Gloucestershire Total Communication offer three levels of training:

• Awareness raising
• Induction
• Intermediate

Training courses can be arranged at your own establishment through any of the coordinators at the special schools.

The charges involved will be kept to a minimum to cover supply costs. Please contact a coordinator for more details.

Individuals, such as parents or carers, can contact the school's coordinator to see whether there are courses arranged that they can join.

Awareness Raising

Presentations are offered, giving information about augmentative and alternative communication training available.

This presentation session is tailored to individual needs. 

Interested? Contact us

Induction Level

This takes place over 4 weeks (6 hours in total).

Tailored to individual needs to cover a basic overview of the reasons for communication breakdown and how to use the tools of total communication.

• Short history & theory underpinning Total Communication
• Finger Spelling
• Signing the gtc Basic Vocabulary
• Communication Passports
• Responsive communicators - What makes a good communicator
• Objects of Reference & the use of symbols
• Communication networks
• Development of an action plan for the future

Intermediate Level

This is delivered in a modular format. Participants must hold an Induction Level certificate.

Contents:

• Analysis of the communication process (giveing a greater understanding of using the tools of total communication).
• Signing the GTC Intermediate Vocabulary
• Communicating with children who have Profound and Multiple/Severe Learning Difficulties
• Developing an understanding of communication
• Autistic Spectrum Disorder: a practical approach to communicating
• Initiating communication
• Understanding jargon
• Useful websites/computer programs

 Interested? Contact us

Intermediate Level - Module outline

Module 1:  Language development

• Signing
• Jargon Busting
• Overview of normal language development
• Overview of Intensive Interaction
• What Works’ strategies, which may be useful for a number of children.

Module 2:  Children with additional learning difficulties

• Signing
• Definitions
• Sensory impairment
• Structure and routine
• Objects of Reference
• Touch Cues

Module 3: Gentle Teaching and Structured Teaching

• Signing
• Theoretical background
• Practical examples of use in the classroom

Module 4: Sensory Integration and Developing Understanding of Communication

• Signing
• Using key words

Module 5:  Social Communication

• Signing
• Good models of communication
• Practical activities/games to develop communication
• Adapting games to suit different children/age ranges

Module 6: Initiating Communication

• Signing