If you work in education, community care, speech pathology or counselling, this is an ideal professional development program for you. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a method that replaces or supplements speech, where language difficulties exist, to positively influence social skills, school performance, self-worth and quality of life.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Strategies will provide you with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with adults and children who have complex communication needs (CCN) through the effective use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies and systems.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident in your ability to meet the needs of people whose oral speech skills limit their ability to meet their participation and communication needs using AAC.
Course Structure
Unit - Communicate using augmentative and alternative communication strategies
- Communication capacity and needs
- Work with the person and carer
- Communication impairment / disorders
- Communication – Bill of Rights
- Specific communication needs
- Document findings and outcomes
- Referrals to professionals
- The referral process (6 steps)
- AAC strategies
- Information to referred professional
- Individual and small group therapy
- First visit assessment
- Patient history and preferences
- Severe speech disability
- Strategies and devices in AAC
- Natural communication methods
- Non-verbal communication
- Document support strategies
- Person-centered planning
- Identify and respond to difficulties
- Task analysis
- Speech and language therapists / pathologists
- Staff training
- Modelling ACC
- Accessing the AAC system
- Reporting systems
- Language Activity Monitor (LAM)
- Participation barriers
- Multimodal communication
- Vocabulary selection strategies
- Maintain accurate written records
- Privacy principles
Study Hours
Estimated duration 15 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.
Testimonials
I really enjoyed this course. The information was relevant and easy to access.
E. Cahill, Mareeba, QLD | Augmentative and Alternative Communication Strategies
It goes through all overall information regarding AAC so that I feel confident to apply AAC strategies to my clients
S. Kim, Kyunggido, South Korea | Augmentative and Alternative Communications Strategies
It was easily laid out and able to follow. Great experience
K. Christiansen, Medicine Hat Alberta Canada | Augmentative and Alternative Communication Strategies
My experience was great it was easy to access, and the information was good. I was glad I got a hard copy as well because it was good to refer back to.
Tania | Bendigo, VIC | Augmentative and Alternative Communication Strategies
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during 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.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
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. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
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.
When can I start this 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.
How is this course delivered?
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.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
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.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development For:
- Teachers / Teacher Aids
- Community Service Workers
- Lifestyle Workers
- Speech Pathologist Assistants