everyone. It was all about sharing, connecting, and getting excited about what’s possible. 

There were certainly a lot of firsts that day; we were hybrid, we had live music, an opening Keynote speaker, pupil voice and our highest ever turnout in person, the best vegan brownies and the sun shone (although I’m not entirely sure that is a first in Edinburgh!).

We know that more opportunities for human connection are needed, and it seems most people agree with us.  Here is some of the feedback we’ve received:- 

It was a fabulous day. Loved the music to welcome us in the morning. Networking and meeting people in similar job roles from across Scotland was refreshing. Great to see new technology and lots of practical ideas which can be implemented.

Greatly organised, well delivered sessions, packed with information, great lunch, fab venue, clear instructions, flow of the event was great!

Talking to other professionals and the people who were speaking at the event. It really motivated me to hear people so passionate about this area.

Fab workshops, well organised, the music and a great chance for networking with others.

The practical supports and seeing them in action, the exhibitors and getting the chance to chat to people who are doing a similar job to myself.

It was well organised, great directions and good signposting. I loved the keynote speaker and her wild horses.

We know that there were one or two technical issues with a couple of workshops and that is to be expected.  We have re-recorded a couple of workshops and we learned a lot which has helped us formulate our plans for next year.  Yes, we have started planning already!   

Save the date for 2026

We're already buzzing with ideas for next year's ASL & Technology Conference - so mark your calendars for 10th June 2026! Expect more hands-on tech opportunities, fresh voices, and a whole lot of inspiration. We know that some people are keen to come back again next year, and I’m not just talking about our exhibitors, and some people who joined us online have already expressed an interest in attending in person.  So that you can get the dates in calendars and in school diaries, here it is, we will be returning hybrid again for 2026.

Notify me when ASL 2026 is ready for bookings.

And, just in case you need any more persuasion as to why you should attend:

Best training I've been to in my nearly 4 years as a pupil support teacher - I have lots to share with my class teaching colleagues and pupils. Made me feel energised for next session - thank you.

It's the 3rd year I've attended online and there's always something new! Great!

A wonderful opportunity to devote a day to thinking about AAC - schools are so busy, there are constant interruptions. It was fabulous to be able to listen to ideas and see strategies and resources in an environment where it was possible to actually finish a thought process about how they relate to our own settings.

Can't wait till next year!

Absolutely fab job and I can’t wait to attend next year and see updates.

I have always been a great believer in, if you don't ask, you don't get – just ask my last Headteacher! Anyway, if you need to ask your Senior Leadership Team or Line Manager for the day out to attend, do it now and get 10th June 2026 in your diaries!

If you have any questions about attending in person, online or about exhibiting please contact kirsteen.steven@ed.ac.uk.