SWAN Hill Specialist School is proud of its augmentative communication program that is designed to ensure all students and staff can communicate effectively.
Inclusion outreach coach for the Mallee, Amanda Dalton, said the use of key communication tools was a big focus at the school.
“We use Auslan sign language, keyword sign, visual tools and a variety of devices to aid communication,” she said.
“We have students with varying communication needs and can provide individualised communication support to meet each child’s needs.”
The aids are designed to help children who are non speaking or have unreliable speaking skills.
An example of visual aids are picture cards.
The Picture Exchange Communication System is designed to give students a tool to make requests or statements.
The cards can include pictures, symbols, words or photographs and might represent a bathroom, a drink or another activity they would like to do.
The student is able to select the card that matches their need and they are able to pass the card to a person who can help.
The helper can also exchange a card back to the student to gather more information.
Ms Dalton said the ability to communicate with others was a basic human right.
“Being able to use toold gives students a voice to have a say and be heard,” she said.
“It’s a chance to communicate in their own way which is fundamental to inclusion.
“By nature, humans are social and it’s about giving everyone that right.
Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display is a book or device that contains symbols and words to support communication between people with complex communication needs and their communication partners, whether that’s carers, family, friends or support workers.
The Specialist School offers both devices (iPads) and books which the school refer to as high tech and low tech.
The devices hold a variety of apps and students can use them to to suit their needs.
Proloquo2go is an app which students use for communication.
Every child has access to the book if they cannot use the digital device.
There are communication boards in each playground for students to use if they don’t have a device with.
The specialist school also provides information and support to other schools in the region to assist with inclusive practices within their own school.
Ms Dalton said that while the school had alternative options for learning, it was still very much in line with mainstream education.
“We are a school and education is key here,” she said.
“We access the school curriculum just as every other school in the state does.
“Our students have all the educational and extra-curriculum opportunities as all other schools.”
