The main focus for all students at the school is to develop communication skills. Communication allows people to satisfy needs, exercise control within their environment, establish and maintain contact with other people, ask questions and comment on experiences.
We use a combination of approaches which include:
- Key Word Signing
- Pictorial communication boards e.g. Boardmaker Symbols
- Gestures
- PECS
- Real Objects
- Electronic Speech Devices
- Photographs
- Speech
- iPads
- Eye Gaze
- Electronic Touch Devices
Augmentative Communication
Some students need additional support to communicate, which could include special speech devices, individually developed communication board using pictures.
Cromehurst is pro-active in ensuring every student has access to the latest adaptive devices to improve their communication. Through links with other agencies, appropriate testing and selection of alternative augmentative communication devices can be managed and included as part of a students program.
PECS (Pictorial Exchange Communication System)
Picture exchange communication system is a methodology to teach communication to students using pictures. The main focus of the program is for the students to exchange the picture for the object that they are requesting. The systematic program is used throughout the school as a method for developing communication in a variety of environments.
