This 2-hour introductory workshop "Key Messages about Key Word Signs: Intro" is designed by Key Word Sign Australia for delivery by Accredited Presenters. It is designed as a bite-sized, practical mini-workshop tailored to the needs of early childhood professionals and others working in the early years. It covers the use of Key Word Sign and natural gesture for individuals who have communication difficulties. It is a fun, practical and informative workshop. No prior sign experience is necessary.

This workshop only covers brief theory on key word sign and only 50 signs from the Key Word Sign Interactive Vocabulary. It is designed as an introduction to key word sign and isn't part of the formal Key Word Sign training pathway.  Participants requiring more substantial theory, up to 80-100 key word signs and sign fluency are recommended to attend our full-day workshops (e.g. Getting Started with Key Word Sign and Introductory Workshop) which are a part of the official Key Word Sign Training Pathway. 

WHAT IS KEY WORD SIGN?

Key Word Sign is a tool or strategy which can be used to support children and adults with communication difficulties to understand and get their message across to others. Key Word Sign (KWS) adds signs to spoken words. The key words in a message are signed. KWS is not a sign language, but it borrows the signs from the sign language of the country it is used in. In Australia this is Auslan. 

 Key word sign can be used:

• as a bridge to help speech develop
• as a supplement for speech that is unclear
• as an alternative form of communication when learning to speak is too challenging
• as a tool to help comprehend what others have to say
• to promote an inclusive communication environment that values the many different ways people have to communicate 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE WORKSHOP?

In this interactive workshop participants will learn:

• a vocabulary of 50+ signs to use in everyday settings
• use signs in practical, everyday activities relevant to an early years setting
• principles of key word sign and gesture

The workshop will include:

• A package of tailored, practical resources
• Night-time nibbles (e.g. pizza, sushi and/or fruit/savoury platters)
• Lots of fun, impactful and practical learning!

WHO ARE THE PRESENTERS?

This workshop will be proudly presented by Tania Teitzel (Director, Principal Speech Pathologist and Accredited Key Word Sign Presenter), Jacqui Sullivan (Senior Speech Pathologist, Accredited Key Word Sign Presenter) or Georgia Manning (Speech Pathologist, Accredited Key Word Sign Presenter). Our speech pathologists have between 10 and 30+ years of clinical experience in the speech pathology field and are proud to have dedicated their careers to the provision of services to children with disabilities. They are passionate about finding a way for all individuals to communicate and have their say in life. 

WHAT WILL IT COST?

Each workshop ticket costs $160

MORE INFORMATION 

For more information on Key Word Sign see Key Word Sign Australia

For more information on this workshop at Therapy Matters contact Tania Teitzel

PHONE: 07 55207860

EMAIL: workshops@therapymatters.com.au