Communication runs through our everyday lives and being able to communicate with those around us is one of the most important skills that we need in life. 

As a school we use a Total Communication approach.  This means that we use a wide variety of communication tools to support our learners to develop communication systems that work best for them.  These tools include:

Makaton

With Makaton, signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear.  Makaton can help to take away the frustration of not being understood, and enables individuals to connect with other people and the world around them.  Makaton is extremely flexible as it can be personalised to an individual's needs and used at a level suitable for them.

 

To find out more, you can visit the Makaton website

 

Symbols

Symbols can support pupils to understand the world around them.  Spoken words disappear once they are said and some pupils may find it difficult to recall or remember them.  Symbols are permanent, and so they provide visual support to give pupils time to process the information.  Symbols can help pupils to understand the structure and routines of their day, providing visual support to know if routines are changing or what to expect.

You can find out more at the Widgit website.

To create symbols, you can use their online tool.  Please note it is a paid service, but there is a free trial option.

 

Photographs

Many pupils find using photographs a helpful tool in their communication journey.  Taking photographs of familiar items that they may want to request can be a great way to encourage communication.  Photographs can often help during transitions for children to understand where they are going, and this can reduce anxiety and frustration.  Photographs can offer  visual support in a similar way to symbols, allowing time for processing of information.