Key Word Sign 

This workshop is aimed at increasing the participant’s skills in sign production and fluency. It will cover the principles of Key Word Sign and the importance of the communication partner learning to use sign and gesture with people who cannot talk or who have speech that is difficult to understand. The new Australian vocabulary is based on vocabulary frequency studies and provides an evidence base for the selection of signs and gestures. The workshop will introduce participants to the Interactive Vocabulary and provide opportunities to learn a functional vocabulary of signs and present ideas for teaching and maintaining signing skills. Key Word Sign principles involve using sign and speech concurrently, signing the key words of the sentence and using sign production features borrowed from Auslan (Australian sign language). Anyone with an interest in learning key word signing is welcome.

Prerequisites 

To be living/working with people who use signing to help comprehension or communication.

Competencies gained

• To identify the differences between Key Word Sign and Gesture and Auslan Sign language.
• To be able to discuss current trends about Key Word Signing and the use of unaided strategies.
• To identify 3 strategies which will enhance the use of Key Word Sign and Gesture
• To develop a script to use with Key Word signing in the communication environment.
• To relearn or refresh at least 50 signs.

Audience

Anyone who lives/works with people who have complex communication needs. E.g. Direct care staff, teachers, therapists, aides, managers, residential staff, ATC coordinators.

Books & CDs

The following books & CDs will be available for purchase at the workshop:

• Getting Started with Key Word Sign
• Lets Play with Sign
• Key Word Sign Footy Book
• Key Signs CD 

Presenter

Karen Bloomberg

Karen is a speech pathologist at the Communication Resource Centre experienced in working with people who have complex communication needs. Resources she has developed include: “PrAACtically Speaking”, Triple C assessment, and the InterAACtion manual (Strategies for intentional and unintentional communicators). She has co-authored a number of books and research papers. She lectures in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) at Latrobe University, is the national training coordinator for Key Word Sign Australia and works for the Communication Resource Centre, Scope.