Brisbane
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5 March 2027
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Endless Possibilities Conference
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Brisbane - 5 March 2027 - Endless Possibilities Conference -
Conference Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Sue Buckley is currently a Director of Science and research at Down Syndrome Education International and Emeritus Professor of Developmental Disability at the University of Portsmouth, UK. Sue is a psychologist and a leading expert in education and development for young people with Down syndrome.
Sue began research examining early reading instruction for children with Down syndrome in 1980 and founded Down Syndrome Education International in 1986. Her research and contributions to the lives of young people with Down syndrome has been widely recognised through numerous awards.
Sue Buckley
Amanda Hartmann is a highly experienced Speech-Language Pathologist who has worked in the field since 1997. She has a passion for supporting children and adults with disabilities to communicate and connect. She specialises in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), literacy and technology, with a strong focus on practical strategies that support communication, learning and participation across everyday environments.
Amanda has presented on AAC and Assistive Technology nationally and internationally to schools, organisations and professional audiences. She divides her time between private practice, consulting with educators and teams to support AAC in classrooms, and her work with AssistiveWare. She also lectures in AAC to Speech Pathology students at The University of Queensland.
Amanda Hartmann
Speakers
Kym Waters is a Program Advisor with the Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network who is passionate about people and possibilities. Drawing on expertise in inclusion, partnerships, coaching and leadership, she supports schools and communities to thrive. A lifelong learner, Kym is driven by curiosity, connection, good coffee and a healthy sense of humour.
Kym Waters
Amanda Watt is Executive Director of the Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network and a tireless champion for parent voice. Equally comfortable in school communities, policy discussions and boardrooms, she works to ensure family perspectives help shape educational decision-making. Amanda is driven by connection, collaboration and the belief that strong partnerships create better outcomes for students.
Amanda Watt
Sharyn has worked for Education Queensland for 16 years, including 14 years across various Special School settings, where she developed extensive experience supporting students with diverse learning and accessibility needs.
For the past 2 years, Sharyn has worked as an Advisory Visiting Teacher (AVT) – Assistive Technology with Assistive Technology Statewide Services. In this role, she support schools, teachers and students to identify and implement appropriate Assistive Technology and inclusive digital practices. This includes providing advice, conducting Assistive Technology audits, supporting staff capability through professional development, and helping teachers identify tools and strategies that enable students to access the curriculum, participate in learning and demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Sharyn Sutton
Denise & Bryden Maindonald
Denise is an Education Consultant at DSIDQ, with over 20 years of experience in teaching students with disabilities. With nearly two decades as a registered and practicing Key Word Sign (KWS) presenter, Denise brings a wealth of expertise in Alternative and Augmentative Communication. Her school-based KWS workshops are highly sought after and consistently receive excellent feedback for their practical value and engaging delivery.
Bryden is a Teacher's Aide for Education Queensland and is a Key Word Sign user.
