This NEW introductory workshop is endorsed by Key Word Sign Australia for delivery by Accredited Presenters. It has been specifically designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators. 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 will only be the second time this new workshop program from Key Word Sign Australia will be offered in Northern NSW. This opportunity is hosted by Therapy Matters and our Therapy Connect Alliance team.  YWCA Australia has generously subsidised the registrations for this workshop to support the attendance of local early childhood educators in their role as Community Partner in our Therapy Connect Alliance Communities for Children program.  

WHAT IS KEY WORD SIGN?

Key word sign is an intervention approach and communication method to help children and adults with communication difficulties have a say in life. It 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:

• what Key Word Sign is and who can benefit from using it;
• how it can be used alongside other methods of communication;
• how Key Word Sign is different to Auslan (sign language);
• where to find resources to help; and
• 30-50 signs in practical, everyday activities relevant to an early years settting

The workshop will include:

• A package of tailored, practical resources
• Lots of fun, impactful and practical learning!

WHO ARE THE PRESENTERS?

The KWSA Accredited Key Word Sign Presenters for this workshop are members of the disability team at Therapy Matters, Tania Teitzel (Principal Speech Pathologist/Director) and Jacqui Sullivan (Clinical Leader Speech Pathologist). Tania and Jacqui both have over 30 years experience meeting the needs of children with communication difficulties.  They have experience in the use of key word sign for children and adults with a range of disabilities (such as global developmental delay, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and autism spectrum disorders) as well as children who are late talkers and children with severe speech sound disorders (such as childhood apraxia of speech). They are passionate about finding a way for all individuals to communicate and have their say in life. 

WHAT WILL IT COST?

This workshop is hosted by Therapy Matters & our Therapy Connect Alliance Team. 

The workshop ticket fee for early childhood professionals is a subsidised cost made possible by the YWCA Australia Communities for Children (Murwillumbah) program

Each workshop ticket costs $35

WHY ATTEND AN ACCREDITED WORKSHOP?

By attending an Accredited Key Word Sign Basic Workshop, with licensed providers, participants gain the following benefits:

• Training that includes the latest research in key word sign.

• A workshop program that is written by experts in the field.

• Training that is up-to-date and uses Auslan signs from the local community.

• Training that has a ratio of 1 Presenter to up to 14 Workshop participants.

• All accredited, licensed presenters will have attended a 4-day KWSA presenter training workshop, done a KWSA supervised workshop and attend KWSA annual sign updates.

• Accredited presenters make a  royalty payment to Key Word Sign Australia. This funding helps promote the use of key word sign in the community.

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