Supporting Communication

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

1. Communication is a means for transmitting and receiving information (expressive and receptive communication). It is essential to the growth and participation of all individuals and enables them to develop control and automony in their daily lives.
2. Individuals communicate using a variey of methods and modes.
3. Expectations of communication vary based on cultural and family context. Awareness of expectations and potential bias improves effective support.
4. Augmentative and alternative communication includes all communication that supplements or augments speech or replaces speech. Everyone uses many modes, which can be symbolic, non-symbolic or multifaceted.
5. Observing and listening are fundamental aspects of effective communication and are critical to assessing and enhancing communication with and by individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative methods for their interactions.
6. Individuals are unique in how they send and receive information. Practitioners can enhance communication strategies by identifying, recognizing, respecting and responding to the dynamic communication methods used by the people they support.
7. Communication skills impact opportunities for social interaction as well as self-determination and self-advocacy. Practitioners can enhance and improve quality of life for individuals by fostering communication opportunities for self-determination and building relationships.
8. A variety of technology including low and high tech options are used to support expressive and receptive communication. Practitioners will be aware of and comfortable using a variety of current low and high tech options for supports.
9. Collaborative teams are involved in the assessment, planning, intervention, and implementation process. Team members carry out responsibility based on their roles (SLP, Parents, teachers, EAs, and other professionals from outside agengies).