| CODE | IAL2023 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Supporting Students with Severe Communication Disabilities | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Inclusion and Access to Learning | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit addresses the major issues related to the inclusion and social participation of students with severe communication disabilities and how this can be addressed using augmentative and alternative means of communication. This study unit promotes collaborative teamwork and the role of professionals and families in the introduction and development of an AAC system. It explores the use of various assessment tools to support progression of communication, language and literacy in the classroom. By the end of the study-unit, the students will be able to design and implement a total communication system incorporating AAC systems. The students are also exposed to keyword signing as a means of unaided communication in order to create a facilitating environment for the development and functional use of communication and language. Study-Unit Aims: - Understand the different models of communication and the dynamic processes involved in a communicative exchange. - Appreciate that Augmentative and Alternative communication may be used to support the inclusion and participation of students with communication disabilities. - Become conversant with a range of unaided (e.g. keyword signing) and aided (e.g. communication books, medium tech aids and high technology) means of communication. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - explore different types of AAC systems (low, medium and high tech aids) which aid the social participation of students with severe communication disabilities; - appreciate the benefits of AAC which aid inclusion and participation; - Include technology-related activities as a mode of learning in the classroom setting; 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - engage in a collaborative team approach in identifying a range of strategies and aids that support the student with severe communication disabilities in the classroom. - empower the student's family in introducing and implementing an AAC system. - Design and implement a low tech communication aid including communication books and other low tech aids. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Beukelman, D., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and alternative communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication needs. 4th Edition Paul H Brookes, USA Supplementary Readings: - Aldabas, R. A. (2017). Preparing for using augmentative and alternative communication in classrooms: Pre-service special education teachers’ perceptions. Journal of Studies in Education, 7(4), 105-127. - Gatt, M (2012) Enabling Participation for Maltese Children with Complex Communication Needs in Azzopardi, A (Ed) Roots to Inclusive Education - A question of Well Being. Lambert Academic Publishing pp 95-103. - Gatt, M. (2009) Assistive Technology in Malta. Augmentative Communication World Network retrieved from http://www.centralcoastchildrensfoundation.org/draft/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ACWN-October-2009-Newsletter.pdf. - Gatt, M. (2015) Development of AAC and Assistive Technology in Malta. Communication Support World Network retrieved from https://www.isaac-online.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/CSWN-newsletter-2.-2015.pdf. - Gatt, M. (2015) Mothers' views of the communication skills of Maltese children with complex communication needs. Communication Matters, 29 (3) 16-19. - Light, J., & Mcnaughton, D. (2012). Supporting the communication, language, and literacy development of children with complex communication needs: State of the science and future research priorities. Assistive Technology, 34-44. - Zangari, C. (2016). Looking back to move forward: 25 years of thinking about AAC and language. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 1(12), 144-152. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Marica Gatt |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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