Total Communication Approach

We use a 'Total Communication' approach to develop the functional, receptive and expressive language and communication skills of our students.

Our curriculum is designed to reflect the varying needs of our students and identifies strategies to enable effective communication. Our communication continuum aims to support students in all stages of their communication development and prepare them for adult life.

A total communication approach enables students to communicate their wants and needs in their preferred mode. This means that we support every student in communicating by ensuring that their voices are heard.

Student and staff member using symbols to communicate

There are many forms of communication that students may use which are individualised to meet the needs of each one. As well as speech, these include:

Verbal
Signalong
Photos
Picture symbols
Pictures

PECS
AAC
Objects of reference
Eye contact and facial expressions
Gesture

Communication in print sign boards