Social communication skills – Independence through Communication (Team Licence)

There are many published resources aimed at developing social communication skills but few which have at their core this full participation of non-speakers and nonreaders. A second focus of this social communication skills resource is the use of strategies to ‘scaffold’ heard information, or responses.

Who is it for?

It resource pack provides accessible resources aimed at individuals who:

• use an inclusive communication strategy, and need to process/answer using a combination of modalities, that is, vocalisation/symbols/photos/signs, body language
• have emerging literacy skills; that is, who cannot access the written word, or write, readily
• have memory limitations; and require support to retain ideas
• participate/learn more readily if their module is structured.

What does it include?

The programme has five strands which target key areas underpinning communication and independence:

• Listening
• Expressing yourself
• Explaining your ideas
• Making choices
• Making friends

How does it work?

The Independence Through Communication programme is divided into modules which can be followed at the learner’s/group’s own pace. All tasks are designed to be delivered by a teacher and at least one support worker (for example learning support, or teaching assistant). The activities in each module allow for differentiation regarding the differing needs and abilities of learners. The modules are designed to run for a period of between one and two hours with a break as appropriate and for regular week-by-week delivery.

• Module One: Introducing Communication and Establishing Group Rules
• Module Two: Meeting People
• Module Three: Body Language
• Module Four: Listening Skills
• Module Five: Asking and Responding to Questions
• Module Six: Staying on Topic and Paying Attention
• Module Seven: Interrupting and Turn Taking
• Module Eight: Rules of Conversation

The activities are:

• referenced to the key target areas;
• described clearly with links to resources and possible outcomes;
• age-appropriate;
• designed for groups of about six learners, but can be adapted for more if necessary;
• suitable for use with alternative methods of communication, including signing; and are evaluated at the end of a topic.

Curriculum Targets: Entry Levels One to Three of the Adult Literacy Core Curriculum.

Format: PDF file, 173 pages, Eight Modules with instructions, exercises and coloured illustrations.