Communication and fun are the goal!
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Being a parent or guardian of a child with complex communication needs is challenging. The world, especially the school environment, isn’t designed for them. But they deserve to be heard, and with this course, you’ll get the knowledge and skills to support them with using AAC.
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Let’s take a mental detour on a road less traveled... your child will be able to communicate in a way that feels good to them and that others will understand. YOU will feel confident in supporting them in learning how to do this
This should be simple but it isn’t because:
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You are so confused by all the conflicting advice you are seeing on TikTok and Instagram about helping your child to communicate. Often from people who have no training in speech pathology or who did their training 20 years ago and are so out of date.Â
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Your well-meaning mother has questioned whether using AAC will delay speech (it won’t).
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People tell you you have to start with PECS (you don’t).
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You wonder if having a lot of symbols on your child’s device is just too confusing, and you should limit what they can choose (don’t!)
And this is just the tip of the iceberg of all the advice you’ve been given.
Then there are so many different options for apps! How do you choose the best one for your child (and is it just the best for now?)?
Is it any wonder you are confused?
I’m here to help you cut through all this advice and noise and help you support your child to communicate. Plus we will look at which app to get for your child and how to fund it.Â
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I’ve been working with students with complex communication needs for over 16 years, and my favorite part of this is finding the best communication support systems for my students. We do amazing work in the schools I support but I noticed what is missing is accessible advice for parents.
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All of this information is already available to you, but it’s often presented in inaccessible language or hard-to-find scientific articles. And every app is advertising itself as the best, but it’s hard to work through all the different features to pick the one that is right for your child.
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Which is where this course comes in. I want you to be able to support your child and advocate for them with the most up-to-date guidance possible.
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Oh, and did I mention that I want you to have fun doing it!
To get the most out of this course, you’ll need:
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To be willing to put all preconceived ideas about AAC aside and be willing to change your mind where the research disagrees with you. (While still considering the individual needs of your child)
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Time to go through the modules and practice what you are learning
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An AAC device for your child or access to print-out tools like a core board. (I can provide you with a core board to print out.)
What you'll get
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The confidence to select and seek funding for an AAC device for your child, along with the skills to support your child's use of an AAC device. Â
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Easily accessed online platform, available 24/7, with downloadable worksheets and videos.
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The course is well-organized, systematic collection of hands-on ideas and activities you can use with your child immediately
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While trying to learn as much as possible about AAC, I got frustrated with digging through so much information. I took every AAC course I could get my hands on; but they weren’t really organized in a way that worked for me, and it was way too time-consuming.
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The course gives bite-sized bits of information presented in video, backed by research, with a few ideas that are immediately actionable.
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I know how overwhelming all the tech stuff can be. But I also know that it all boils down to communicating, and you are amazing at that.
What we will cover
Module 1: AAC fears, myths and misconceptions.
Module 2: AAC nuts and bolts
Module 3: AAC apps and systems
Module 4: AAC funding sources
Module 5: How to model AAC easily
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