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Certificate of Augmentative and Alternative Communication – AAC

In this augmentative and alternative communication course, you will learn about communication disorders, AAC strategies, and family engagement to enhance the quality of life for those with speech and language challenges. You will also learn to assess communication capacity and explore strategies for supporting individuals with speech and language disorders.
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Start Anytime
Yes
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Delivery Method
100% Online
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Study Hours
30 hours
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Course Access
12 Months

If you work in education, community care, speech pathology, or counselling, this professional development program is ideal for you. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a method that replaces or supplements speech when there are language difficulties. It positively influences social skills, school performance, self-worth, and quality of life.

The Certificate of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) equips professionals with the skills to support individuals with communication needs.

In this augmentative and alternative communication course, you will learn about communication disorders, AAC strategies, and family engagement to enhance the quality of life for those with speech and language challenges. You will also learn to assess communication capacity and explore strategies for supporting individuals with speech and language disorders.

You will explore AAC strategies, best practices in referrals and documentation, and cultural factors in communication plans. You will also learn to implement AAC tools, from low-tech devices to advanced high-tech solutions. Additionally, you will study nonverbal techniques and strategies to create a communication-friendly home environment.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us. 

Course Structure
Unit - Certificate of Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Unit 1 – Communication Needs

  • Advantages of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
  • Communication capacity and needs
  • Capacity checklist
  • Communication disorders
  • Communication disability in Australia
  • Speech disorders
  • Language disorders
  • Developmental language disorders
  • Impact of communication disorders
  • Strategies for support and accommodation
  • Professional and economic outcomes
  • Psychological effects
  • Family dynamics
  • Communication rights

Unit 2 – Developing and Documenting Communication Strategies

  • Addressing specific communication needs
  • Culture and AAC
  • Best practices in documentation
  • Referral processes
  • Best practices for referrals
  • Training and education

Unit 3 – Implementing AAC Strategies

  • Initial assessments
  • Patient history and preferences
  • Introduction to AAC devices
  • Low-tech devices
  • Photos
  • Picture boards and communication books
  • Sign language and gestures
  • High-tech tools and strategies
  • Speech-generating devices
  • Eye-tracking and head-tracking devices
  • Dynamic display devices
  • Implementing AAC strategies

Unit 4 – Enhancing Communication Through AAC

  • Natural and non-verbal communication
  • Effective training strategies
  • Roleplaying
  • Mirroring exercises
  • Modelling AAC
  • Video modelling
  • Real-time feedback
  • Consistency and repetition
  • Contextual adaptation
  • Sensory integration
  • Biometric feedback
  • Beyond mirroring
  • Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmentative Reality (AR)
  • Sequential Motion training
  • Neurofeedback training
  • Cognitive Behavioural Techniques
  • Peer-led group activities

Unit 5 – Family Engagement

  • Creating a communication-friendly home
  • Understanding needs
  • Strategic placement
  • Visual supports
  • Modifying the environment
  • Providing a supportive atmosphere
  • Communication stations
  • Daily communication practices
  • AAC in social settings
  • Collaborative goal setting
  • Tracking and adjustment
  • Engaging siblings and extended family
  • Family activities
  • Managing challenges
  • Celebrating successes
  • Resources and support groups
  • Support networks
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Estimated Duration
30 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Career Outcomes

Professional Development For:

  • Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
  • Special Education Teachers
  • Occupational Therapists (OTs)
  • Educational or School Psychologists
  • Social Workers
  • Caregivers and Support Workers
  • Medical Professionals (Doctors, Nurses)
  • Counsellors and Psychologists
Enrol & start today
* Ts&Cs apply
Certificate of Augmentative and Alternative Communication – AAC
$299.00
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About Us

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve their career goals. Since 2008, we have created opportunities for people in Australia and around the world.

Our Difference

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, enrol today and get the skills and confidence you need to achieve your career dreams, big or small.

Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

How to Enrol

You can enrol online by clicking Get Started on any course page under Enrol & Start Today. Follow the prompts to complete your enrolment as an individual, business, or service provider.

Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)

Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)

Payment Options

Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.

Course FAQs

Why choose Australian Online Courses?
  • Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
  • Improve your employment opportunities;
  • Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
  • High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
  • All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
  • Unlimited tutor support via email;
  • We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
  • Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.

There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.

You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!

Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.

BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.

Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.

Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.

This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.

Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.

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  • Enter the coupon code JUNE when enrolling.
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