Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Communication, including AAC, forms a central part of the curriculum of Sherbourne Fields School. It supports all areas of the curriculum. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to any way in which spoken communication is supported or replaced.

Our pupils are supported on their "Communication Journey" throughout their time with us, utilising many methods of communication, including sign language, body signing, PECS, Symbol communication, Communication Devices and Eye Gaze. 

AAC at Sherbourne Fields is supported by ACT (Access to Communication and Technology) who are part of the NHS. They help to govern the pathways pupils will take on their journey and what method of communication they feel would work best. The methods can then evolve and progress as the pupil does. 

Referrals to ACT are made via Coventry Speech and Language Service (SLT)  who visit schools and work with young people across the city. 

In addition to the ACT service, some pupils look to get themselves a head start and source AAC devices themselves. In these cases, we feel that choosing devices and software that would match the ACT supplied items would help maintain continuity and prevent any confusion in the layout, symbols and language used. 

The software of preference is Grid from Smartbox, which can easily be tailored to suit a wide range of communication needs, and is adaptable to adapt and progress as they become more confident. 
They also supply a range of Talkpads and Gridpads that Grid software runs on, and can then be used as a touch tablet communication sytem, or they also provide Eye Gaze systems running the same software. 

They also offer training and fantastic support which is very useful.