Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is the term used to describe a variety of communication methods other than speech.  At Joondalup ESC, we believe that every student has a right to be able to communicate.  We often have students at our school with complex communication needs (CCN) such as speech or language difficulties.  We strive to give them a “voice” by supporting them to communicate using AAC.

To support our student’s communication and language development, we made the decision to have a whole school approach to communication.  We chose to use PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display) communication books.  PODD books were developed in Australia by Gayle Porter with the aim to provide continuous communication all the time, for a range of messages/topics and across multiple settings.  We believe that modelling communication for a variety of different purposes throughout the day gives our students the necessary tools to have a “voice” and enables them to contribute in all areas of learning. 

We also support our students using a variety of other communication aids.  We use communication books, communication Apps, designated communication devices that have been provided through relevant therapists, posters and visuals to support our students with communication and understanding. 

I was recently invited to speak to students at North Metropolitan TAFE who are currently completing their studies in Certificate 4 in Education Support.  This was an amazing opportunity for me to go and talk to everyone about what AAC is, the importance of AAC and what it looks like in our school.  I enjoyed sharing stories of the moments when our children with CCN have amazed us with their ability to use their communication systems to express themselves, and how having a “voice” has allowed them to make valuable contributions in class.

We have been able to share some of our old PODD books with TAFE so that they can use them when learning about AAC.  During my visit to TAFE, I was able to briefly show the students how to use a PODD book and spoke about the basic navigation of it.  We had a time for quick practice before I left. 

My visit to TAFE was a great opportunity for students to ask questions about how communication devices are used at school, where do they get them from and how using AAC has supported our children.  We are hoping to continue this relationship with TAFE with the possibility of visiting again in the near future.

At Joondalup ESC we understand that providing and using AAC is crucial in giving students with complex communication needs the necessary tools to enable them to communicate and to interact with others.  If you have any queries regarding your child’s communication, please don’t hesitate to contact your classroom teacher or me at any time.

Regards,

Sue Norman