MCA20 Speakers & Moderators

Morning Session Speakers - A Decade of Digital Opportunities and Threats

 

Marica Gatt is the Head of the Primary Education Resource Centre in Malta. She is also a visiting lecturer at the University of Malta lecturing on modules related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), assistive technology for learning, low-incidence disabilities, and profound and multiple learning disabilities. Marica was instrumental in setting up ACTU (Access to Communication and Technology Unit), a comprehensive assessment unit established in Malta in 2006, providing access to communication, language and literacy for individuals with complex needs. She has represented the Education Directorates in a number of funded projects including the development of the Maltese text to speech engine and the use of eye gaze technology together with project partners.

In 2016 she was awarded an advanced master class writing workshop at the Monash University Prato Centre, Italy and was also awarded an emerging researcher award travelling to Toronto to present her paper at the ISAAC International Conference in August 2016. In 2018 she presented her paper at the Fifth International IASSIDD Europe Congress in Athens, Greece. Marica has presented her research both in Malta, the UK, Athens and Canada in AAC related conferences including Communication Matters annual conferences in the UK.

Marica completed a BEd (Hons) at the University of Malta in 1996. In 2006 she undertook an accredited course in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in conjunction with the ACE Centre North and Manchester Metropolitan University. In 2007 she completed an MSc in Complex Learning Disabilities at the University of Manchester. Marica passed her PhD subject to very minor corrections in November 2021. Her PhD was about ‘Improving Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use between Mothers, Siblings and Children with Communication Disabilities’. Her supervisors were Dr Jill Bradshaw, Professor Glynis Murphy and Dr Nicola Grove.

Marica has also volunteered in the past with Special Olympics Malta helping in setting up the first edition of the Healthy Athletes program in 2012 and implement the Motor Activity training program (MATP) at her school.