These Communication Matters study days are great ways to update your knowledge on the 'hot' topics in AAC. Current members of Communication Matters can claim a £25 discount for each study day (except marked *), so book early to avoid disappointment.
14 January 2010, London
This study day will focus on supporting children who have multi-sensory impairments (MSI) challenging their communication progress.
These children and young people may have visual difficulties, including abnormal visual behaviour and/or hearing impairment, often in the context of difficulties with exploring their environment. Their communication targets for Individual Education Programmes / Speech & language therapy programmes / Speaking and Listening are often generic and unfocused, and may not appear relevant to those people who know the children well.
The day will be useful to all those working and playing with children/young people with MSI, including families, therapists and school staff.
We are very excited to have speakers who have worked and published in this specialist field, and plan to explore the tricky process of target setting for those supporting communication development. There will be discussion and question time to take best advantage of their
expertise.
Spring 2010 (details to follow)
An essential overview of the fundamentals of augmentative and alternative communication, including: communication aids, systems and methods, from ‘no tech’ to ‘high tech’; tools for providing access to communication systems; an introduction to Communication Matters as a charity and what it does; information about the range of people who use, support and work within the field of AAC including a session led by someone who uses AAC; and a Question & Answer Panel of AAC practitioners and people who use AAC. Terminology, definitions, resources and policies which will be demystified, including an essential ‘acronym buster’. There will also be an exhibition of communication aids and AAC products.