Purpose statement:
The main purpose of this SLP is to build knowledge, skills and expertise in the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to stakeholders who directly or indirectly support and educate children whose speech is severely affected. Individuals with speech difficulties present a continuous challenge in communication which negatively affects their learning and participation in their daily activities. There are various conditions that cause severe speech production. These conditions include:
Developmental disabilities
Developmental Apraxia of speech
Cerebral palsy
Down Syndrome
Other Intellectual impairments
Traumatic brain injury
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Fragile X Syndrome
Angelman syndrome etc.
Inclusive education, as a policy and human-rights mandate, provides a strong justification for the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in schools. Inclusive education requires that all learners, including those with complex communication needs, are supported to participate meaningfully in teaching, learning, and social interaction within mainstream and special school settings. Ability to communicate is the prerequisite of learning and participation in all educational context. In this module students will be introduced to the importance of communication in educational settings, what AAC is, importance of AAC, AAC candidates and array of symbols used to compensate speech production in non-speaking individuals.
Modules:
PRAA15W - Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Inclusive Education
Module 1: Introduction of AAC in Inclusive Education
Inclusive education, as a policy and human-rights mandate, provides a strong justification for the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in schools. Inclusive education requires that all learners, including those with complex communication needs, are supported to participate meaningfully in teaching, learning, and social interaction within mainstream and special school settings. In this module, participants will acquire knowledge and understanding that AAC serves as a key enabling tool that allows learners who cannot rely on speech to communicate, access the curriculum, demonstrate knowledge, and build relationships with peers and teachers.
Syllabus
1. AAC as a strategy for Inclusive Classrooms
2. Communication barriers that lead to exclusion
3. AAC candidates
4. Communication symbols
PRAA16X - AAC assessment process
Module 2: Assessment protocol for AAC
In line with the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) Policy, the assessment process plays a critical role in identifying factors that inform appropriate Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) support for learners with severe speech difficulties, as well as for their families and caregivers. AAC assessment serves as the foundational step in the SIAS continuum, as it enables a comprehensive understanding of the learner's abilities, functional communication skills, barriers to learning, and support needs within their educational and social contexts. In this module, participants will learn about AAC assessment as a collaborative, team-based process involving various stakeholders and decision-making regarding appropriate AAC systems for AAC candidates.
Syllabus
1. Importance and principles of Screening, and Identification for AAC
2. Screening, and Identification process for AAC candidates
PRAA17Y - Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Technology
Module 3: AAC Aids and devices
In accordance with the Inclusive Education mandate, the use of AAC assistive devices is a fundamental strategy for facilitating communication, learning, and participation among learners with severe speech difficulties. In this module, participants will learn about different low- high technology AAC options, such as communication boards, communication books, and battery-operated toys with switches, as well as high-technology AAC systems.
Syllabus
1. Communication devices
2. Access Options for communication technology
PRAA18Z - Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention Strategies
Module 4: AAC support strategies
AAC implementation also involves adapting teaching methods, modelling AAC use by teachers and peers, and creating communication-rich environments where multiple modes of expression are valued. In this module, participants will learn about different AAC strategies to embed into lesson planning, classroom routines, and group work, inclusive classrooms.
Syllabus
1. Creation of communication symbols according to curriculum themes
2. Positioning for participation
3. Use of Aided Language Support strategies
