Teaching Communication Skills for Independence

There are many skills that are typically taught in communication intervention programs. Individuals with complex communication needs, however, must master certain critical communication skills if they are to function independently in the home, community, school and/or vocational setting.

One set of critical skills deals with expressive communication – skills individuals need to convey important messages to others. These skills are crucial because if a person cannot calmly and effectively communicate wants and needs, s/he may demonstrate a range of contextually inappropriate behaviours. To reduce such behaviours, we need to teach five critical expressive communication skills.

A second set of critical skills relates to receptive communication – a person’s ability to understand important messages from others. Failure to understand such messages may be distressing and/or dangerous for the individual.

This one-day workshop focuses on why these skills are the highest priority for teaching and how we teach them. The strategies covered are relevant for anyone with complex communication needs, regardless of their communication modality (e.g. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), signing, speech).

This workshop is a must for anyone working and/or living with people with complex communication needs. It is an important adjunct to training in PECS, but also stand alone for those who have not completed PECS training. Parents, carers and professionals alike will benefit from this day.

For more details, or to register, go to www.pecsaustralia.com or call +61 3 9391 6122