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Level B
Communication: augmentative and
assistive strategies
A girl in specialist chair
                  and her teacher
About this module
A teacher and two pupils with assistive
                  devices laugh and smile

ILevel B of this module introduces augmentative and assistive communication strategies and what the key AAC tools are.

It focuses on the interventions and tools used to enable children with SLD/PMLD/CLDD to communicate more effectively.

It equips adults with the techniques they need to be an effective communication partner.

Learning outcomes
A teacher and girl use a computer with
                  the aid of an assistive device

The materials in this level are intended to provide those working with children with SLD/PMLD/CLDD the tools to be able to:

  • Understand how AAC aids can help children make progress in their communication;
  • Understand how access can be improved for children using AAC in different environments; and
Understand the importance of liaising with others with regular contact with a child in the development of their communication needs.
Teachers' standards

Details of the professional standards that apply to all teachers in England can be obtained from the Department for Education website. These standards apply to all teachers regardless of their career stage and all aspects of the standards are relevant to teachers working with children with special educational needs.

 

Department for Education Teachers' Standards 2011

Teachers Standards Cover
Special Educational Needs

As defined by the Department for Education Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2001), children have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for them.


Children have a learning difficulty if they have:

  • A significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age, or
  • A disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for children of the same age in schools within the area of the local education authority.
SENCodeOfPracticeCover
Acknowledgements

With thanks to the professionals who contributed to this module:

 

Module Content

Anne Fowlie, Independent Educational Consultant
Beverley Cockbill, Training Officer, The Schools Network
Corinna Cartwright, Headteacher, James Rennie School, Cumbria
Terry Waller, Independent Consultant, Include ICT

 

All modules produced by The Schools Network and
Real Group (UK) Ltd for the Training Development Agency for Schools (TDA).

 

Editorial Team

Dr Mark Turner, Real Group (UK) Ltd
Professor Hilary Constable, The Schools Network
Jo Egerton, The Schools Network
Anne Fowlie, The Schools Network
John Truman, The Schools Network
Annie Grant, Independent Consultant

Production and Design

Jonathan Bond, Real Group (UK) Ltd
Colm Gibson, Real Group (UK) Ltd
David Hutter, Real Group (UK) Ltd
Ruth Earl, Real Group (UK) Ltd

 

Video, Audio and Photography

Atomic Productions

 

Project Management

Professor Barry Carpenter, The Schools Network
Alan Macgregor, Real Group (UK) Ltd
Sylvia Paddock, The Schools Network
Dr Mark Turner, Real Group (UK) Ltd
Caroline Ward, The Schools Network

 

Thanks to all the children, parents, carers, assistants and teachers for their involvement.