Complimentary Communications

Coolbellup Learning Centre’s (CLC) dedication to supporting non-verbal children knows no bounds, however COVID and funding challenges made it difficult to give students the support they needed. CLC in WA is a specialist school for students with high support and diverse needs, and Nico, Year 4, was one of the many non-verbal kids there who struggled to communicate and was starting to act out more out of frustration.   

With the Centre’s new approach to upskilling staff in alternative communication, Nico has begun to find his voice. Using his new AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device and learning to use apps on it, Nico now has the right tools to express his thoughts and feelings. He’s also engaged with class staff to get more personalised support. Teachers and Education Assistants (EA) across the Centre have undergone training with the help of an AAC specialist and speech therapist and participated in workshops to teach students how to navigate their device and incorporate it into their daily lives, both in and out of the classroom.

Nico and other non-verbal children at the Centre have made amazing progress in communication and social skills, showing a newfound confidence to share their needs and wants and try new things at school and at home. Nico’s mum said: “I can’t believe how keen he is to use his AAC device at home now – he keeps telling me what to do all the time!” Interactions between children and staff have also blossomed and teachers and EA’s now feel confident and equipped to support students and their families.

The Centre plans to continue the program by embedding classroom support for children and staff, keeping an AAC specialist on staff and offering ongoing workshops.