AAC Best Practice Study Days NEW from 'Communicate'
A series of nine, monthly study days
to develop the knowledge and skills for working with
children and adults
who use communication aids.
Main presenter
Philippa Robinson, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist [AAC], Communicate
Each day stands alone, so participants can “dip in and out” as necessary. However, the series of days also form a progressive course, covering a wide rage of topics.
STUDY DAYS
1. ; “Is that the same as … ?”: Establishing a shared frame of reference.
• What do we mean by “a communication aid”?
• Why use communication aids and with whom?
• How do communication aids vary?
2. Adult Acquired Disorders: Models of AAC intervention, communication profiles & vocabulary choice.
Everyone is different – what makes these clients special? Assessing current communication and identifying communication needs.
3. Children and Adults with Special Needs / Learning Disability: Models of AAC intervention, communication profiles & vocabulary choice.
Everyone is different – what makes these clients special? Assessing current communication and identifying communication / language development needs
4. Coaching the best out of people: Communicative competence in AAC.
What makes a good “communication aid user”? Putting theory into practice.
5. Beyond Cut and Paste: How to make “low tech” really rock!
Layout of communication books & boards including language arrangement, symbol choice use of colour, size, position, etc.
6. Making a difference in real life with AAC: Creating communication opportunities.
Practical ways to encourage improved communication at work, rest and play!
7. Ready… aim…fire! Developing switching and scanning skills.
Seating, positioning and access methods.
8. Kith, Kin and Co: Training communication partners.
Who are they and how can we help?
9. VOCA toolkit: essentials for introducing a Voice Output Communication Aid.
Overview, practical ideas, materials, techniques and strategies for introducing a VOCA
The days are suitable for any professional working with people who are using or considering using a communication aid. A communication aid is defined as any thing which helps an individual with face to face communication. It may involve pictures, symbols or text, be paper or electronic based and simple or complex.
Each day will involve presentation and discussion, with "hands-on" time when relevant, and will be supported by detailed course materials and references.
Timings: 9.30 am – 3.30 pm
Venues: alternate between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Middlesbrough.
Dates, venues and fees: see booking form.
Lunch and refreshments are included
For more information contact:
Communicate Coordinator
Walkergate Park International Centre for Neurological Rehabilitation & Neuro-Psychiatry
Benfield Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4QD
Tel : 0191 287 5240 Fax : 0191 287 5250
Email: communicate@nhs.net
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