We Are All Switched On at Ysgol Ty Coch

The children at Ysgol Ty Coch have been working very hard with their switches recently. The children, all of whom are non-speaking, have been using a range of switches to operate toys, voice output devices and some computer programmes. This promotes independence in the classroom and helps the child learn the foundation skills for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in the future.

We have been very lucky this term to get some SpringBoard Lite communication aids for use in the classroom for the children who are unable to speak. These devices help the children to make choices, give answers of questions, for example number, colour shape etc. The aids are used throughout the day to enable the children to make choices for drinks, snacks and to interact with the other children in their class.

You can get more information about switches and communication aids at The ACE Centre Website www.ace-centre.org.uk and companies that stock switch toys and switches are www.inclusive.co.uk and www.liberator.co.uk 

Switch access website 'HelpKidzLearn' is a great site for games, puzzles and stories with switch accessibility

MAKATON
Makaton uses signs, symbols and speech to help people with learning and/or communication difficulties to communicate. Through the use of Makaton, children and adults can interact with others, be included in everyday life, take part in education, access information and services, and fulfil their potential.

This June has seen the launch of Other Ways of Speaking,
a new information booklet for parents and professionals
that provides information on the different ways children and young people with little or no speech communicate,
how to support them and where to go for further information and help.

This booklet explores Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC),
a term that describes a wide range of techniques children and young people use to support or replace spoken communication.
Techniques such as using gestures, signing, symbols, boards and books, adapted computers and dedicated Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs).
Free copies can be ordered or downloaded at www.hello.org.uk/resources

If you would like more information or advice please contact school.