In-service training for schools on augmentative and alternative communication.

Abstract

For children to progress in their use of augmentative communication systems, in-service training of staff in schools is required. This paper presents preliminary evaluation of a training package entitled 'My Turn to Speak'. Nineteen participants and 10 comparison staff were filmed before and after a five-session training workshop, interacting in the classroom in naturally occurring situations with a non-speaking physically disabled child. Significant improvements in the quality of adults' facilitation of the children's communication was discernible at follow-up, four months after completion of the training. However, teachers were found to alter their behaviour more quickly after training than non-teaching staff. The requirements for setting up successful multidisciplinary training are discussed.