'An excellent course which covered all aspects of AAC, at an appropriate level. Lots of opportunity for discussions and questions and a good balance of theory and practical.'

'It's been a really useful two days. I've learnt lots of new information but also feel reassured that I did know something!

'Fantastic, loved the two days!'

Just some of the comments received from Speech and Language Therapists (SaLTs) and SaLT assistants who have just completed the Elklan accredited course, Supporting Children and Adults with AAC.  Participants were fortunate enough to have the expertise of Andrea Kirton, highly specialist speech and language therapist teaching them over this two day course. Andrea has presented several papers at the highly acclaimed 'Communication Matters conference and also presented at the International ISAAC AAC conference so she really knows what she is talking about!

The provision of AAC services is changing at a national level to enable AAC users in all areas access to specialist or local AAC support and equipment as required. The Government has recognised the importance of AAC for those complex cases where specialist advice and support is needed and have organised a national commissioning programme. However this specialist input will only work if those supporting and implementing AAC use at a local level have the skills to do so. Some local SaLT, education or social support services may need to develop the AAC skills of their staff to meet the everyday AAC needs of their clients. Many local staff feel ill-equipped to meet this need and that's where this training programme is so powerful. Receiving the accreditation at level 3 or 4 will provide staff with confidence and new skills. It's valuable for employers to enable them to assess a candidate's suitability for a job.  

The course can also be taken by assistant staff and teachers working in special schools or adult training centres. All staff are trained together which gives a refreshing perspective on the challenges that are faced by all involved in this complex field but can choose to complete the portfolio of evidence at either level two or three. SaLTs are recommended to complete the level 4 portfolio.